bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infratentorial hypoperfusion in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nakamura Masakazu , Murata Akihiro , Ogata Akihiko 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesLong‐term disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) results from axonal degeneration in the central nervous system, which might follow hypoperfusion in neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to clarify the distribution and clinical significance of brain hypoperfusion in patients with MS.MethodsWe measured brain hypoperfusion in eight patients with relapsing–remitting MS using N‐isopropyl‐p‐iodine‐123‐iodoamphetamine single‐photon emission computed tomography with three‐dimensional stereotactic surface projection and stereotactic extraction estimation; moreover, we examined its clinical relevance.ResultsWe detected marked hypoperfusion in the brainstem and cerebellum relative to that in the cerebrum. Each infratentorial segment, the midbrain, pons, and cerebellar anterior and posterior lobes, showed more severe hypoperfusion than the frontal and parietal lobes (n = 8). This was attributed mainly to oligoclonal band (OCB)‐negative patients (n = 3), even when OCB‐positive patients (n = 5) showed a similar trend. Consistently, OCB‐negative patients had lower blood flow at the pons, and cerebellar anterior and posterior lobes than OCB‐positive patients; however, both groups showed comparable hypoperfusion in the cerebral lobes. Hypoperfusion at the posterior cerebellar lobe and pons was correlated with poor performance in the Trail Making Test Part B (n = 6), indicating cognitive cerebellar dysfunction and cerebrocerebellar conductive disturbances.ConclusionsPatients with relapsing–remitting MS had lower infratentorial perfusion, which strongly links to OCB‐negativity. The distribution of brain hypoperfusion detected by N‐isopropyl‐p‐iodine‐123‐iodoamphetamine single‐photon emission computed tomography indicated pathological heterogeneity in relapsing–remitting MS. The infratentorial hypoperfusion is possibly associated with neurodegeneration.
Prediction of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease based on MRI radiomics and clinical features: A multicenter study
Authors: Jian Yongjie , Peng Jiaxuan , Wang Wei , Hu Tao , Wang Jing , Shi Hui , Li Xiaoyong , Chen Jingfang , Xu Yuyun , Shao Yuan , Song Qiaowei , Shu Zhenyu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and validate a multimodal combinatorial model based on whole‐brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomic features for predicting cognitive decline in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsThis study included a total of 222 PD patients with normal baseline cognition, of whom 68 had cognitive impairment during a 4‐year follow‐up period. All patients underwent MRI scans, and radiomic features were extracted from the whole‐brain MRI images of the training set, and dimensionality reduction was performed to construct a radiomics model. Subsequently, Screening predictive factors for cognitive decline from clinical features and then combining those with a radiomics model to construct a multimodal combinatorial model for predicting cognitive decline in PD patients. Evaluate the performance of the comprehensive model using the receiver‐operating characteristic curve, confusion matrix, F1 score, and survival curve. In addition, the quantitative characteristics of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) from corpus callosum were selected from 52 PD patients to further validate the clinical efficacy of the model.ResultsThe multimodal combinatorial model has good classification performance, with areas under the curve of 0.842, 0.829, and 0.860 in the training, test, and validation sets, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the number of cognitive decline PD patients and corpus callosum‐related DTI parameters between the low‐risk and high‐risk groups distinguished by the model (p < 0.05). The survival curve analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the progression time of mild cognitive impairment between the low‐risk and the high‐risk groups.ConclusionsThe building of a multimodal combinatorial model based on radiomic features from MRI can predict cognitive decline in PD patients, thus providing adaptive strategies for clinical practice.
Hearing Outcomes After Ossiculoplasty With Bone or Titanium Prostheses—A Nationwide Register‐Based Study
Authors: Olaison Sara , Berglund Malin , Taj Tahir , Knutsson Johan , Westman Eva , Eriksson Per Olof , Bonnard Åsa 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study compares hearing outcomes of two prosthesis materials, bone and titanium, used in ossiculoplasty.DesignThis retrospective nationwide registry‐based study uses data systematically collected by the Swedish Quality Registry for Ear Surgery (SwedEar).SettingThe data were obtained from clinics in Sweden that perform ossiculoplasty.ParticipantsPatients who underwent ossiculoplasty using either bone or titanium prostheses were registered in SwedEar between 2013 and 2019.Main Outcome MeasuresHearing outcome expressed as air–bone gap (ABG) gain.ResultsThe study found no differences between bone and titanium for ABG or air conduction (AC) for either partial ossicular replacement prostheses (PORP) or total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORP). In a comparison between PORP and TORP for ABG and AC outcomes, regardless of the material used, PORP showed a small advantage, with an additional improvement of 3.3 dB (95% CI [confidence interval], 0.1–4.4) in ABG and 2.2 dB (95% CI, 1.7–4.8) in AC. In secondary surgery using TORP, titanium produced slightly better results for high‐frequency pure tone average. The success rate, a postoperative ABG ≤20 dB, was achieved in 62% of the operations for the whole group.ConclusionBoth bone and titanium used to reconstruct the ossicular chain produce similar hearing outcomes for both PORP and TORP procedures. However, titanium may be a preferable option for secondary surgeries involving TORP. The success rate, a postoperative ABG ≤20 dB, is consistent with other studies, but there is room for improvement in patient selection criteria and surgical techniques.
