bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term Outcomes of a Modified Straight-line Palate Repair Technique: Low Speech Correcting Surgery and Fistula Rates
Authors: Lasky Sasha , Munabi Naikhoba C O , Jolibois Marah , Roohani Idean , Moshal Tayla , Collier Zachary , Naidu Priyanka , Nagengast Eric S. , Wolfe Erin M. , Magee William P. 
Published: November 2024

Background:
The goal of cleft palate (CP) repair is to restore normal speech, however, rates of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) after palatoplasty remain high. We present a modified straight-line palate repair (SLR) technique that facilitates velum length to alleviate VPI. The technique releases nasal mucosa with the levator muscle off the hard palate. This study assesses speech outcomes of this modified SLR technique. Secondary aims are to assess fistula outcomes.

Methods:
A retrospective review evaluated non-syndromic patients with Veau III or IV CP ± cleft lip who underwent SLR from 1993-2023. Patients undergoing modified SLR were compared to those receiving traditional SLR. Outcomes included postoperative palatal fistula, fistula location, fistula repair rates, and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) correcting surgery rates. Multivariable logistic regression was performed.

Results:
Overall, 343 patients were included (160 modified SLR, 183 traditional SLR). Average length of follow-up from palatoplasty was 6.4±5.3 years. Modified SLR was associated with fewer fistulas than traditional SLR (3.1% vs 15.3%, Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.19; p=0.001), lower fistula repair rates (0.6% vs 13.1%, OR: 0.26; p=0.022), and lower secondary speech surgery rates (0.8% vs 16.0%, OR: 0.046; p=0.003).

Conclusion:
The modified SLR technique resulted in lower rates of VPI surgery, as well as fewer fistulas and lower rates of fistula repairs compared to traditional SLR at six years postoperatively. We hypothesize that releasing the nasal mucosa off the hard palate facilitates more posterior positioning of the levator muscle and less restricted medial mobilization of the oral mucosa, which lengthens the velum to alleviate VPI.
Regional Metabolic Abnormalities in Autoimmune Encephalitis
Authors: Kosek Sonja , Kilsved Ellen , Danfors Torsten , Cunningham Janet L. , Pavel Radu , Rostedt Punga Anna , Burman Joachim , Fällmar David 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) is a group of conditions that are insufficiently understood and difficult to diagnose. Several publications indicate that FDG PET has superior sensitivity compared with MRI. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of publications to assess the characteristics and frequency of brain FDG PET compared with MRI findings at the individual level in AIE, including case reports and case series. The resulting meta-analysis is complementary to previous publications with large or medium-sized cohorts.

Patients and Methods
The review was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and aimed to identify all studies with at least 1 case of AIE in which brain FDG PET was performed. Results from MRI and FDG PET were extracted on a patient-by-patient basis.

Results
The literature search yielded 1303 results, of which 234 studies were included, containing 498 cases. Abnormal FDG PET findings are reported in 93% compared with 55% with MRI. The affected brain regions, rates of unilateral versus bilateral findings, and hypermetabolism versus hypometabolism are descriptively presented in tables categorized according to the associated antibody.

Conclusions
FDG PET detected abnormalities more frequently than MRI, particularly in cases with anti-NMDAR and anti-GABA-B antibodies. Findings include a high prevalence of hypermetabolism in the medial temporal lobes, but also a high prevalence of parietal and occipital hypometabolism. Results differed depending on the associated antibody. Overall, the findings strengthen the importance of FDG PET in patients with suspected AIE, and the antibody-related patterns of regional metabolic abnormalities indicate a high potential for further development as a diagnostic and prognostic tool.
Quantitative Bone SPECT/CT Parameters Could Predict the Success of the Conservative Treatment for Symptomatic Basal Joint Arthritis of the Thumb
Authors: Kim Yong-Il , Ryu Jin-Sook , Kim Jae Kwang , Oh Byung Hun , Shin Young Ho 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of quantitatively assessed bone SPECT/CT parameters for predicting the success of conservative treatment for symptomatic basal joint arthritis of the thumb.

