bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cortical spectral matching and shape and volume analysis of the fetal brain pre- and post-fetal surgery for spina bifida: a retrospective study
Authors: Mufti Nada , Aertsen Michael , Ebner Michael , Fidon Lucas , Patel Premal , Rahman Muhamad Bin Abdul , Brackenier Yannick , Ekart Gregor , Fernandez Virginia , Vercauteren Tom , Ourselin Sebastien , Thomson Dominic , De Catte Luc , Demaerel Philippe , Deprest Jan , David Anna L. , Melbourne Andrew 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
A retrospective study was performed to study the effect of fetal surgery on brain development measured by MRI in fetuses with myelomeningocele (MMC).

Methods
MRI scans of 12 MMC fetuses before and after surgery were compared to 24 age-matched controls without central nervous system abnormalities. An automated super-resolution reconstruction technique generated isotropic brain volumes to mitigate 2D MRI fetal motion artefact. Unmyelinated white matter, cerebellum and ventricles were automatically segmented, and cerebral volume, shape and cortical folding were thereafter quantified. Biometric measures were calculated for cerebellar herniation level (CHL), clivus-supraocciput angle (CSO), transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) and ventricular width (VW). Shape index (SI), a mathematical marker of gyrification, was derived. We compared cerebral volume, surface area and SI before and after MMC fetal surgery versus controls. We additionally identified any relationship between these outcomes and biometric measurements.

Results
MMC ventricular volume/week (mm3/week) increased after fetal surgery (median: 3699, interquartile range (IQR): 1651–5395) compared to controls (median: 648, IQR: 371–896); P = 0.015. The MMC SI is higher pre-operatively in all cerebral lobes in comparison to that in controls. Change in SI/week in MMC fetuses was higher in the left temporal lobe (median: 0.039, IQR: 0.021–0.054), left parietal lobe (median: 0.032, IQR: 0.023–0.039) and right occipital lobe (median: 0.027, IQR: 0.019–0.040) versus controls (P = 0.002 to 0.005). Ventricular volume (mm3) and VW (mm) (r = 0.64), cerebellar volume and TCD (r = 0.56) were moderately correlated.

Conclusions
Following fetal myelomeningocele repair, brain volume, shape and SI were significantly different from normal in most cerebral layers. Morphological brain changes after fetal surgery are not limited to hindbrain herniation reversal. These findings may have neurocognitive outcome implications and require further evaluation.
NO donors and NO delivery methods for controlling biofilms in chronic lung infections
Authors: Cai Yu-Ming , Zhang Ying-Dan , Yang Liang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNitric oxide (NO), the highly reactive radical gas, provides an attractive strategy in the control of microbial infections. NO not only exhibits bactericidal effect at high concentrations but also prevents bacterial attachment and disperses biofilms at low, nontoxic concentrations, rendering bacteria less tolerant to antibiotic treatment. The endogenously generated NO by airway epithelium in healthy populations significantly contributes to the eradication of invading pathogens. However, this pathway is often compromised in patients suffering from chronic lung infections where biofilms dominate. Thus, exogenous supplementation of NO is suggested to improve the therapeutic outcomes of these infectious diseases. Compared to previous reviews focusing on the mechanism of NO-mediated biofilm inhibition, this review explores the applications of NO for inhibiting biofilms in chronic lung infections. It discusses how abnormal levels of NO in the airways contribute to chronic infections in cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) patients and why exogenous NO can be a promising antibiofilm strategy in clinical settings, as well as current and potentialin vivoNO delivery methods.Key points•The relationship between abnormal NO levels and biofilm development in lungs•The antibiofilm property of NO and current applications in lungs•Potential NO delivery methods and research directions in the future
Microbial methionine transporters and biotechnological applications
Authors: Mohany Nurul Amira Mohammad , Totti Alessandra , Naylor Keith R. , Janovjak Harald 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Methionine (Met) is an essential amino acid with commercial value in animal feed, human nutrition, and as a chemical precursor. Microbial production of Met has seen intensive investigation towards a more sustainable alternative to the chemical synthesis that currently meets the global Met demand. Indeed, efficient Met biosynthesis has been achieved in genetically modified bacteria that harbor engineered enzymes and streamlined metabolic pathways. Very recently, the export of Met as the final step during its fermentative production has been studied and optimized, primarily through identification and expression of microbial Met efflux transporters. In this mini-review, we summarize the current knowledge on four families of Met export and import transporters that have been harnessed for the production of Met and other valuable biomolecules. These families are discussed with respect to their function, gene regulation, and biotechnological applications. We cover methods for identification and characterization of Met transporters as the basis for the further engineering of these proteins and for exploration of other solute carrier families. The available arsenal of Met transporters from different species and protein families provides blueprints not only for fermentative production but also synthetic biology systems, such as molecular sensors and cell-cell communication systems.

