bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proton minibeam radiation therapy spares normal rat brain: Long-Term Clinical, Radiological and Histopathological Analysis
Authors: Prezado Yolanda , Jouvion Gregory , Hardy David , Patriarca Annalisa , Nauraye Catherine , Bergs Judith , González Wilfredo , Guardiola Consuelo , Juchaux Marjorie , Labiod Dalila , Dendale Remi , Jourdain Laurène , Sebrie Catherine , Pouzoulet Frederic 
Published: October 2017

AbstractProton minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT) is a novel strategy for minimizing normal tissue damage resulting from radiotherapy treatments. This strategy partners the inherent advantages of protons for radiotherapy with the gain in normal tissue preservation observed upon irradiation with narrow, spatially fractionated beams. In this study, whole brains (excluding the olfactory bulb) of Fischer 344 rats (n = 16) were irradiated at the Orsay Proton Therapy Center. Half of the animals received standard proton irradiation, while the other half were irradiated with pMBRT at the same average dose (25 Gy in one fraction). The animals were followed-up for 6 months. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study using a 7-T small-animal MRI scanner was performed along with a histological analysis. Rats treated with conventional proton irradiation exhibited severe moist desquamation, permanent epilation and substantial brain damage. In contrast, rats in the pMBRT group exhibited no skin damage, reversible epilation and significantly reduced brain damage; some brain damage was observed in only one out of the eight irradiated rats. These results demonstrate that pMBRT leads to an increase in normal tissue resistance. This net gain in normal tissue sparing can lead to the efficient treatment of very radio-resistant tumours, which are currently mostly treated palliatively.
Inhibitory effect and mechanism of Tagetes erecta L. fungicide on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum
Authors: Du Ruochen , Liu Jiandong , Sun Panpan , Li Hongquan , Wang Jinsheng 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBotanical fungicides comprise attractive alternatives to chemical fungicides because of their environmental compatibility. Flavonoids extracted from Tagetes erecta L. have an inhibitory effect on fusarium wilt in watermelons caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON). In this study, we synthesized one of these flavonoids, 2,5-dicyclopentylidene cyclopentanone (Tagetes erecta L. fungicide (TEF)) and assessed its activity against FON. In vitro, TEF inhibited FON growth and killed FON cells directly. TEF also affected FON cell physiology and mycelial structure. In watermelon plants with fusarium wilt, TEF protected the leaf cell structure and improved the germination rate of infected seeds while increasing overall plant resistance. A TEF-resistant mutant (FONM) was created by chemical mutagenesis. FON and FONM were analysed using iTRAQ and RNA-Seq, which identified 422 differentially expressed proteins and 7817 differentially expressed mRNAs in the proteome and transcriptome, respectively. The FONM mutations caused changes in the cell membrane and cell wall, which may constitute the site of action of TEF. Together, these results demonstrate that TEF could effectively control the watermelon fusarium wilt caused by FON, possibly through the inhibition of sterol biosynthesis. The data presented here suggest that TEF represents a new potential botanical anti-fungal drug.
Effect of varying soil water potentials on methanogenesis in aerated marshland soils
Authors: Wagner Dirk 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWetlands are characterized by changing water tables, which have an influence on the activity of microorganisms. Particularly, the effect of oxygen on anaerobic methanogenic archaea is of importance for understanding greenhouse gas fluxes in wetlands. In this study the influence of oxygen on CH4 production in marshland soils was investigated in relation to varying soil water potentials. Water saturated samples as well as samples with drained macropores, and mesopores were used. Under anoxic conditions the CH4 production showed a dependence on the water content. The CH4 production rates varied between about 213 and 51 nmol g−1 soil h−1. In the presence of oxygen a correlation between CH4 production activity and water potential of the samples could not be demonstrated. Under oxic conditions with defined water potentials the CH4 production rates varied between about 141 and 58 nmol g−1 soil h−1. Cell counts of methanogenic archaea showed similar numbers in oxic and anoxic soil layers, and further illustrated living methanogens in the aerobic horizons of the marshland soil. The presented results are of great importance for modelling of the CH4 release from wetlands, because up to 25% of the CH4 is produced in the oxic horizon of the investigated marshland soil.
Chasing the peak: optimal statistics for weak shear analyses
Authors: Smit Merijn , Kuijken Konrad 
Published: October 2017