Patients and Methods
Seventy-eight patients (128 hands) with symptomatic basal joint arthritis of the thumb who underwent bone SPECT/CT scans within 4 weeks after their initial visit and completed conservative treatment for more than 6 months between April 2019 and April 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. PRWHE (patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation) was evaluated in all patients before and after the treatment. The SUVmax from bone SPECT/CT was measured in the 4 peritrapezial joints, and the highest uptake was used for analysis.

Results
On the basis of the minimal clinically important difference in PRWHE scores, 64 hands (50.0% of 128 hands) were classified as the treatment success group and 64 hands (50.0% of 128 hands) were failure group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only high SUVmax (odds ratio, 1.097; 95% confidence interval, 1.027–1.172; P = 0.006) was a factor significantly associated with the success of conservative treatment. In receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, the area under the curve of SUVmax was 0.649 (95% confidence interval, 0.554–0.744; P = 0.002). As a prognostic parameter for the success of conservative treatment, SUVmax showed a sensitivity of 56.3% and specificity of 70.3% with a cutoff of 9.52.

Conclusions
High initial SUVmax on bone SPECT/CT was significantly associated with the success of conservative treatment for symptomatic basal joint arthritis of the thumb.
Primary Extraosseous Ewing Sarcoma on 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT
Authors: Tao Yi , Wang Feifei , Yan Jiao , Chen Zhengguo , Wu Chunyan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Primary extraosseous Ewing sarcoma of the nasal cavity is rare. A 17-year-old man underwent 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT for a nasal mass. The mass showed avid FDG uptake but weak FAPI uptake. Endoscopic endonasal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma.
FDG PET/CT in Cutaneous Involvement of Plasmablastic Plasma Cell Myeloma
Authors: Mohamed Passant , Stuart Sophie , Vergara-Lluri Ria , Colletti Patrick M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Extraosseous manifestations are found in less than 5% of patients with multiple myeloma. They can arise in any tissue, and their presence has been associated with more aggressive disease. We present FDG PET/CT findings of immunoglobulin A κ multiple myeloma with innumerable hypermetabolic right lower extremity lesions of cutaneous and subcutaneous involvement of plasmablastic plasma cell myeloma in a 44-year-old man.
Captopril DMSA Contribution in the Identification of the Cause of Severe Hypertension in an Otherwise Healthy 5-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Serbis Anastasios , Tsiouris Spyridon , Stefos Efstathios , Brountzos Elias N. , Siomou Ekaterini 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Hypertension in younger children is usually secondary to various disorders. A previously healthy 5-year-old girl was diagnosed with stage 2 hypertension. Her personal and family history was noncontributory, and she was normal on physical examination. Blood tests revealed a strongly elevated renin and slightly increased aldosterone, suggesting a renovascular cause. Nevertheless, color Doppler ultrasound, CT, and MR angiography were normal. A DMSA renal scan with and without captopril was performed with results suggestive of a right intrarenal segmental artery branch stenosis, which was corrected with arteriography. A captopril DMSA can be helpful in localizing smaller intrarenal artery branch stenoses.
Physician and Endoscopy Nurse Perspectives on Tap Water for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Support, Perceived Barriers, and Intent to Advocate