Key points
• Sustainable production of methionine (Met) using microbes is actively explored.
• Met transporters of four families increase production yield and specificity.
• Further applications include other biosynthetic pathways and synthetic biology.
Accurate Prediction of Prognosis After Radical Resection of Gastric Cancer by the Modified Systemic Inflammation Score; a Multicenter Dataset Analysis
Authors: Inagaki Kota , Kanda Mitsuro , Nakanishi Koki , Ito Seiji , Mochizuki Yoshinari , Teramoto Hitoshi , Ishigure Kiyoshi , Murai Toshifumi , Asada Takahiro , Ishiyama Akiharu , Matsushita Hidenobu , Tanaka Chie , Kobayashi Daisuke , Fujiwara Michitaka , Murotani Kenta , Kodera Yasuhiro 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe presence of chronic inflammation and nutritional status in cancer patients affects its prognosis. There is a clinical need for a prognostic predictor that is objective and accurate, and that can be easily evaluated by preoperative screening. We evaluated the importance and usefulness of the preoperative modified systemic inflammation score (mSIS) to predict the long‐term outcome of patients undergoing curative resection for gastric cancer (GC).MethodsOf the 3571 patients who underwent curative resection for GC in nine institutions between January 2010 and December 2014, 1764 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included. The mSIS was formulated according to the serum albumin level (ALB) and lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR) as follows: mSIS 0 (ALB ≥ 4.0 g/dL and LMR ≥ 3.4), mSIS 1 (ALB < 4.0 g/dL or LMR < 3.4), and mSIS 2 (ALB < 4.0 g/dL and LMR < 3.4).ResultsPatients were categorized into preoperative mSIS 0 (n = 955), mSIS 1 (n = 584), and mSIS 2 (n = 225) groups. The overall survival times and the disease‐free survival times of patients in preoperative mSIS 0,1 and 2 sequentially shortened (P < 0.0001), and mSIS 1 and 2 were identified as an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio [HR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.272, P = 0.0125 and HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.21–2.19, P = 0.0012). A stepwise increase in the prevalence of hematogenous recurrences was directly proportional to the mSIS. A forest plot revealed that mSIS 0,1 was associated with a greater risk of overall survival in most subgroups.ConclusionPreoperative mSIS can be easily calculated, and it is suggested that it is useful as a prognostic predictor of patients with different disease stages, for stratifying and evaluating clinical outcomes.
Structure-from-Motion on shallow reefs and beaches: potential and limitations of consumer-grade drones to reconstruct topography and bathymetry
Authors: David C. Gabriel , Kohl Nina , Casella Elisa , Rovere Alessio , Ballesteros Pablo , Schlurmann Torsten 
Published: May 2021

AbstractReconstructing the topography of shallow underwater environments using Structure-from-Motion—Multi View Stereo (SfM-MVS) techniques applied to aerial imagery from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is challenging, as it involves nonlinear distortions caused by water refraction. This study presents an experiment with aerial photographs collected with a consumer-grade UAV on the shallow-water reef of Fuvahmulah, the Maldives. Under conditions of rising tide, we surveyed the same portion of the reef in ten successive flights. For each flight, we used SfM-MVS to reconstruct the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the reef and used the flight at low tide (where the reef is almost entirely dry) to compare the performance of DEM reconstruction under increasing water levels. Our results show that differences with the reference DEM increase with increasing depth, but are substantially larger if no underwater ground control points are taken into account in the processing. Correcting our imagery with algorithms that account for refraction did not improve the overall accuracy of reconstruction. We conclude that reconstructing shallow-water reefs (less than 1 m depth) with consumer-grade UAVs and SfM-MVS is possible, but its precision is limited and strongly correlated with water depth. In our case, the best results are achieved when ground control points were placed underwater and no refraction correction is used.
A note on weighted multi-glove games
Authors: Moretti Stefano , Norde Henk 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this note we consider the class of weighted multi-glove games. We will show that these games are totally balanced and we will characterize the weighted multi-glove games that are supermodular and pmas-admissible. Moreover, we will provide an explicit expression for the Shapley value of the supermodular and a large part of the pmas-admissible weighted multi-glove games.
Machbarkeit und Akzeptanz videobasierter Physiotherapie
Authors: Happe Lisa , Lau Sandra , Koschate Jessica , Diekmann Rebecca , Hein Andreas , Zieschang Tania 
Published: May 2021

