bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the modified Collard and hand‐sewn anastomosis for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy in esophageal cancer patients: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Sugimura Keijiro , Miyata Hiroshi , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Asukai Kei , Yanagimoto Yoshitomo , Takahashi Yusuke , Tomokuni Akira , Yamamoto Kazuyoshi , Hirofumi Akita , Nishimura Junichi , Motoori Masaaki , Wada Hiroshi , Takahashi Hidenori , Yasui Masayoshi , Omori Takeshi , Ohue Masayuki , Yano Masahiko 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have reported that modified Collard anastomosis is useful for cervical anastomosis after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer. However, no large‐scale study has confirmed the efficacy of the modified Collard anastomosis.MethodsBetween 2008 and 2016, 398 consecutive esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy and cervical anastomosis were enrolled in this study. Patients with a short remnant cervical esophagus were excluded. We investigated the utility of the modified Collard anastomosis by comparing the results of postoperative complications using a propensity score‐matched analysis between the hand‐sewn method (HS) and the modified Collard anastomosis (MC) for esophagogastric anastomosis of the neck after esophagectomy in thoracic esophageal cancer patients.ResultsOf the 398 patients, 127 were included in the MC group and 127 were included in the HS group after propensity score matching. Clinical characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Frequency of anastomotic leakage tended to be lower in the MC group than in the HS group (3% vs. 7%, P = 0.127). Frequency of anastomotic stenosis was significantly lower in the MC group than in the HS group (13% vs. 59%, P < 0.001). Multivariate logic analysis showed that anastomotic technique (HS) and performance status were independent factors associated with anastomotic stenosis (odds ratio, 12.24 and 2.52; P‐value <0.001 and 0.047, respectively).ConclusionIn cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy, the modified Collard anastomosis is more suitable than hand‐sewn anastomosis in terms of reducing the frequency of anastomotic stenosis.
Spatial phylogenetics reveals evolutionary constraints on the assembly of a large regional flora
Authors: Spalink Daniel , Kriebel Ricardo , Li Pan , Pace Matthew C. , Drew Bryan T. , Zaborsky John G. , Rose Jeffrey , Drummond Chloe P. , Feist Mary Ann , Alverson William S. , Waller Donald M. , Cameron Kenneth M. , Givnish Thomas J. , Sytsma Kenneth J. 
Published: November 2018

Premise of the StudyWe used spatial phylogenetics to analyze the assembly of the Wisconsin flora, linking processes of dispersal and niche evolution to spatial patterns of floristic and phylogenetic diversity and testing whether phylogenetic niche conservatism can account for these patterns.MethodsWe used digitized records and a new molecular phylogeny for 93% of vascular plants in Wisconsin to estimate spatial variation in species richness and phylogenetic α and β diversity in a native flora shaped mainly by postglacial dispersal and response to environmental gradients. We developed distribution models for all species and used these to infer fine‐scale variation in potential diversity, phylogenetic distance, and interspecific range overlaps. We identified 11 bioregions based on floristic composition, mapped areas of neo‐ and paleo‐endemism to establish new conservation priorities and predict how community‐assembly patterns should shift with climatic change.Key ResultsSpatial phylogenetic turnover most strongly reflects differences in temperature and spatial distance. For all vascular plants, assemblages shift from phylogenetically clustered to overdispersed northward, contrary to most other studies. This pattern is lost for angiosperms alone, illustrating the importance of phylogenetic scale.ConclusionsSpecies ranges and assemblage composition appear driven primarily by phylogenetic niche conservatism. Closely related species are ecologically similar and occupy similar territories. The average level and geographic structure of plant phylogenetic diversity within Wisconsin are expected to greatly decline over the next half century, while potential species richness will increase throughout the state. Our methods can be applied to allochthonous communities throughout the world.
Intraspecific variation in semicircular canal morphology—A missing element in adaptive scenarios?