Authors: Goodings Anthony James , Chhor Allison Dana , Anderson Hannah , Pastrak Mila , Kajitani Sten , Schultzel Matthew , O’Sullivan Aoife , Eustaceryan Ann-Marie 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe standard water used for endoscopic irrigation is sterile water. Minimal evidence exists regarding sterile water use where there is access to clean water. The WHO has declared the climate crisis as the greatest global health crisis today; we must re-examine our practices and adapt them to promote environmental stewardship while maintaining safety.Method and ObjectiveWe surveyed physicians and endoscopy nurses to determine their attitudes toward tap water use for irrigation in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures.ResultsThere were 88 complete responses collected from June to November 2024. The majority of respondents and endoscopy-performing consultants expressed comfort with tap water use (59% and 84%, respectively), perceived viability (62% and 68%, respectively), and an interest to implement (73% and 94%, respectively); however, discussions on the topic remained infrequent (77% and 81%, respectively). 82% of overall respondents and 93% of consultants were aware of potential cost-savings, with 69% and 87% more willing to consider tap water based on this. Respondents (60%) and consultants (73%) agree there is a lack of guidelines regarding tap water use and feel that policy barriers will hinder change (59% and 73% respectively). Overall, 59% of respondents and 73% of consultants are likely to advocate for change.ConclusionThe majority of respondents support tap water as a viable, cost-effective alternative with environmental benefits. A strong intention to advocate for change highlights the presence of potential leaders in this space. By promoting and supporting these leaders through education and institutional change, a more sustainable future for endoscopy exists.What is already known on this topicThere is an urgent need to address the immense impact of medicine on the environment.Gastrointestinal endoscopy involves the use of large volumes of sterile water to irrigate a non-sterile space in the body.What this study addsAllows us to understand the views of physicians on the potential use of tap water in GI endoscopy, as well as understand perceived feasibility and barriers.How this study might affect research, practice, or policyWith an understanding of physician support and perceived barriers, specific actions to address these can be taken by regulators.By increasing awareness around the topic, experts can deliberate on the idea and choose to advocate for change, providing leadership in an intimidating discipline.
Multivariate patterns linking brain microstructure to temperament and behavior in adolescent eating disorders
Authors: Makowski Carolina , Shafiei Golia , Martinho Megan , Hagler Donald J. , Pecheva Diliana , Dale Anders M. , Fennema-Notestine Christine , Bischoff-Grethe Amanda , Wierenga Christina E. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTEating disorders (EDs) are multifaceted psychiatric disorders characterized by varying behaviors, traits, and cognitive profiles thought to drive symptom heterogeneity and severity. Non-invasive neuroimaging methods have been critical to elucidate the neurobiological circuitry involved in ED-related behaviors, but often focused on a limited set of regions of interest and/or symptoms. The current study harnesses multivariate methods to map microstructural and morphometric patterns across the entire brain to multiple domains of behavior and symptomatology in patients. Diffusion-weighted images, modeled with restriction spectrum imaging, were analyzed for 91 adolescent patients with an ED and 48 healthy controls. Partial least squares analysis was applied to map 38 behavioral measures (encompassing cognition, temperament, and ED symptoms) to restricted diffusion in white matter tracts and subcortical structures across 65 regions of interest. The first significant latent variable explained 46.9% of the covariance between microstructure and behavior. This latent variable retained a significant brain-behavior correlation in held-out data, where an ‘undercontrolled’ behavioral profile (e.g., higher emotional dysregulation, novelty seeking; lower effortful control and interoceptive awareness) was linked to increased restricted diffusion across white matter tracts, particularly those joining frontal, limbic, and thalamic regions. Individually-derived brain and behavior scores for this latent variable were higher in patients with binge-purge symptoms, compared to those with only restrictive eating symptoms. Findings demonstrate the value of applying multivariate modeling to the array of brain-behavior relationships inherent to the clinical presentation of EDs, and their relevance for providing a neurobiologically-informed model for future clinical subtyping and prediction efforts.
