bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dopaminergic imaging in degenerative parkinsonisms, an established clinical diagnostic tool
Authors: Nicastro Nicolas , Nencha Umberto , Burkhard Pierre R. , Garibotto Valentina 
Published: December 2021

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative parkinsonisms are characterised by loss of striatal dopaminergic neurons. Dopamine functional deficits can be measured in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET) and single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) ligands assessing either presynaptic (e.g. dopamine synthesis and storage, transporter density) or postsynaptic terminals (i.e. D2 receptors availability). Nuclear medicine imaging thus helps the clinician to separate degenerative forms of parkinsonism with other neurological conditions, e.g. essential tremor or drug‐induced parkinsonism. With the present study, we aimed at summarizing the current evidence about dopaminergic molecular imaging in the diagnostic evaluation of PD, atypical parkinsonian syndromes and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), as well as its potential to distinguish these conditions and to estimate disease progression. In fact, PET/SPECT methods are clinically validated and have been increasingly integrated into diagnostic guidelines (e.g. for PD and DLB). In addition, there is novel evidence on the classification properties of extrastriatal signal. Finally, dopamine imaging has an outstanding potential to detect neurodegeneration at the premotor stage, including REM‐sleep behavior disorder and olfactory loss. Therefore, inclusion of subjects at an early stage for clinical trials can largely benefit from a validated in vivo biomarker such as presynaptic dopamine pathways PET/SPECT assessment.image
Predicting long‐term trends in inflammatory neuropathy outcome measures using latent class modelling
Authors: Keh Ryan Yann Shern , Selby David Antony , Jones Sam , Gosal David , Lavin Timothy , Lilleker James B. , Carr Aisling S. , Lunn Michael P. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractImmunoglobulin (Ig) is used to treat chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block (MMNCB). Regular infusions may be used for symptom control. Disease activity is monitored with clinical outcome measurements. We examined outcome measure variation during clinically stable periods in Ig‐treated CIDP and MMNCB patients. We explored utility of serial outcome measurement in long‐term outcome prediction. Retrospective longitudinal analysis of a single neuroscience centre's Ig‐treated CIDP and MMNCB patients, 2009‐2020, was performed. Mean and percentage change for grip strength, Rasch‐built overall disability scales (RODS) and MRC sum scores (MRC‐SS) during periods of clinical stability were compared to score‐specific minimal clinically important differences (MCID). Latent class mixed modelling (LCMM) was used to identify longitudinal trends and factors influencing long‐term outcome. We identified 85 CIDP and 23 MMNCB patients (1423 datapoints; 5635 treatment‐months). Group‐averaged outcome measures varied little over time. Intra‐individual variation exceeded MCID for RODS in 44.2% CIDP and 16.7% MMNCB datapoints, grip strength in 10.6% (CIDP) and 8.8%/27.2% (MMNCB right/left hand) and MRC‐SS in 43.5% (CIDP) and 20% (MMNCB). Multivariate LCMM identified subclinical trends towards improvement (32 patients) and deterioration (73 patients) in both cohorts. At baseline, CIDP ‘deteriorators’ were older than ‘improvers’ (66.2 vs 57 years, P = .025). No other individual factors predicted categorisation. The best model for ‘deteriorator’ identification was contiguous sub‐MCID decline in more than one outcome measure (CIDP: sensitivity 74%, specificity 59%; MMNCB: sensitivity 73%, specificity 88%). Outcome measure interpretation determines therapeutic decision‐making in Ig‐dependent neuropathy patients, but intra‐individual variation is common, often exceeding MCID. Here we show sub‐MCID contiguous changes in more than one outcome measurement are a better predictor of long‐term outcome.