Context. Weak gravitational lensing analyses are fundamentally limited by the intrinsic distribution of galaxy shapes. It is well known that this distribution of galaxy ellipticity is non-Gaussian, and the traditional estimation methods, explicitly or implicitly assuming Gaussianity, are not necessarily optimal.
Aims. We aim to explore alternative statistics for samples of ellipticity measurements. An optimal estimator needs to be asymptotically unbiased, efficient, and robust in retaining these properties for various possible sample distributions. We take the non-linear mapping of gravitational shear and the effect of noise into account. We then discuss how the distribution of individual galaxy shapes in the observed field of view can be modeled by fitting Fourier modes to the shear pattern directly. This allows scientific analyses using statistical information of the whole field of view, instead of locally sparse and poorly constrained estimates.
Methods. We simulated samples of galaxy ellipticities, using both theoretical distributions and data for ellipticities and noise. We determined the possible bias Δe, the efficiency η and the robustness of the least absolute deviations, the biweight, and the convex hull peeling (CHP) estimators, compared to the canonical weighted mean. Using these statistics for regression, we have shown the applicability of direct Fourier mode fitting.
Results. We find an improved performance of all estimators, when iteratively reducing the residuals after de-shearing the ellipticity samples by the estimated shear, which removes the asymmetry in the ellipticity distributions. We show that these estimators are then unbiased in the absence of noise, and decrease noise bias by more than ~30%. Our results show that the CHP estimator distribution is skewed, but still centered around the underlying shear, and its bias least affected by noise. We find the least absolute deviations estimator to be the most efficient estimator in almost all cases, except in the Gaussian case, where it’s still competitive (0.83 < η < 5.1) and therefore robust. These results hold when fitting Fourier modes, where amplitudes of variation in ellipticity are determined to the order of 10-3.
Conclusions. The peak of the ellipticity distribution is a direct tracer of the underlying shear and unaffected by noise, and we have shown that estimators that are sensitive to a central cusp perform more efficiently, potentially reducing uncertainties by more than 50% and significantly decreasing noise bias. These results become increasingly important, as survey sizes increase and systematic issues in shape measurements decrease.
Evaluation of the Facial Recess and Cochlea on the Temporal Bone of Stillbirths regarding the Percutaneous Cochlear Implant
Authors: Braga Gabriela , Gebrim Eloisa , Balachandran Ramya , Noble Jack , Labadie Robert , Bento Ricardo 
Published: October 2017

Introduction The literature shows that there are anatomical changes on the temporal bone anatomy during the first four years of life in children. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the temporal bone anatomy regarding the cochlear implant surgery in stillbirths between 32 and 40 weeks of gestational age using computed tomography to simulate the trajectory of the drill to the scala timpani avoiding vital structures.
Objectives To measure the distances of the simulated trajectory to the facial recess, cochlea, ossicular chain and tympanic membrane, while performing the minimally invasive cochlear implant technique, using the Improvise imaging software (Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, US).
Methods An experimental study with 9 stillbirth specimens, with gestational ages ranging between 32 and 40 weeks, undergoing tomographic evaluation with individualization and reconstruction of the labyrinth, facial nerve, ossicular chain, tympanic membrane and cochlea followed by drill path definition to the scala tympani. Improvise was used for the computed tomography (CT) evaluation and for the reconstruction of the structures and trajectory of the drill.
Results Range of the distance of the trajectory to the facial nerve: 0.58 to 1.71 mm. to the ossicular chain: 0.38 to 1.49 mm; to the tympanic membrane: 0.85 to 1.96 mm; total range of the distance of the trajectory: 5.92 to 12.65 mm.
Conclusion The measurements of the relationship between the drill and the anatomical structures of the middle ear and the simulation of the trajectory showed that the middle ear cavity at 32 weeks was big enough for surgical procedures such as cochlear implants. Although cochlear implantation at birth is not an indication yet, this study shows that the technique may be an option in the future.
Osseointegrated Implants and Prosthetic Reconstruction Following Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Hu Shirley , Arnaoutakis Demetri , Kadakia Sameep , Vest Allison , Sawhney Raja , Ducic Yadranko 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRehabilitation following ablative skull base surgery remains a challenging task, given the complexity of the anatomical region, despite the recent advances in reconstructive surgery. Remnant defects following resection of skull base tumors are often not amenable to primary closure. As such, numerous techniques have been described for reconstruction, including local rotational muscle flaps, pedicled flaps with skin paddle, or even free tissue transfer. However, not all patients are appropriate surgical candidates and therefore may instead benefit from nonsurgical options for functional and aesthetic restoration. Osseointegrated implants and biocompatible prostheses provide a viable alternative for such a patient population. The purpose of this review serves to highlight current options for prosthetic rehabilitation of skull base defects and describe their indications, advantages, and disadvantages.
Hyoid Bone Suspension as a Part of Multilevel Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Tantawy Abd , Askar Sherif , Amer Hazem , Awad Ali , El-Anwar Mohammad 
Published: October 2017