Physiological, transcriptomic and metabolomic responses of the marine diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutumto auxin
Authors: Chen Yu-Ting , Zhao Dong-Sheng , Liu Xiao-Li , Yang Huan , Gu Run-Ze , Li Nan , Yan Xiufeng , Zou Hui-Xi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAuxin, an essential phytohormone, is widely used to promote plant growth and development. However, the effect of auxin on diatoms and its mechanism remain underexplored. Here, we studied the impact of auxin 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) on the marine diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutumand the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that 5 μg L-1of IAA promotes the growth ofP. tricornutumin a time- dependent manner. Treatment with IAA resulted in significant changes in photosynthetic pigments and malondialdehyde, chlorophyll fluorescence, and antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, transcriptomics showed that IAA exposure leads to upregulation of a large number of differential genes (DEGs) in carbon fixation and porphyrin metabolism, several of which were verified by qPCR. Furthermore, corresponding metabolites of these pathways were also validated by metabolomic analysis. Thus, IAA exhibits growth-promotion effect on the diatom mainly through increasing photosynthetic carbon sequestration and the expression of genes in porphyrin synthesis. Our results provide key data on the action mechanism of IAA in promoting the growth of a diatom.
OsbHLH089 and OsbHLH094 Modulate OsSLR1 Levels to Maintain Male Reproductive Fitness in Rice
Authors: Fernandes Telma , Barros Pedro M. , Flores-Tornero María , Carvalho Pedro , Sapeta Helena , Becker Jörg D. , Abreu Isabel A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDELLA proteins are a unique class of transcriptional regulators in plants, playing critical roles in diverse biological processes. Far from being only negative regulators of the Gibberellin (GA) signalling pathway, DELLAs act as central signalling hubs due to their versatile binding capacity and responsiveness to GA fluctuations. This adaptability allows DELLAs to interact with a wide array of proteins but also makes their functional study challenging: disruptions in DELLA function lead to pleiotropic effects across multiple pathways.To address this complexity, understanding DELLA interactors provides valuable insights into DELLA’s nuanced functions and regulation. Building on this approach, we investigated novel OsSLR1 interactors, OsbHLH089 and OsbHLH094, members of the basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor family. Our findings reveal thatOsbHLH089andOsbHLH094are expressed in mature pollen grains, with theOsbhlh089/94double mutant displaying smaller, indehiscent anthers and non-viable pollen, indicating their redundant role in pollen development during its late stages.Through ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq analyses, we identified five target genes repressed byOsbHLH089andOsbHLH094(OsTDL1A,OsSPS1,OsDGD2β,OspPGM, andOsDPE2) that are essential for pollen and anther development. Interestingly, we also observed the binding of these TFs to theOsSLR1promoter. Notably, while other target genes were repressed,OsSLR1was induced, with a significant protein accumulation in the double mutant compared to the Kitaake background in the late stages of pollen development. This suggests that OsSLR1 accumulation may compromise pollen viability, further highlighting the critical regulatory role ofOsbHLH089andOsbHLH094in repressing OsSLR1 levels for proper pollen and anther development.
Transpiration Insights: Estimating Transpiration Through Advanced Modeling
Authors: Friedman Shani , Averbuch Nir , Nevo Tifferet , Moshelion Menachem 
Published: November 2024