Comparison and applicability of three induction methods of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in murine models
Authors: Yuan Wenxiu , Wu Yange , Zhou Xueman , Zheng Yingcheng , Wang Jun , Liu Jin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundTemporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ‐OA) causes severe symptoms such as chewing difficulties, acute pain and even maxillofacial deformity. However, there is hardly any effective disease‐curing strategy because of uncertainty in aetiology. Animal model is an excellent tool to investigate the mechanism, prevention and treatment on diseases. Currently, although several TMJ‐OA animal models have been established, there are almost no comparative studies on different models, which poses a great challenge for selecting suitable models.ObjectiveTo compare three TMJ‐OA induction methods and assess their applicability considering pathological changes in the cartilage, subchondral bone, osteoclasts, and synovium.MethodsMurine models were employed and followed for 3 and 6 weeks after experimental procedures (surgery, injection, crossbite). The TMJ changes were evaluated by Safranin‐O/Fast green staining, immunofluorescence staining, micro‐CT, TRAP staining, and HE staining.ResultsIn the Surgery group, a pronounced drop in bone volume fraction was observed. In the Injection group, chondrocytes were mostly disordered or arranged in clusters and a substantial increase in the OARSI score and osteoclasts was found. The OARSI score and osteoclasts also increased significantly in the Crossbite group, although to a lower extent compared with injection.ConclusionOsteoarthritis‐like changes were observed in all models. Concerning the applicability of the different induction methods, surgery might be an important resource for the assessment of post‐traumatic TMJ‐OA and subchondral bone changes in early stages. Injection induces a severe end‐stage osteoarthritis in a short time and provides model basis for advanced TMJ‐OA. Crossbite might be more reasonable model to explore the pathogenesis mechanism of temporomandibular arthritis due to occlusal disorders.
Outcome of caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps in dogs and cats: 70 cases (2007‐2020)
Authors: Forster K. , Cutando L. S. , Ladlow J. , Anderson D. , Burton C. , Das S. , Gibson S. , Kulendra N. , Emmerson T. , Baines S. , Rutherford L. , Paulino R. D. , Fontanini R. , Compagnone K. , De La Puerta B. 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesTo describe the outcome and complications associated with the use of caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps in dogs and cats.Material and MethodsMulticentre retrospective review and descriptive study of clinical records of dogs and cats having undergone caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps between 2007 and 2020. Data retrieved included signalment, aetiology of surgical defect, tumour type, presence/absence of clean surgical margins, presence/absence of post‐operative wound infection, use of peri‐ and post‐operative antibiotics, duration of anaesthesia, duration of surgery, presence and duration of hypothermia, presence and duration of hypotension, presence/absence of post‐operative surgical drain and length of caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flap. The incidence of complications and outcomes were documented.ResultsSeventy cases met the inclusion criteria; 51 dogs and 19 cats. In dogs, 67% of cases developed complications (59% minor, 8% major) and 33% had uneventful wound healing. In cats, 53% of cases developed complications, (47% minor, 5% major) and 47% had uneventful wound healing. In dogs, the percentage of cases experiencing dehiscence, necrosis, seroma, oedema and post‐operative infection was 31%, 29%, 26%, 26% and 16% respectively. In cats, this was 26%, 16%, 11%, 0% and 5% respectively. A good overall outcome was seen in 77% of dogs and 79% of cats. A poor overall outcome was seen in 4% of dogs and 0% of cats.Clinical SignificanceCaudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps are traditionally thought more robust than other flaps, yet complication rates remain high, despite a high overall success rate.