Introduction Since oropharyngeal surgery alone is often insufficient to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), advances have been developed in hypopharyngeal surgery.
Objective To assess hyoid suspension surgery as part of a multilevel OSA surgery, also including palatal surgery.
Methods The study included patients with OSA symptoms with apnea hypopnea index (AHI) > 15. They were scheduled for hyoid suspension after a nasoendoscopy during Müller maneuver and drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). All patients had body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m2. Hyoidothyroidopexy combined with tonsillectomy and palatal suspension was performed in all cases.
Results The mean AHI dropped significantly (p < 0.0001) from 68.4 ± 25.3 preoperatively to 25.6 ± 9.52 postoperatively. The mean lowest oxygen (O2) saturation level increased significantly from 66.8 ± 11.3 to 83.2 ± 2.86 (p < 0.0001). In addition, the snoring score significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) from a preoperative mean of 3.4 ± 0.54 to 2 ± 0.7 at 6 months postoperatively. In regard to the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), it showed significant improvements (p < 0.0001) as its mean diminished from 13.8 ± 5.4 preoperatively to 5.2 ± 1.6 postoperatively.
Conclusion Hyoidothyroidopexy using absorbable suture seems to produce a good outcome in treating OSA. It could be effectively and safely combined with other palatal procedures in the multilevel surgery for OSA.
Endoscopic Endonasal Reconstructive Methods to the Anterior Skull Base
Authors: Chakravarthi Srikant , Gonen Lior , Monroy-Sosa Alejandro , Khalili Sammy , Kassam Amin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe success of expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) to the anterior skull base, sellar, and parasellar regions has been greatly aided by the advancement in reconstructive techniques. In particular, the pedicled vascularized flaps have been developed and effectively cover skull base defects of varying sizes with a significant reduction in postoperative CSF leaks. There are two aims to this review: (1) We will provide our current, simplified reconstruction algorithm. (2) We will describe, in detail, the relevant anatomy, indications/contraindications, and surgical technique, with a particular emphasis on the nasoseptal flap (NSF). The inferior turbinate flap (ITF), middle turbinate flap (MTF), pericranial flap (PCF), and temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) will also be described. The NSF should be the primary option for reconstruction of majority of skull base defects following endonasal endoscopic surgery. In general, for the planum, cribriform, and upper two-thirds of the clivus, the NSF is ideal. For the lower-third of the clivus, the NSF may not be adequate and may require additional reconstructive options. Although limited in reach or more technically challenging, these reconstructive flaps should still be considered and kept in the surgical algorithm.
Outcomes of Automated Auditory Evoked Potential Performed in Different Settings and the Factors Associated with Referred Cases
Authors: Silva Daniela , Ribeiro Georgea , Castilho Gustavo , Mantovani Jair 
Published: October 2017

Introduction For the population with risk factors for hearing loss, the first option to assess the hearing status is the performance of the automated brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) test because of its efficacy in identifying retrocochlear hearing loss.
Objective To verify the outcomes of automated BAEP performed in different settings as well as the factors associated with the prevalence of hearing impairment.
Methods Cross-sectional study conducted from October of 2014 to May of 2015. The sample consisted of 161 infants with at least one risk factor for hearing loss who underwent automated BAEP during the hospital stay or at the outpatient clinic. After 30 days, the altered cases were referred for BAEP diagnosis.
Results One hundred and thirty-eight infants (86%) had a result of “pass” and 23 (14%) of “failure” in the automated BAEP. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of “referred” results between examinations performed in different settings. The infants' ages did not influence the number of abnormal cases. All of the 23 infants who presented a “referred” result in the automated BAEP, unilateral or bilateral, were sent for BAEP diagnosis, and out of these, 9 (39%) remained with at least some degree of alteration. The average age of diagnosis was 2.7 months.
Conclusion The results of the automated BAEP were similar when performed during hospitalization or after discharge. Neither the age at the examination nor the gender of the patient influenced the prevalence of hearing loss.
An Analysis of Anatomic Variations of the Sphenoid Sinus and Its Relationship to the Internal Carotid Artery
Authors: Dal Secchi Myrian , Dolci Ricardo , Teixeira Reginaldo , Lazarini Paulo 
Published: October 2017