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund und Ziel
Einschränkungen des öffentlichen Lebens durch die COVID-19-Pandemie dienen insbesondere dazu, Risikogruppen vor einer Ansteckung zu schützen. Darunter fallen auch ältere, multimorbide Patienten, für die körperliche Inaktivität und Auslassen von Maßnahmen wie Physiotherapie jedoch negative Folgen haben können. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Machbarkeit und die subjektive Bewertung videobasierter Physiotherapie (VT).

Methoden
Von April bis Juni 2020 nahmen 4 Einrichtungen mit 9 Patienten (6 Frauen, 64 bis 82 Jahre) an der Studie teil, die mit Tablets ausgestattet wurden. Durch semistrukturierte Telefoninterviews wurden körperliche Aktivität, funktionelle Kompetenz und Partizipation vor und während den Einschränkungen bei 8 Patienten erfasst. Patienten und Therapeuten wurden zu ihren subjektiven Erfahrungen mit der VT befragt.

Ergebnisse
Es fanden insgesamt 92 VT-Einheiten statt. Die Umsetzung der Übungen wurde als gut bis sehr gut bewertet. Insgesamt zeigte sich eine hohe Akzeptanz der VT. Vier von 8 Patienten beschrieben eine subjektive Reduzierung ihrer körperlichen Aktivitäten aufgrund der Einschränkungen. Diese Veränderungen wurden über die verwendeten Fragebogen zur Partizipation und zur körperlichen Aktivität nicht abgebildet.