The Raf‐like kinase Raf36 negatively regulates plant resistance against the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora parasitica by targeting MKK2
Authors: Li Jinfang , Deng Fengyan , Wang Hongmei , Qiang Xiaoyu , Meng Yuling , Shan Weixing 
Published: December 2021

AbstractOomycetes represent a unique group of plant pathogens that are phylogenetically distant from true fungi and cause significant crop losses and environmental damage. Understanding of the genetic basis of host plant susceptibility facilitates the development of novel disease resistance strategies. In this study, we report the identification of an Arabidopsis thaliana T‐DNA mutant with enhanced resistance to Phytophthora parasitica with an insertion in the Raf‐like mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase gene Raf36. We generated additional raf36 mutants by CRISPR/Cas9 technology as well as Raf36 complementation and overexpression transformants, with consistent results of infection assays showing that Raf36 mediates Arabidopsis susceptibility to P. parasitica. Using a virus‐induced gene silencing assay, we silenced Raf36 homologous genes in Nicotiana benthamiana and demonstrated by infection assays the conserved immune function of Raf36. Mutagenesis analyses indicated that the kinase activity of Raf36 is important for its immune function and interaction with MKK2, a MAPK kinase. By generating and analysing mkk2 mutants and MKK2 complementation and overexpression transformants, we found that MKK2 is a positive immune regulator in the response to P. parasitica infection. Furthermore, infection assay on mkk2 raf36 double mutant plants indicated that MKK2 is required for the raf36‐conferred resistance to P. parasitica. Taken together, we identified a Raf‐like kinase Raf36 as a novel plant susceptibility factor that functions upstream of MKK2 and directly targets it to negatively regulate plant resistance to P. parasitica.
Frequency and causes of antifungal treatment changes in allogeneic haematopoïetic cell transplant recipients with invasive mould infections
Authors: Roth Romain Samuel , Masouridi‐Levrat Stavroula , Giannotti Federica , Mamez Anne‐Claire , Glambedakis Emmanouil , Lamoth Frederic , Bochud Pierre‐Yves , Erard Veronique , Emonet Stephane , Van Delden Christian , Kaiser Laurent , Chalandon Yves , Neofytos Dionysios 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundAntifungal treatment duration and changes for invasive mould infections (IMI) have been poorly described.MethodsWe performed a 10‐year cohort study of adult (≥18‐year‐old) allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant recipients with proven/probable IMI to describe the duration and changes of antifungal treatment. All‐cause‐12‐week mortality was described.ResultsSixty‐one patients with 66 IMI were identified. Overall treatment duration was 157 days (IQR: 14–675) and 213 (IQR: 90–675) days for patients still alive by Day 84 post‐IMI diagnosis. There was at least one treatment change in 57/66 (86.4%) cases: median 2, (IQR: 0–6, range:0–8). There were 179 antifungal treatment changes due to 193 reasons: clinical efficacy (104/193, 53.9%), toxicity (55/193, 28.5%), toxicity or drug interactions resolution (15/193, 7.8%) and logistical reasons (11/193, 5.7%) and 15/193 (7.8%) changes due to unknown reasons. Clinical efficacy reasons included lack of improvement (34/104, 32.7%), targeted treatment (30/104, 28.8%), subtherapeutic drug levels (14/104, 13.5%) and other (26/104, 25%). Toxicity reasons included hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, drug interactions, neurotoxicity and other in 24 (43.6%), 12 (21.8%), 12 (21.8%), 4 (7.4%) and 3 (5.5%) cases respectively. All‐cause 12‐week mortality was 31% (19/61), higher in patients whose antifungal treatment (logrank 0.04) or appropriate antifungal treatment (logrank 0.01) was started >7 days post‐IMI diagnosis. All‐cause 1‐year mortality was higher in patients with ≥2 changes of treatment during the first 6 weeks post‐IMI diagnosis (logrank 0.008) with an OR: 4.00 (p = .04).ConclusionsPatients with IMI require long treatment courses with multiple changes for variable reasons and potential effects on clinical outcomes, demonstrating the need more effective and safer treatment options. Early initiation of appropriate antifungal treatment is associated with improved outcomes.