Introduction The sphenoid sinus (SS) has a high variability; its anatomical relations and variations must be well understood prior to the expanded endoscopic surgery (EES) at the skull base via the endonasal transsphenoidal approach. A feared complication is injury to the internal carotid artery (ICA).
Objective To evaluate the anatomic variations of the SS and its relationship to the ICA using computed tomography (CT).
Methods Cross-sectional retrospective study. Analysis of 90 patients' CT scans on axial, coronal and sagittal planes with 1 mm slices, evaluating lateral and posterior extensions of pneumatization of the SS, deviation of the sphenoid septum, presence of septations and their relationship to the parasellar and paraclival segments of the internal carotid artery (psICA and pcICA, respectively).
Results The association between the protrusions of the psICA and the pcICA was statistically significant (p < 0.001), as was the association between the lateral extension of pneumatization of the SS and the protrusion of the psICA (p = 0.014). The presence of the posterior extension of pneumatization of the SS and protrusion of the pcICA occurred in 46% of the cases. Deviation of the sphenoid septum in the direction of the pcICA was present in 14% and dehiscence of the pcICA was seen in 3.6% of the cases.
Conclusion Using the CT scan to recognize the type of extensions of pneumatization of the SS, the deviation of the sphenoid septum, and the presence of septations is beneficial to identify accurately the ICA and to reduce the risk of injury to it.
Teilnahmemotivation von Männern an bewegungsorientierten Präventionsangeboten
Authors: Wollesen Bettina , Lorf Sarah , Bischoff Laura , Menzel Josefine 
Published: October 2017

Zusammenfassung
Fragestellung Maßnahmen zur Gesundheitsförderung werden von Männern deutlich seltener in Anspruch genommen als von Frauen. Motivationshürden sowie zielgruppenspezifische Wünsche und Vorstellungen von Männern zur Ausgestaltung von Angeboten wurden bislang kaum erfasst. Das quantitative Survey analysiert Motive und Hürden zur Teilnahme an Präventionsangeboten von Männern. Hierbei wurde die Stichprobe in 2 Untergruppen anhand ihrer potenziellen Bereitschaft zur Aufnahme einer gesundheitsförderlichen Aktivität (motiviert vs. nicht-motiviert) unterteilt und Unterschiede der Motivationstypen hinsichtlich des gegenwärtigen Gesundheitszustands und -verhaltens ermittelt, mit dem Ziel zukünftig bedarfsgerechtere Maßnahmen zu planen.
Methodik N=243 Männer (Motivierte n=147, nicht-Motivierte n=96) nahmen an der standardisierten Online-Befragung teil. Zur quantitativen Datenerhebung wurden der BMZI, KKG, SF-12, TICS und der MGV-39 eingesetzt. Die Überprüfung von Unterschieden zwischen Motivierten und nicht-Motivierten Männern erfolgte über Chi²-Tests sowie einfaktorielle Varianzanalysen (one-way ANOVA) mittels IBM SPSS 22 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp).
Ergebnisse Motivierte schätzen ihren Gesundheitszustand und insbesondere ihr psychisches Wohlbefinden (psychischer Summenscore SF-12: F=6,3, p=0,013, eta²=0,025) schlechter ein. Beide Gruppen benennen die Bereiche Substanzvermeidung, Ernährung und aktive Lebensgestaltung als wichtige Einflussfaktoren auf die eigene Gesundheit. Nicht-motivierte Männer zeigten eine höhere fatalistische Externalität (KKG: F=7,609, p=0,006, eta²=0,031) als motivierte Männer und empfanden Gesundheitsförderung verstärkt als Bevormundung (Chi-Quadrat: 17,693, p≤0,001, C=0,261).
Schlussfolgerungen Die teilnahmemotivierten Männer dieser Stichproben hatten schlechtere gesundheitliche Voraussetzungen, womit sich möglicherweise über den eigenen Leidensdruck die Teilnahmebereitschaft erklären lässt. Für die nicht-motivierten Männer zeigte sich eine Diskrepanz zwischen dem eigenen Wissen über gesundheitsförderliches Verhalten und dem tatsächlichen Alltagshandeln (z.B. eigene körperliche Aktivität). Um die Zielgruppe zu erreichen, bevor die Teilnahmemotivation aufgrund des individuell verschlechterten Zustands entsteht, sollten Programme mit Anreizsystemen entstehen, die Aspekte zur Motivationsbildung integrieren.
Umsetzung der Nationalen VersorgungsLeitlinie (NVL) zur Therapie des Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 in diabetologischen Schwerpunktpraxen
Authors: Marahrens Lydia , Röck Daniel , Ziemssen Tjalf , Kern Raimar , Ziemssen Focke , Fritsche Andreas 
Published: October 2017