Diskussion
Bei älteren Patienten ist VT mit geringer technischer Unterstützung machbar. Sowohl in Pandemiesituationen als auch in anderen Kontexten stellt sich VT als eine realisierbare Ergänzung oder Alternative zur normalen Physiotherapie dar. Weitere Studien zur Identifikation von geeigneten Patientengruppen, Effektivität der VT und Weiterentwicklung inhaltlicher Aspekte sind dringend notwendig.
Ablation of lysozyme M-positive cells prevents aircraft noise-induced vascular damage without improving cerebral side effects
Authors: Frenis Katie , Helmstädter Johanna , Ruan Yue , Schramm Eva , Kalinovic Sanela , Kröller-Schön Swenja , Bayo Jimenez Maria Teresa , Hahad Omar , Oelze Matthias , Jiang Subao , Wenzel Philip , Sommer Clemens J. , Frauenknecht Katrin B. M. , Waisman Ari , Gericke Adrian , Daiber Andreas , Münzel Thomas , Steven Sebastian 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAircraft noise induces vascular and cerebral inflammation and oxidative stress causing hypertension and cardiovascular/cerebral dysfunction. With the present studies, we sought to determine the role of myeloid cells in the vascular vs. cerebral consequences of exposure to aircraft noise. Toxin-mediated ablation of lysozyme M+ (LysM+) myeloid cells was performed in LysMCreiDTR mice carrying a cre-inducible diphtheria toxin receptor. In the last 4d of toxin treatment, the animals were exposed to noise at maximum and mean sound pressure levels of 85 and 72 dB(A), respectively. Flow cytometry analysis revealed accumulation of CD45+, CD11b+, F4/80+, and Ly6G−Ly6C+ cells in the aortas of noise-exposed mice, which was prevented by LysM+ cell ablation in the periphery, whereas brain infiltrates were even exacerbated upon ablation. Aircraft noise-induced increases in blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction of the aorta and retinal/mesenteric arterioles were almost completely normalized by ablation. Correspondingly, reactive oxygen species in the aorta, heart, and retinal/mesenteric vessels were attenuated in ablated noise-exposed mice, while microglial activation and abundance in the brain was greatly increased. Expression of phagocytic NADPH oxidase (NOX-2) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) mRNA in the aorta was reduced, while NFκB signaling appeared to be activated in the brain upon ablation. In sum, we show dissociation of cerebral and peripheral inflammatory reactions in response to aircraft noise after LysM+ cell ablation, wherein peripheral myeloid inflammatory cells represent a dominant part of the pathomechanism for noise stress-induced cardiovascular effects and their central nervous counterparts, microglia, as key mediators in stress responses.
Rare germline variants in the E-cadherin gene CDH1 are associated with the risk of brain tumors of neuroepithelial and epithelial origin
Authors: Förster Alisa , Brand Frank , Banan Rouzbeh , Hüneburg Robert , Weber Christine A. M. , Ewert Wiebke , Kronenberg Jessica , Previti Christopher , Elyan Natalie , Beyer Ulrike , Martens Helge , Hong Bujung , Bräsen Jan H. , Erbersdobler Andreas , Krauss Joachim K. , Stangel Martin , Samii Amir , Wolf Stephan , Preller Matthias , Aretz Stefan , Wiese Bettina , Hartmann Christian , Weber Ruthild G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe genetic basis of brain tumor development is poorly understood. Here, leukocyte DNA of 21 patients from 15 families with ≥ 2 glioma cases each was analyzed by whole-genome or targeted sequencing. As a result, we identified two families with rare germline variants, p.(A592T) or p.(A817V), in the E-cadherin gene CDH1 that co-segregate with the tumor phenotype, consisting primarily of oligodendrogliomas, WHO grade II/III, IDH-mutant, 1p/19q-codeleted (ODs). Rare CDH1 variants, previously shown to predispose to gastric and breast cancer, were significantly overrepresented in these glioma families (13.3%) versus controls (1.7%). In 68 individuals from 28 gastric cancer families with pathogenic CDH1 germline variants, brain tumors, including a pituitary adenoma, were observed in three cases (4.4%), a significantly higher prevalence than in the general population (0.2%). Furthermore, rare CDH1 variants were identified in tumor DNA of 6/99 (6%) ODs. CDH1 expression was detected in undifferentiated and differentiating oligodendroglial cells isolated from rat brain. Functional studies using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in or stably transfected cell models demonstrated that the identified CDH1 germline variants affect cell membrane expression, cell migration and aggregation. E-cadherin ectodomain containing variant p.(A592T) had an increased intramolecular flexibility in a molecular dynamics simulation model. E-cadherin harboring intracellular variant p.(A817V) showed reduced β-catenin binding resulting in increased cytosolic and nuclear β-catenin levels reverted by treatment with the MAPK interacting serine/threonine kinase 1 inhibitor CGP 57380. Our data provide evidence for a role of deactivating CDH1 variants in the risk and tumorigenesis of neuroepithelial and epithelial brain tumors, particularly ODs, possibly via WNT/β-catenin signaling.
Heterogenous use of misoprostol for induction of labour: results of an online survey among midwives in German-speaking countries
Authors: Bossung Verena , Rath Werner , Rody Achim , Schwarz Christiane 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
This online survey looked at the experiences and general perceptions of midwives concerning induction of labour and the specific use of misoprostol.

Methods
We published an online questionnaire with 24 questions in German on midwives’ experiences and perceptions of different methods of induction of labour.

Results
The online survey was answered by 412 midwives between February 2016 and February 2017. At least 20% of the 24 questions were answered in 333 questionnaires, which were included in this analysis. Oral misoprostol was the most common induction method for primipara and for women with a previous vaginal birth and an unfavourable cervix. Apart from alternative methods for induction of labour like castor oil and complementary/alternative methods, oral misoprostol was the preferred method of induction of labour by midwives. Midwives described a wide range of dosage schedules concerning application intervals, starting doses, and the maximum daily dose of misoprostol. Approximately 50% of the participants of this study described prescriptions of more than 200 µg misoprostol daily for induction of labour.