Authors: Gonzales Lauren A. , Malinzak Michael D. , Kay Richard F. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectivesRecent evidence suggests that the amount of intraspecific variation in semicircular canal morphology may, itself, be evidence for varying levels of selection related to locomotor demands. To determine the extent of this phenomenon across taxa, we expand upon previous work by examining intraspecific variation in canal radii and canal orthogonality in a broad sample of strepsirrhine and platyrrhine primates. Patterns of interspecific variation are re‐examined in light of intraspecific variation to better understand the resolution at which locomotion can be reconstructed from single individuals.Materials and MethodsData was collected from high‐resolution CT scans of 14 size‐matched, related species. Six of these taxa have existing data on rotational head speeds.ResultsThe level of intraspecific variation was found to differ in strepsirrhine and in platyrrhine species pairs, with larger ranges of variation generally observed for the slower moving taxon than the faster moving one. Taxa that are classified as relatively agile can to some extent be separated from those who are slower‐moving, but only when comparing similarly sized, closely related species with more extreme forms of locomotion.DiscussionOur findings agree with previous research showing that canal intraspecific variation can fluctuate according to species‐specific locomotor behavior and extends this further by identifying behaviors that may be under unusual selective pressure. It also demonstrates the complexity of interpreting inner ear morphology in the context of broadly applicable locomotor “categories” of the kind commonly used in behavioral studies. We suspect that simplified models predicting vestibular sensitivity may be unable to differentiate behaviors when only a single specimen is available.
Functional and developmental influences on intraspecific variation in catarrhine vertebrae
Authors: Shapiro Liza J. , Kemp Addison D. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectivesWe tested whether patterns of intraspecific variation in catarrhine vertebral shape are consistent with developmental or functional predictions. Intraspecific variation was compared across column regions, morphological features, and species. Transitional regions and later ossifying morphological features were predicted to exhibit increased variation. The lumbosacral region, biomechanically important morphological features, and species with high locomotor demand and/or dedicated pronogrady were predicted to exhibit decreased variation.Materials and MethodsWe used a modified Levene's test to compare intraspecific variation in dimensions of the neural canal, vertebral bodies, and spinous and transverse processes in lower thoracic to proximal sacral vertebrae. The sample included all hominoid genera and one cercopithecoid (Chlorocebus).ResultsWe found little difference in variation across regions of the vertebral column. In hominoids, vertebral body dimensions were the least variable, neural canal dimensions the most variable, with spinous and transverse processes generally intermediate. Among species, there was a general though not always significant pattern forChlorocebusto exhibit the least variation, followed byHomoorHylobates.DiscussionPatterns of variation across morphological features may reflect the complex interaction of functional constraints, developmental timing, and/or variable biomechanical forces.Pongo's elevated variation in spinous process length suggests a release from functional constraint, consistent with its suspensory locomotion and reduced spinous processes. Interspecific differences in vertebral variation based on locomotor demand or posture are generally consistent with patterns previously reported for vertebral formula and other aspects of morphology. Future research would benefit from an expanded taxonomic sample and more detailed analyses of vertebral modularity and developmental timing.