The effects of Title IX enforcement on sexual assaults on college campuses
Authors: Reilly Patrick , Williams Kamilah , Das Monica 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigations, prompted by the “Dear Colleague Letter” (DCL) in 2011, on sexual assaults in educational institutions. While previous research has primarily focused on the effects of OCR investigations on enrollments and reputation, using a potential outcome model (POM) and an event study, we analyze treatment effects across different school types, considering factors like endowments. We find the strongest treatment effect in private baccalaureate schools, underscoring the importance of school‐specific factors in understanding the role played by OCR investigations in addressing sexual assaults on campuses.
Immune responsiveness in stable kidney transplantation patients: Complete inhibition of T‐cell proliferation but residual T‐cell activity during maintenance immunosuppressive treatment
Authors: in ’t Veld Aliede E. , Eveleens Maarse Boukje C. , Juachon Maria J. , Meziyerh Soufian , de Vries Aiko P. J. , van Rijn Aline L. , Feltkamp Mariet C. W. , Moes Dirk Jan A. R. , Burggraaf Jacobus , Moerland Matthijs 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe recommended immunosuppressive treatment after kidney transplantation consists of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and low‐dose corticosteroids. Drug concentrations are monitored using therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), which does not necessarily correlate with pharmacodynamic activity. To find the balance between optimal efficacy and minimal toxicity, it might be more informative to monitor patients' immunological status rather than drug concentrations. We selected a panel of T‐cell‐based immune assays, which were used for immunomonitoring of 14 stable kidney transplantation patients. Whole blood was incubated with a T‐cell stimulus, after which T‐cell proliferation, T‐cell activation marker expression and cytokine production were measured to study residual immune activity in vitro (before drug intake; drug added to the incubation) and ex vivo (after drug intake). T‐cell proliferation was completely suppressed in all patients over the full day, while IL‐2, IFN‐γ, CD71, and CD154 showed fluctuations over the day with a strong inhibition (75%–25%) at 2 h post‐dose. The level of inhibition was variable between patients and could not be related to pharmacokinetic parameters or the presence of regulatory or senescence immune cells. Moreover, the level of inhibition did not correlate with the in vitro tacrolimus drug effect as studied by incubating pre‐dose blood samples with additional tacrolimus. Overall, IL‐2, IFN‐γ, CD71, and CD154 seem to be good markers to monitor residual immune activity of transplantation patients. To evaluate the correlation between these pharmacodynamic biomarkers and clinical outcome, prospective observational studies are needed.
Precision medicine in Asia enhanced by next‐generation sequencing: Implications for Thailand through a scoping review and interview study
Authors: Phanthunane Chumut , Pongcharoen Sutatip , Pannarunothai Supasit , Roboon Jureepon , Phanthunane Pudtan , Nontarak Jiraluck 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNext‐generation sequencing (NGS) significantly enhances precision medicine (PM) by offering personalized approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of unmet medical needs. Little is known about the current situation of PM in Asia. Thus, we aimed to conduct an overview of the progress and gaps in PM in Asia and enrich it with in‐depth insight into the possibilities of future PM in Thailand. This scoping review focused on Asian countries starting with non‐cancer studies, including rare and undiagnosed diseases (RUDs), non‐communicable diseases (NCDs), infectious diseases (IDs), and pharmacogenomics, with a focus on NGS. Subsequent in‐depth interviews with experts in Thailand were performed, and a thematic analysis served as the main qualitative methodology. Out of 2898 searched articles, 387 studies were included after the review. Although most of the studies focused on cancer, 89 (23.0%) studies were related to RUDs (17.1%), NCDs (2.8%), IDs (1.8%), and pharmacogenomics (1.3%). Apart from medicine and related sciences, the studies were mostly composed of PM (61.8%), followed by genetics medicine and bioinformatics. Interestingly, 28% of articles were conducted exclusively within the fields of medicine and related sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinary integration. The experts emphasized the need for sustainability‐driven political will, nurturing collaboration, reinforcing computational infrastructure, and expanding the bioinformatic workforce. In Asia, developments of NGS have made remarkable progress in PM. Thailand has extended PM beyond cancer and focused on clinical implementation. We summarized the PM challenges, including equity and efficiency targeting, guided research funding, sufficient sample size, integrated collaboration, computational infrastructure, and sufficient trained human resources.