Conclusion
Misoprostol is widely used in Germany and was one of the three preferred methods of induction of labour among midwives in our study next to castor oil and complementary/alternative methods. The preparation and dosage of misoprostol vary significantly among hospitals and do not adhere to international guidelines. Midwives voiced their concerns about inconsistent indications and heterogenous use of different methods and dosages of induction. They wished for more patience with late-term pregnancies and individualized shared decision-making between pregnant women and obstetricians.
A bespoke health risk assessment methodology for the radiation protection of astronauts
Authors: Walsh Linda , Hafner Luana , Straube Ulrich , Ulanowski Alexander , Fogtman Anna , Durante Marco , Weerts Guillaume , Schneider Uwe 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAn alternative approach that is particularly suitable for the radiation health risk assessment (HRA) of astronauts is presented. The quantity, Radiation Attributed Decrease of Survival (RADS), representing the cumulative decrease in the unknown survival curve at a certain attained age, due to the radiation exposure at an earlier age, forms the basis for this alternative approach. Results are provided for all solid cancer plus leukemia incidence RADS from estimated doses from theoretical radiation exposures accumulated during long-term missions to the Moon or Mars. For example, it is shown that a 1000-day Mars exploration mission with a hypothetical mission effective dose of 1.07 Sv at typical astronaut ages around 40 years old, will result in the probability of surviving free of all types of solid cancer and leukemia until retirement age (65 years) being reduced by 4.2% (95% CI 3.2; 5.3) for males and 5.8% (95% CI 4.8; 7.0) for females. RADS dose–responses are given, for the outcomes for incidence of all solid cancer, leukemia, lung and female breast cancer. Results showing how RADS varies with age at exposure, attained age and other factors are also presented. The advantages of this alternative approach, over currently applied methodologies for the long-term radiation protection of astronauts after mission exposures, are presented with example calculations applicable to European astronaut occupational HRA. Some tentative suggestions for new types of occupational risk limits for space missions are given while acknowledging that the setting of astronaut radiation-related risk limits will ultimately be decided by the Space Agencies. Suggestions are provided for further work which builds on and extends this new HRA approach, e.g., by eventually including non-cancer effects and detailed space dosimetry.
A review of visualization techniques of post-mortem computed tomography data for forensic death investigations
Authors: Ebert Lars Christian , Franckenberg Sabine , Sieberth Till , Schweitzer Wolf , Thali Michael , Ford Jonathan , Decker Summer 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPostmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is a standard image modality used in forensic death investigations. Case- and audience-specific visualizations are vital for identifying relevant findings and communicating them appropriately. Different data types and visualization methods exist in 2D and 3D, and all of these types have specific applications. 2D visualizations are more suited for the radiological assessment of PMCT data because they allow the depiction of subtle details. 3D visualizations are better suited for creating visualizations for medical laypersons, such as state attorneys, because they maintain the anatomical context. Visualizations can be refined by using additional techniques, such as annotation or layering. Specialized methods such as 3D printing and virtual and augmented reality often require data conversion. The resulting data can also be used to combine PMCT data with other 3D data such as crime scene laser scans to create crime scene reconstructions. Knowledge of these techniques is essential for the successful handling of PMCT data in a forensic setting. In this review, we present an overview of current visualization techniques for PMCT.
Mit Kontaktdaten gegen die Pandemie: Zur Ethik von Corona Warn-Apps
Authors: van Basshuysen Philippe , White Lucie 
Published: April 2021

ZusammenfassungZu Beginn der Pandemie im Frühjahr 2020, und nach einem weitreichenden Lockdown, ruhten große Erwartungen auf Corona-Warn-Apps, um einen erneuten Lockdown zu verhindern. Diese Erwartungen haben sich nicht erfüllt; stattdessen wurden in Deutschland als Reaktion auf erneute Wellen von COVID-19 weitere Kontaktbeschränkungen verordnet. Wie hätte die digitale Kontaktverfolgung wirksamer gestaltet werden können? Wir argumentieren, dass es ein Spannungsfeld zwischen der Datensparsamkeit und einer wirksamen Bekämpfung der Pandemie besteht. Im Gegensatz zur deutschen Corona-Warn-App wäre eine Variante der App, in der pseudonymisierte Kennungen zentral gespeichert werden, in der Lage gewesen, die Effektivität der Kontaktverfolgung entscheidend zu erhöhen. Schließlich argumentieren wir, dass das Spannungsfeld zwischen Datensparsamkeit und einer wirksamen Pandemiebekämpfung sich jedoch nicht in einen Wertekonflikt übersetzt, weil zentrale Systeme uns trotz ihrer erhöhten Wirksamkeit nicht vor deutlich gravierendere Probleme beim Datenschutz stellen als dezentrale Systeme. Zentrale Möglichkeiten der digitalen Kontaktverfolgung wären daher ethisch gerechtfertigt, um auf weitere Wellen von COVID-19 oder auf zukünftige Epidemien effektiv zu reagieren.