Brain state–dependent stimulation boosts functional recovery following stroke
Authors: Mrachacz‐Kersting Natalie , Stevenson Andrew J. T. , Jørgensen Helle R. M. , Severinsen Kåre Eg , Aliakbaryhosseinabadi Susan , Jiang Ning , Farina Dario 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveAdjuvant protocols devised to enhance motor recovery in subacute stroke patients have failed to show benefits with respect to classic therapeutic interventions. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of a novel brain state–dependent intervention based on known mechanisms of memory and learning that is integrated as part of the weekly rehabilitation program in subacute stroke patients.MethodsTwenty‐four hospitalized subacute stroke patients were randomly assigned to 2 intervention groups: (1) the associative group received 30 pairings of a peripheral electrical nerve stimulus (ES) such that the generated afferent volley arrived precisely during the most active phase of the motor cortex as patients attempted to perform a movement; and (2) in the control group, the ES intensity was too low to generate a stimulation of the nerve. Functional (including the lower extremity Fugl–Meyer assessment [LE‐FM; primary outcome measure]) and neurophysiological (changes in motor evoked potentials [MEPs]) assessments were performed prior to and following the intervention period.ResultsThe associative group significantly improved functional recovery with respect to the control group (median [interquartile range] LE‐FM improvement = 6.5 [3.5–8.25] and 3 [0.75–3], respectively; p = 0.029). Significant increases in MEP amplitude were seen following all sessions in the associative group only (p ≤ 0.006).InterpretationThis is the first evidence of a clinical effect of a neuromodulatory intervention in the subacute phase of stroke. This was evident with relatively few repetitions in comparison to available techniques, making it a clinically viable approach. The results indicate the potential of the proposed neuromodulation system in daily clinical routine for stroke rehabilitation. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:84–95.
Magnetic resonance T1w/T2w ratio: A parsimonious marker for Parkinson disease
Authors: Du Guangwei , Lewis Mechelle M. , Sica Christopher , Kong Lan , Huang Xuemei 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveNewer magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have shown promise in capturing early Parkinson disease (PD)‐related changes in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), the key pathological loci. Their translational value, however, is hindered by technical complexity and inconsistent results.MethodsA novel yet simple MRI contrast, the T1w/T2w ratio, was used to study 76 PD patients and 70 controls. The T1w/T2w ratio maps were analyzed using both voxel‐based and region‐of‐interest approaches in normalized space. The sensitivity and specificity of the SNc T1w/T2w ratio in discriminating between PD and controls also were assessed. In addition, its diagnostic performance was tested in a subgroup of PD patients with disease duration ≤2 years (PDE). A second independent cohort of 73 PD patients and 49 controls was used for validation.ResultsCompared to controls, PD patients showed a higher T1w/T2w ratio in both the right (cluster size = 164mm3, p < 0.0001) and left (cluster size = 213mm3, p < 0.0001) midbrain that was located ventrolateral to the red nucleus and corresponded to the SNc. The region‐of‐interest approach confirmed the group difference in the SNc T1w/T2w ratio between PD and controls (p < 0.0001). The SNc T1w/T2w ratio had high sensitivity (0.908) and specificity (0.80) to separate PD and controls (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.926), even for PDE patients (AUC = 0.901, sensitivity = 0.857, specificity = 0.857). These results were validated in the second cohort.InterpretationThe T1w/T2w ratio can detect PD‐related changes in the SNc and may be used as a novel, parsimonious in vivo biomarker for the disease, particularly for early stage patients, with high translational value for clinical practice and research. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:96–104.
Unnatural Cytosine Bases Recognized as Thymines by DNA Polymerases by the Formation of the Watson–Crick Geometry
Authors: Zeng Hu , Mondal Manas , Song Ruyi , Zhang Jun , Xia Bo , Liu Menghao , Zhu Chenxu , He Bo , Gao Yi Qin , Yi Chengqi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe emergence of unnatural DNA bases provides opportunities to demystify the mechanisms by which DNA polymerases faithfully decode chemical information on the template. It was previously shown that two unnatural cytosine bases (termed “M‐fC” and “I‐fC”), which are chemical labeling adducts of the epigenetic base 5‐formylcytosine, can induce C‐to‐T transition during DNA amplification. However, how DNA polymerases recognize such unnatural cytosine bases remains enigmatic. Herein, crystal structures of unnatural cytosine bases pairing to dA/dG in the KlenTaq polymerase‐host–guest complex system and pairing to dATP in the KlenTaq polymerase active site were determined. Both M‐fC and I‐fC base pair with dA/dATP, but not with dG, in a Watson–Crick geometry. This study reveals that the formation of the Watson–Crick geometry, which may be enabled by the A‐rule, is important for the recognition of unnatural cytosines.
A Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Cisplatin: Investigating the Intracellular Reduction of Platinum(IV) Prodrug Complexes
Authors: Ong Jun Xiang , Lim Carine Shu Qing , Le Hai Van , Ang Wee Han 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe PtIV prodrug strategy has emerged as an excellent alternative to tackle the problems associated with conventional PtII drug therapy. However, there is a lack of tools to study how this new class of PtIV drugs are processed at the cellular level. Herein, we report the first ratiometric probe for cisplatin detection and use it to investigate PtIV anticancer complexes in biological systems. The probe was able to distinguish between cisplatin and its PtIV derivatives, allowing us to probe the intracellular reduction of PtIV prodrug complexes. The correlation between the amount of active PtII species available after intracellular reduction of PtIV complexes and their cytotoxicity and the role glutathione plays in the reduction of PtIV complexes were investigated.
Ordered Mesoporous C3N5 with a Combined Triazole and Triazine Framework and Its Graphene Hybrids for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR)
Authors: Kim In Young , Kim Sungho , Jin Xiaoyan , Premkumar Selvarajan , Chandra Goutam , Lee Nam‐Suk , Mane Gurudas P. , Hwang Seong‐Ju , Umapathy Siva , Vinu Ajayan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMesoporous carbon nitrides (MCN) with C3N4 stoichiometry could find applications in fields ranging from catalysis, sensing, and adsorption–separation to biotechnology. The extension of the synthesis of MCN with different nitrogen contents and chemical structures promises access to a wider range of applications. Herein we prepare mesoporous C3N5 with a combined triazole and triazine framework via a simple self‐assembly of 5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole (5‐ATTZ). We are able to hybridize these nanostructures with graphene by using graphene–mesoporous‐silica hybrids as a template to tune the electronic properties. DFT calculations and spectroscopic analyses clearly demonstrate that the C3N5 consists of 1 triazole and 2 triazine moieties. The triazole‐based mesoporous C3N5 and its graphene hybrids are found to be highly active for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with a higher diffusion‐limiting current density and a decreased overpotential than those of bulk g‐C3N4.
Identification and Directed Development of Non‐Organic Catalysts with Apparent Pan‐Enzymatic Mimicry into Nanozymes for Efficient Prodrug Conversion
Authors: Walther Raoul , Winther Anna K. , Fruergaard Anne Sofie , van den Akker Wouter , Sørensen Lise , Nielsen Signe Maria , Jarlstad Olesen Morten T. , Dai Yitao , Jeppesen Henrik S. , Lamagni Paolo , Savateev Aleksandr , Pedersen Søren Lykke , Frich Camilla Kaas , Vigier‐Carrière Cécile , Lock Nina , Singh Mandeep , Bansal Vipul , Meyer Rikke L. , Zelikin Alexander N. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNanozymes, nanoparticles that mimic the natural activity of enzymes, are intriguing academically and are important in the context of the Origin of Life. However, current nanozymes offer mimicry of a narrow range of mammalian enzymes, near‐exclusively performing redox reactions. We present an unexpected discovery of non‐proteinaceous enzymes based on metals, metal oxides, 1D/2D‐materials, and non‐metallic nanomaterials. The specific novelty of these findings lies in the identification of nanozymes with apparent mimicry of diverse mammalian enzymes, including unique pan‐glycosidases. Further novelty lies in the identification of the substrate scope for the lead candidates, specifically in the context of bioconversion of glucuronides, that is, human metabolites and privileged prodrugs in the field of enzyme‐prodrug therapies. Lastly, nanozymes are employed for conversion of glucuronide prodrugs into marketed anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial agents, as well as “nanozyme prodrug therapy” to mediate antibacterial measures.