ZusammenfassungDie Nationale VersorgungsLeitlinie (NVL) zur Therapie des Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 sieht eine Therapieintensivierung zur Blutzuckersenkung in 4 Therapiestufen vor. Bisher gibt es kaum Daten, wie die NVL patientenindividuell implementiert wird. Daher wurden in der DiabCheckOCTplus-Studie 810 Patienten in diabetologischen Schwerpunktpraxen anhand der in der Nationalen VersorgungsLeitlinie definierten 4 Therapiestufen untersucht. 81 % der Patienten in Therapiestufe 2 erhielten Metformin, 48 % in Therapiestufe 3 die Pharmaka-Zweifachkombination aus Metformin plus einem DPP-4-Inhibitor und in Therapiestufe 4 wurden 41 % mit einer intensivierten Insulintherapie mit Metformin versorgt. Der Gesamtanteil lag 2014 für Metformin bei 67 %, für DPP-4-Inhibitoren bei 21 % und für Sulfonylharnstoffe bei nur 10 %. Die Diabetesdauer stieg mit den NVL-Stufen deutlich an. Erhielten nach einer Diabetesdauer von 3 Jahren 55 % der Patienten mehr als 1 Antidiabetikum, wurde nach 9 Jahren die Hälfte aller Patienten in Stufe 4 – nach 25 Jahren nahezu alle Patienten – mit komplexen Insulinstrategien behandelt. Die Therapie der diabetischen Sekundärversorgung entsprach damit in einem hohen Maß den nationalen und internationalen Leitlinien. Entsprechende Daten aus der hausärztlichen Versorgung wären von Interesse. Da die Therapiestufe bei den untersuchten Patienten eng mit der Diabetesdauer korreliert, könnte sich der Parameter daher zur Kommunikation des Risikoprofils eignen.
Humanized mouse model supports development, function, and tissue residency of human natural killer cells
Authors: Herndler-Brandstetter Dietmar , Shan Liang , Yao Yi , Stecher Carmen , Plajer Valerie , Lietzenmayer Melanie , Strowig Till , de Zoete Marcel R. , Palm Noah W. , Chen Jie , Blish Catherine A. , Frleta Davor , Gurer Cagan , Macdonald Lynn E. , Murphy Andrew J. , Yancopoulos George D. , Montgomery Ruth R. , Flavell Richard A. 
Published: October 2017

SignificanceHumanized mice represent a promising approach to study the human immune system in health and disease. However, insufficient development and function of human lymphocytes limit the applicability of humanized mice for cancer biology and therapy. We demonstrate that humanSIRPAandIL15knock-in (SRG-15) mice support efficient development of circulating and tissue-resident natural killer (NK) cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes, and innate lymphoid cell subsets. In contrast to previous humanized mouse models, human NK cells in SRG-15 mice mediate efficient antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and thereby enable NK cell-targeted cancer immunotherapy of tumor xenografts. As such, SRG-15 humanized mice may facilitate translational research by enabling the development of novel NK and CD8+T cell-based therapeutic approaches that target human infections and malignancies.
Cryo-EM structure of Mcm2-7 double hexamer on DNA suggests a lagging-strand DNA extrusion model
Authors: Noguchi Yasunori , Yuan Zuanning , Bai Lin , Schneider Sarah , Zhao Gongpu , Stillman Bruce , Speck Christian , Li Huilin 
Published: October 2017

Significance
During initiation of DNA replication in eukaryotes, the origin recognition complex, with Cdc6 and Cdt1, assembles an inactive Mcm2-7 double hexamer on the dsDNA. Later, the double hexamer recruits Cdc45 and GINS to form two active and separate DNA helicases. The active Cdc45–Mcm2-7–GINS helicase encircles the leading strand while excluding the lagging strand. One of the fundamental unanswered questions is how each Mcm2-7 hexamer converts from binding dsDNA to binding one of the single strands. The structure of the double hexamer on dsDNA reveals how DNA interacts with key elements inside the central channel, leading us to propose a lagging-strand extrusion mechanism. This work advances our understanding of eukaryotic replication initiation.