1099. Neottia ovata (L.) Hartm.
Authors: Fay Michael F. , Raistrick Reinhild , Calevo Jacopo 
Published: June 2024

SummaryNeottia ovata (twayblade) is illustrated here (t. 1099). It is a widespread, temperate Eurasian species. A detailed description is provided, with notes on cytology and habitat. Given its wide distribution and the diverse range of habitats where it occurs, its conservation status is Least Concern in Europe. Probably as a reflection of its dependence on mycorrhizal fungi for its whole life history, it is not a plant known from cultivation; it should be enjoyed as an intriguing member of our native orchid flora.
Unhealthy food, regulations, and consumer welfare: The US microwaveable popcorn market
Authors: Bauner Christoph , Mohapatra Debi Prasad , Streletskaya Nadia , Wang Emily 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDue to significant health concerns, governments across the world have taken measures to regulate dietary trans fat, for example, through bans and ad‐valorem taxes. We assess the effectiveness of these two strategies and measure their ensuing welfare implications. We estimate a structural demand and supply model for the microwavable popcorn market using NielsenIQ Homescan data. Applying the recovered consumer preferences and marginal costs, we find a ban and a 35% tax result in similar levels of welfare loss and trans fat reduction. A 10% tax can still significantly reduce trans fat consumption (around 48%), while the associated consumer welfare loss is substantially smaller.
Size matters: Host‐seeking ectoparasitoid larvae prefer larger hosts, but not the largest
Authors: Zermoglio Paula F. , Crespo José E. , Martínez Gustavo A. , Castelo Marcela Karina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractKoinobiont parasitoids do not prevent host development immediately after the attack, hence the quality of their resource units may vary over time. Potential advantages exist, though less clear, of choosing a host of better initial nutritional quality. We studied the effect of host nutritional quality on Mallophora ruficauda Wiedemann (Diptera: Asilidae), a solitary, koinobiont ectoparasitoid that preferentially attacks larvae of Cyclocephala signaticollis Burmeister (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). In the field, lighter hosts were parasitized more often than heavier hosts, but sex did not explain parasitism patterns. Our experiments showed that parasitoid larvae did not differentially attack heavier or lighter hosts in either two‐ or four‐choice selection experiments, but do show differential selection based on the size of the host. Experiments simulating a host patch showed that parasitoid larvae choose larger hosts, but at a finer scale, as the size of the hosts increased, larvae chose the smaller host in a dyad. These results suggest that M. ruficauda larvae may select hosts of higher nutritional quality (i.e., larger hosts) but that there is an upper limit where a trade‐off between nutrient acquisition and survival (related to life expectancy or host defenses) may drive the larval decisions.
Improving Instructional Decision‐Making Using Diagnostic Classification Models
Authors: Thompson W. Jake , Clark Amy K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn recent years, educators, administrators, policymakers, and measurement experts have called for assessments that support educators in making better instructional decisions. One promising approach to measurement to support instructional decision‐making is diagnostic classification models (DCMs). DCMs are flexible psychometric models that facilitate fine‐grained reporting on skills that students have mastered. In this article, we describe how DCMs can be leveraged to support better decision‐making. We first provide a high‐level overview of DCMs. We then describe different methods for reporting results from DCM‐based assessments that support decision‐making for different stakeholder groups. We close with a discussion of considerations for implementing DCMs in an operational setting, including how they can inform decision‐making at state and local levels, and share future directions for research.
Thrombectomy improves functional independence in severe basilar artery occlusion with favorable collateral circulation
Authors: Luo Cong , Tao Chunrong , Li Rui , Nguyen Thanh N. , Jing Xiaozhong , Yuan Shuya , Wang Anmo , Abdalkader Mohamad , Gao Feiyang , Chen Lang , Hao Peng , Cai Ming , Liu Xinfeng , Hu Wei ,   the ATTENTION Investigators
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effect of collateral circulation on the outcomes of thrombectomy versus medical management alone in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) patients with varying stroke severities.MethodsData from the ATTENTION cohort were used to perform a post‐hoc analysis comparing the outcomes of thrombectomy with medical management in BAO patients with varying degrees of collateral circulation and stroke severity. Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography (BATMAN) scores were used to quantify the collateral circulation, and the effect was estimated through a primary outcome of 90‐day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, mRS ≤2). Favorable versus unfavorable BATMAN scores were analyzed as both continuous and categorical variables, and an adjusted multivariate regression model was applied.ResultsAmong 221 BAO patients, thrombectomy significantly improved functional independence compared to medical management in patients with favorable BATMAN scores (aOR 7.75, 95% CI 2.78–26.1), but not in those with unfavorable BATMAN scores (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 0.28–6.92; pinteraction = 0.028). When treated as a continuous variable, increased BATMAN score was found to be associated with a higher likelihood of functional independence in the thrombectomy group (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.44–2.81; pinteraction = 0.053). In severe stroke patients with higher BATMAN scores (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥21), we identified a significant interaction for treatment effect with thrombectomy compared to medical management (pinteraction = 0.042).ConclusionAn increased BATMAN score was significantly associated with a higher probability of functional independence after thrombectomy than after medical management, particularly in patients with severe BAO.