How to coexist with the ‘killer shrimp’ Dikerogammarus villosus? Lessons from other invasive Ponto‐Caspian peracarids
Authors: Borza Péter , Huber Thomas , Leitner Patrick , Remund Nadine , Graf Wolfram 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Studying interactions among co‐evolved invaders might help us in understanding, predicting, and perhaps mitigating the impact of the invading species on the native biota. The factors of spatial niche differentiation were investigated among invasive Ponto‐Caspian peracarids with the aim of revealing how co‐evolved species can coexist with the ‘killer shrimp’ Dikerogammarus villosus, an invasive gammarid replacing non‐Ponto‐Caspian species throughout Europe.
Multi‐habitat samples from the third Joint Danube Survey were analysed by partitioning the variation in species density data between environmental and spatial explanatory variable sets. Relevant predictors were identified by forward selection and their role was interpreted based on the redundancy analysis (RDA) triplot. The effect of substrate types was further analysed in certain species using generalized linear models.
The analysis revealed characteristic differences in habitat preference (i.e. spatial niche differentiation) among the species, allowing coexistence with D. villosus at different spatial scales. The relatively small and lean body of Chaetogammarus ischnus and Jaera sarsi might allow the avoidance of interference with large Dikerogammarus specimens by using narrow interstices among pebbles and stones (microhabitat‐scale differentiation). The remaining Ponto‐Caspian species included in the analysis showed an affinity for substrate types (Obesogammarus obesus) or current velocity intervals (Dikerogammarus bispinosus) that differed from those preferred by D. villosus (mesohabitat‐scale differentiation), presumably in connection with feeding preferences in some cases (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes and Trichogammarus trichiatus).
These results provide a framework for a preliminary risk assessment concerning the continuing high potential for range expansion of D. villosus: i.e. the identification of the most vulnerable species in those regions of the world not invaded at present but potentially colonizable, based on their habitat preference and morphology. The lessons learned from Ponto‐Caspian peracarids can be applied to the whole macroinvertebrate fauna, as the same principles (i.e. the avoidance of interference) can be expected to determine their coexistence with D. villosus.
Myocardial Inflammation, Measured Using 18‐Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography With Computed Tomography, Is Associated With Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Amigues Isabelle , Tugcu Aylin , Russo Cesare , Giles Jon T. , Morgenstein Rachelle , Zartoshti Afshin , Schulze Christian , Flores Raul , Bokhari Sabahat , Bathon Joan M. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and correlates of subclinical myocardial inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsRA patients (n = 119) without known cardiovascular disease underwent cardiac 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET‐CT). Myocardial FDG uptake was assessed visually and measured quantitatively as the standardized uptake value (SUV). Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the associations of patient characteristics with myocardial SUVs. A subset of RA patients who had to escalate their disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy (n = 8) underwent a second FDG PET‐CT scan after 6 months, to assess treatment‐associated changes in myocardial FDG uptake.ResultsVisually assessed FDG uptake was observed in 46 (39%) of the 119 RA patients, and 21 patients (18%) had abnormal quantitatively assessed myocardial FDG uptake (i.e., mean of the mean SUV [SUVmean] ≥3.10 units; defined as 2 SD above the value in a reference group of 27 non‐RA subjects). The SUVmean was 31% higher in patients with a Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score of ≥10 (moderate‐to‐high disease activity) as compared with those with lower CDAI scores (low disease activity or remission) (P = 0.005), after adjustment for potential confounders. The adjusted SUVmean was 26% lower among those treated with a non–tumor necrosis factor–targeted biologic agent compared with those treated with conventional (nonbiologic) DMARDs (P = 0.029). In the longitudinal substudy, the myocardial SUVmean decreased from 4.50 units to 2.30 units over 6 months, which paralleled the decrease in the mean CDAI from a score of 23 to a score of 12.ConclusionSubclinical myocardial inflammation is frequent in patients with RA, is associated with RA disease activity, and may decrease with RA therapy. Future longitudinal studies will be required to assess whether reduction in myocardial inflammation will reduce heart failure risk in RA.