Variation in Global Spinal Sagittal Parameters in Asymptomatic Adults with 11 Thoracic Vertebrae, four Lumbar Vertebrae, and six Lumbar Vertebrae
Authors: Yan Ying‐zhao , Wang Ben , Huang Xiao‐qin , Ru Xuanliang , Wang Xiang‐yang , Qu Hang‐bo 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of 11 thoracic vertebrae (TVs), four lumbar vertebrae (LVs) and six LVs among asymptomatic Chinese volunteers, and the influence of spine variations on the global spinal sagittal parameters.MethodsA total of 389 asymptomatic Chinese volunteers were recruited. Each subject underwent a full‐spine X‐ray examination with measurement of global spinal sagittal parameters. The radiographs were examined by a spine surgeon and a radiologist to determine the variation in the number of vertebrae. These parameters were used to compare individuals with five LVs to those with 11 TVs, four LVs, and six LVs.ResultsThe study population included 12 individuals (3.1%) with seven cervical vertebrae (C) + 11 thoracic vertebrae (T) + five lumbar vertebrae (L), 8 (2.1%) with 7C + 11T + 6L, 8 (2.1%) with 7C + 12T + 4L, and 15 (3.9%) with 7C + 12T + 6L. Compared to the 7C + 12T + 5L individuals, those with 7C + 11T + 5L had significantly lower C6–T5 Cobb values (P < 0.05); 7C + 12T + 4L individuals had significantly greater thoracic inlet angles (P < 0.05) and significantly lower pelvic tilt (P < 0.05); individuals with 7C + 12T + 6L had significantly greater sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, and L1–5 Cobb values (all P < 0.05), but significantly lower thoracic inlet angle (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in any of the parameters examined between the 7C + 11T + 6L group and the 7C + 12T + 5L group.ConclusionsAsymptomatic adults with 7C + 12T + 6L, 7C + 12T + 4L, and 7C + 11T + 5L presented with different spinal sagittal alignment compared to those with 7C + 12T + 5L. Compared to variation in the number of LVs, the variation in the number of TVs had less effect on global spinal sagittal parameters. Spinal surgeons and researchers should be aware of the effects of variation in numbers of TVs and LVs on global spinal parameters and sagittal balance.
New and simple mathematical description of epidemics including consecutive waves
Authors: Petkov Pavel 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe Bateman linear differential equations describing in time nuclear levels interconnected by transitions (in general, each with its own rate) are adapted to the epidemiology case where only two infection and recovery rates are used. Time‐dependent functions describing successive generations of infected people are thus derived. Closed mathematical expressions allow an easy calculation/prediction of the properties of these generations and therefore of the whole epidemics. The main limitation consists in reaching the point when the number of susceptible to the infection people substantially decreases. As testing ground, reasonable descriptions of the newly registered COVID‐19 cases per day is achieved for Europe and the United States till December 2020, including several so‐called Pandemic waves. The approach of the present work, by using transmission from one generation of infected people to a new generation allows a much more detailed tracking of the Pandemic spread than the approaches used so far. For example, the most widely used Susceptible Infectious Recovered (SIR) models (and their variants) use instead transitions from one big compartment of susceptible people to another new one of infected people followed by recovery leading to a third compartment. Clear correlations are found between features of the Pandemic process and the emergence of new SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, with some of them (especially the variant) immediately influencing the spread of the infection disease in the Pandemic wave of Autumn of 2020.
Case study: The effect of wheat density and cultivar on growth and reproduction of burr medic (Medicago polymorpha L.), wheat growth, and yield
Authors: Ali Mubarak , Shabbir Asad , Mahmood Zahid , Weiner Jacob 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe measured the effect of wheat density on weed biomass and seed production, wheat biomass, and grain yield in five wheat cultivars in Pakistan in the presence and absence of individuals of the weed Medicago polymorpha L. The presence of M. polymorpha decreased wheat biomass and grain yield by up to 25%, even though the density of the weed was low (5 plants m−2). When wheat density was increased from 130 to 390 plants m−2, weed biomass and seed production were reduced by 68 and 85%, respectively, across all five cultivars. The average wheat yield increased by up to 7% with increasing density for all wheat cultivars. The cultivars varied in their responses to the weed and to their own density. While most effects were additive, there was a highly significant interaction between wheat density and cultivar on weed seed production, in which the cultivar that completely suppressed weed seed production at high wheat density was among the least suppressive at low density. The cultivar that produced the highest yield across all treatments was not among the best at suppressing the weed or producing biomass, suggesting that tolerance of weed biomass is also important at low but still damaging levels of weed infestation. Our results confirm that even a relatively low density of M. polymorpha can incur significant yield losses, but also show that it can be managed effectively with cultural practices like increasing seed rate and by selecting weed suppressive and tolerant cultivars suited to the local environment.