An experimental investigation on the failure behavior of sandstone with filled fissure under triaxial multilevel cyclic loading
Authors: Li Ke‐Sheng , Luan Yi‐Quan , Yang Sheng‐Qi , Liu Chuan‐Xiao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRoadways are common in infrastructure of the underground engineering. The surrounding rocks of these roadways are often allowed to work with flaws and are subjected to cyclic loading with variable magnitude. However, the existing experimental data regarding their behavior are insufficient. This study investigated how confining pressure and the inclination of pre‐existing fissures affect the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of sandstones from the Lu‐Xi coal roadway in Shandong Province. Utilizing triaxial cyclic experiments along with real‐time acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, the findings were presented with respect to the evolution of strength as well as deformation behaviors, failure modes, and AE event frequency. Finally, the impact of the above two factors on damage mechanisms of preflawed sandstone materials were detailed discussed in terms of the fracture mechanics. This study highlights the importance the buried depth and flaws for the rock engineering and the sensitivity of sandstone's mechanical responses in changes in the lateral restriction and fissure angle.
Fatigue strength improvement of aluminum alloy with surface defect by ball burnishing
Authors: Wakamatsu Kohei , Takahashi Koji , Koyama Yuka , Taniguchi Masanori 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBall burnishing (BB) is a surface finishing process that involves moving the tool while pressing it against the workpiece under rolling contact. We investigated the effects of BB on the fatigue strength of an aluminum alloy with a semicircular slit simulating an initial surface defect. After performing BB under a typical condition, compressive residual stress was induced to a depth of 0.4 mm, with a reduction in surface roughness by 81%. Consequently, the fatigue strength increased by 22%. BB prevented the fatigue strength reduction caused by the 0.1 mm deep slit. The result indicated that BB could render the below 0.1 mm deep surface defect harmless in terms of fatigue strength. The maximum depth of surface defect that can be rendered harmless is 0.18 mm according to fracture mechanics, which is in agreement with the experimental results.
Immunoinformatics‐Based Designing of Novel and Potent Multi‐Epitope PSA D15 and Cag11 Immunogens for Helicobacter pylori Immunodiagnostic Assay Development
Authors: Moges Eskeziyaw Biniam , Waihenya Rebecca , Maina Naomi , Muuo Nzou Samson 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strain is the most genetically diverse pathogenic bacterium and now alarming serious human health concern ranging from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer and human death all over the world. Currently, the majority of commercially available diagnostic assays for H. pylori is a challenging task due to the heterogeneity of virulence factors in various geographical regions. In this concern, designing of universal multi‐epitope immunogenic biomarker targeted for all H. pylori strains would be crucial to successfully immunodiagnosis assay and vaccine development for H. pylori infection. Hence, the present study aimed to explore the potential immunogenic epitopes of PSA D15 and Cag11 proteins of H. pylori, using immunoinformatics web tools in order to design novel immune‐reactive multi‐epitope antigens for enhanced immunodiagnosis in humans. Through an in silico immunoinformatics approach, high‐ranked B‐cell, MHC‐I, and MHC‐II epitopes of PSA D15 and Cag11 proteins were predicted, screened, and selected. Subsequently, a novel multi‐epitope PSA D15 and Cag11 antigens were designed by fused the high‐ranked B‐cell, MHC‐I, and MHC‐II epitopes and 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 adjuvant using linkers. The antigenicity, solubility, physicochemical properties, secondary and tertiary structures, 3D model refinement, and validations were carried. Furthermore, the designed multi‐epitope antigens were subjected to codon adaptation and in silico cloning, immune response simulation, and molecular docking with receptor molecules. A novel, stable multi‐epitope PSA D15 and Cag11 H. pylori antigens were developed and immune simulation of the designed antigens showed desirable levels of immunological response. Molecular docking of designed antigens with immune receptors (B‐cell, MHC‐I, MHC‐II, and TLR‐2/4) revealed robust interactions and stable binding affinity to the receptors. The codon optimized and in silico cloned showed that the designed antigens were successfully expressed (CAI value of 0.95 for PSA D15 and 1.0 for Cag11) after inserted into pET‐32ba (+) plasmid of the E. coli K12 strain. In conclusion, this study revealed that the designed multi‐epitope antigens have a huge immunological potential candidate biomarker and useful in developing immunodiagnostic assays and vaccines for H. pylori infection.