SummeryWe conducted research to predict daily transpiration in crops by utilizing a combination of machine learning (ML) models and Big-Data from gravimetric load cells as well as ambient sensors. Our aim was to improve the accuracy of transpiration estimates.Data were collected from two semi-controlled greenhouses over seven years, measuring key physiological and meteorological variables at high frequency and accuracy. We trained Decision tree, Random Forest, XGBoost, and Neural Network models on this dataset to predict daily transpiration.The Random Forest and XGBoost models demonstrated high accuracy in predicting the whole plant transpiration, with R² values of 0.87 on the test set (cross-validation) and average of R2= 0.79 on holdout experiments. Ambient temperature was identified as the most influential environmental factors affecting transpiration.Our results emphasize the potential of ML for precise water management in agriculture, and simplify some of the complex and dynamic environmental forces that shape transpiration.
Lineage-specific trait variation generates widespread, contemporaneous coexistence and competitive exclusion dynamics in an invasive, multihost wildlife parasite
Authors: Garner Trenton WJ , Harrison Xavier A , Fenton Andy , Ghosh Pria N , Verster Ruhan , Murray Kris A , Brookes Lola M , Allen Bryony E , Farrer Rhys A , Schmidt Benedikt R , Bates Kieran A , Kruger Natasha , Wolmarans Abigail , Bosch Jaime , Fisher Matthew C , Weldon Ché 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTInvasive and highly virulent parasites are emerging worldwide, transported to new locations and into novel hosts by anthropogenic activities. Multiple introduction events lead to interactions amongst genetically dissimilar genotypes that can result in either competitive exclusion, coexistence, or cycling through a combination of the two. Here, we report how intra-lineage trait variation of the multihost amphibian parasiteBatrachochytrium dendrobatidisdrives contrasting outcomes of inter-lineage interactions on two continents, Europe and Africa. Through field surveys, competition experiments and mathematical modelling we show that interactions between the same two lineages in the two continents and in different hosts demonstrate both ends of the exclusion/coexistence continuum. Trait variation in one of the two predominating lineages,BdGPL, is responsible for these contrasting outcomes: In Europe,BdGPL is highly competitive and has constrained the distribution of the other,BdCAPE, to two locations. In Africa,BdGPL andBdCAPE can mutually invade host populations when the other lineage is already resident, potentially leading to coinfections and recombination. That these contrasting outcomes are prolonged and contemporaneous for the same two lineages shows that epidemiological models of invasive parasites need to account for trait variation both within and across lineages.
iSIM-sigma: efficient standard deviation calculation for molecular similarity
Authors: Perez Kenneth Lopez , Zhao Bill , Quintana Ramon Alain Miranda 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe average and variance of the molecular similarities in a set is high-value and useful information for cheminformatics tasks like chemical space exploration and subset selection. However, the calculation of the variance of the complete similarity matrix has a quadratic complexity,O(N2). As the sizes of molecular libraries constantly increase, this pairwise approach is unfeasible. In this work, we present an alternative to obtaining the exact standard deviation of the molecular similarities in a set (withNmolecules andMfeatures) for the Russell-Rao (RR) and Sokal-Michener (SM) similarity indexes inO(N M2) complexity. Additionally, we present a highly accurate approximation with linear complexity,O(N), based on the sampling of representative molecules from the set. The proposed approximation can be extended to other similarity indexes, including the popular Jaccard-Tanimoto (JT). With only the sampling of 50 molecules, the proposed method can estimate the standard deviation of the similarities in a set with RMSE lower than 0.01 for sets of up to 50,000 molecules. In comparison, random sampling does not warrant a good approximation as shown in our results.
Ecological associations of the coastal marsh periwinkle snailLittoraria irrorata: field and laboratory evidence of vegetation habitat preferences
Authors: Klinges David H. , Martin Charles W. , Roberts Brian J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCoastal salt marshes serve as the margin between terrestrial and marine biomes, provide a variety of important services, and are dynamic ecosystems characterized by keystone species that shape trophic networks. In coastal salt marshes of the Eastern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, marsh periwinkle snails (Littoraria irrorata) exhibit high abundance and form critical trophic pathways as important herbivores and detritivores. Specifically, snails forage onSpartina alternifloraand associated fungal growth, for whichL. irroratamay act as a top-down control on plant growth. Yet,L. irrorataoccupies other salt marsh plants, suggesting its habitat niche may be broader than previously reported. Here, we documented snail densities and size distributions in a Louisiana (USA) salt marsh composed of multiple marsh graminoids and report the results of behavioral choice experiments designed to test snail habitat preferences as a potential mechanism underlying their field distribution. We observed higher snail densities onS. alterniflorastalks (283.0 snails m-2) than other plant species, however, snails were highly abundant onS. patens(115.6 snails m-2),Juncus roemerianus(94.8 snails m-2), andDistichlis spicata(56.9 nails m-2) with densities comparable or higher on all species than reported onS. alterniflorain other studies along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Snails found onS. alternifloraandJ. roemerianus, both plants with tall and rigid stalks, were also larger than snails found on other plant species. In species preference experiments, snails preferredS. alternifloraoverS. patensandD. spicata, but no clear preferences were observed betweenS. alternifloraandJ. roemerianus, nor between any combinations ofS. patens, D. spicata, andJ. roemerianus. Finally, we found that snails preferred senescing and deadS. alternifloratissue over freshS. alterniflora. Interpreting these results in tandem, this study suggestsL. irroratasnails have consistent patterns of field distributions that match their habitat preferences, and future studies should test potential processes driving snail habitat selection, such as dietary habits and predator refugia (i.e., climbing sturdy stalks to avoid aquatic predators). Considering the abundance and trophic role ofL. irroratain coastal salt marshes, snail behavior may be a key modulator for salt marsh trophic networks.