Fossil Chondrichthyes from the Neogene of Portugal: Diversity and Occurrence
Authors: Fialho Pedro Rosa , Balbino Ausenda Cáceres , Antunes Miguel Telles 
Published: December 2021

Portugal has a rich fossil record both on the continent and in the Azores islands (Santa Maria). For decades, researchers have found thousands of fossils and identified hundreds of species from major taxonomic groups. The present work focuses on analyzing the scientific literature on fossils of Chondrichthyes collected in fossiliferous deposits of the Neogene. Fossils of sharks and rays, teeth, dermal denticles, and caudal spines were discovered in deposits from Aquitanian to Piacenzian (Neogene). About 105 deposits were identified and studied on the mainland and on the Island of Santa Maria, most of which have disappeared or are currently inaccessible. In total, 36 publications list 91 species of Chondrichthyes, 11 of which were described for the first time in Portugal, and 61 genera. Twelve orders are represented in the material published so far.
The Effect of Single-Sided Ribs on Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Within a Trailing Edge Internal Channel of a Gas Turbine Blade
Authors: Kim Suhyun , Suh Seungwon , Baek Seungchan , Hwang Wontae 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Convective cooling in a gas turbine blade internal trailing edge channel is often insufficient at the sharp trailing edge. This study examines convective heat transfer and pressure drop within a simplified nonrotating trailing edge channel. The internal passage has been modeled as a right triangular channel with a 9 deg angle sharp corner. A copper plate was heated from underneath via a uniform heat flux heater and examined via infrared thermography for two cases: smooth wall and single-sided ribbed wall. Nonuniformity in the heat flux due to conduction is corrected by a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) conjugate heat transfer calculation, which was validated by the mean velocity, friction factor, and temperature fields from experiments and large eddy simulation (LES). Nusselt number distributions illustrate that surface heat transfer is increased considerably with ribs and coupled with the vortices in the flow. Heat transfer at the sharp corner is increased by more than twofold due to ribs placed at the center of the channel due to secondary flow. The present single-sided ribbed channel utilizes secondary flow toward the corner and is presumed to have better thermal performance than a dual-sided ribbed channel. Thus, it is important to set the appropriate rib length within the channel.
Community resilience demonstrated through a Te Ao Māori (Ngāti Manawa) lens: The Rāhui
Authors: Rewi Leila-Dawn Ngaroimata Kauri , Hastie Jeanette Louise 
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCTION: This research project is associated with a small rural community utilising the Te Ao Māori (Ngāti Manawa) understanding of Rāhui, as a means of decreasing the possibility of negative impacts for their mostly Māori population, during the Covid-19 pandemic that was experienced in March 2020 in Aotearoa New Zealand. Rāhui is a conservation measure shrouded in tapu designed to limit, restrict or prevent access to the natural environment. For example, Te Wao Tapu nui a Tāne protecting in the process the mauri of our rivers, lakes, streams following a mishap or misfortune such as a drowning. Equally as important, Rāhui was used as a proactive means of conservation.METHOD: Using mixed methods, this study highlights both positive and challenging experiences in the statistical and thematic analysis that may inform future public health planning for the inevitable and ongoing effects of pandemic responses in Aotearoa New Zealand which are potentially transportable beyond Aotearoa New Zealand.IMPLICATIONS: This research identified how Nga ̄ti Manawa of Murupara, utilised Rāhui as a mechanism of resilience in order to keep local residents thriving and healthy during and after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown by setting up checkpoints on the borders of their rohe, and restricting the vehicle and human traffic into Murupara. Support for the Rāhui was significant from five hapū leaders and from the community survey illuminating a sense of safety that the checkpoints offered to a vulnerable and mostly Māori rural community.