bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forest Owners’ Intention to Safeguard Forest Biodiversity: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Koskela Terhi , Karppinen Heimo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Private nonindustrial forest owners’ intention to safeguard biodiversity in their own forest was studied by applying the theory of planned behavior. The data were collected in a nationwide mail survey sent to 3,000 Finnish forest owners (response rate 35%). The impact of attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on the intention to safeguard biodiversity was empirically tested by estimating structural equation models (SEM). The empirical estimations supported the theoretical model. The influence of perceived behavioral control was inhibiting on the intention and slightly stronger than the explanatory power of attitude or the subjective norm. External factors had an impact on the explanatory pattern of the intention. The effect of subjective norm increased and the role of attitude decreased with age. Academic education increased the importance of attitudes and decreased the role of normative pressures. In the development of voluntary measures aimed at safeguarding biodiversity, special attention should be paid to the reduction of the obstacles for the implementation perceived by forest owners. Forest owners often perceive important to retain decision-making power for the next generation. Forest owners should be provided with information about the different measures for safeguarding biodiversity and the contract terms.
Study Implications: Forest owners consider active timber production, compensation level, willingness to retain decision-making power for the next generation, and small forest ownership as factors that inhibit their intention to safeguard biodiversity in their own forests. Forest owners’ attitude toward safeguarding forest biodiversity and the normative pressures the reference groups create have a slightly smaller effect on intention. It is important to take the views of forest owners into account when developing voluntary measures for safeguarding biodiversity. It is essential to distribute information to forest owners about the available measures, their requirements, and compensation.
An investigation into the impact of volumetric rescanning and fractionation treatment on dose homogeneity in liver cancer proton therapy
Authors: Lee Pei-Yi , Huang Bing-Shen , Lee Shen-Hao , Chan Tsz-Yui , Yen Eric , Lee Tsair-Fwu , Cho I-Chun 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS) technique in modern particle therapy offers a highly conformal dose distribution but poses challenges due to the interplay effect, an interaction between respiration-induced organ movement and PBS. This study evaluates the effectiveness of different volumetric rescanning strategies in mitigating this effect in liver cancer proton therapy. We used a Geant4-based Monte Carlo simulation toolkit, ‘TOPAS,’ and an image registration toolbox, ‘Elastix,’ to calculate 4D dose distributions from 5 patients’ four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT). We analyzed the homogeneity index (HI) value of the Clinical Tumor Volume (CTV) at different rescan numbers and treatment times. Our results indicate that dose homogeneity stabilizes at a low point after a week of treatment, implying that both rescanning and fractionation treatments help mitigate the interplay effect. Notably, an increase in the number of rescans doesn’t significantly reduce the mean dose to normal tissue but effectively prevents high localized doses to tissue adjacent to the CTV. Rescanning techniques, based on statistical averaging, require no extra equipment or patient cooperation, making them widely accessible. However, the number of rescans, tumor location, diaphragm movement, and treatment fractionation significantly influence their effectiveness. Therefore, deciding the number of rescans should involve considering the number of beams, treatment fraction size, and total delivery time to avoid unnecessary treatment extension without significant clinical benefits. The results showed that 2–3 rescans are more clinically suitable for liver cancer patients undergoing proton therapy.
Natural Selection Signatures in the Hondo and Ryukyu Japanese Subpopulations
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Matsunami Masatoshi , Horikoshi Momoko , Ito Shuji , Ishikawa Yuki , Suzuki Kunihiko , Momozawa Yukihide , Niida Shumpei , Kimura Ryosuke , Ozaki Kouichi , Maeda Shiro , Imamura Minako , Terao Chikashi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Natural selection signatures across Japanese subpopulations are under-explored. Here we conducted genome-wide selection scans with 622,926 single nucleotide polymorphisms for 20,366 Japanese individuals, who were recruited from the main-islands of Japanese Archipelago (Hondo) and the Ryukyu Archipelago (Ryukyu), representing two major Japanese subpopulations. The integrated haplotype score (iHS) analysis identified several signals in one or both subpopulations. We found a novel candidate locus at IKZF2, especially in Ryukyu. Significant signals were observed in the major histocompatibility complex region in both subpopulations. The lead variants differed and demonstrated substantial allele frequency differences between Hondo and Ryukyu. The lead variant in Hondo tags HLA-A*33:03-C*14:03-B*44:03-DRB1*13:02-DQB1*06:04-DPB1*04:01, a haplotype specific to Japanese and Korean. While in Ryukyu, the lead variant tags DRB1*15:01-DQB1*06:02, which had been recognized as a genetic risk factor for narcolepsy. In contrast, it is reported to confer protective effects against type 1 diabetes and human T lymphotropic virus type 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. The FastSMC analysis identified 8 loci potentially affected by selection within the past 20–150 generations, including 2 novel candidate loci. The analysis also showed differences in selection patterns of ALDH2 between Hondo and Ryukyu, a gene recognized to be specifically targeted by selection in East Asian. In summary, our study provided insights into the selection signatures within the Japanese and nominated potential sources of selection pressure.
PED in 2024: improving the community deposition of structural ensembles for intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Ghafouri Hamidreza , Lazar Tamas , Del Conte Alessio , Tenorio Ku Luiggi G ,   PED Consortium, Aspromonte Maria C , Bernadó Pau , Chaves-Arquero Belén , Chemes Lucia Beatriz , Clementel Damiano , Cordeiro Tiago N , Elena-Real Carlos A , Feig Michael , Felli Isabella C , Ferrari Carlo , Forman-Kay Julie D , Gomes Tiago , Gondelaud Frank , Gradinaru Claudiu C , Ha-Duong Tâp , Head-Gordon Teresa , Heidarsson Pétur O , Janson Giacomo , Jeschke Gunnar , Leonardi Emanuela , Liu Zi Hao , Longhi Sonia , Lund Xamuel L , Macias Maria J , Martin-Malpartida Pau , Mercadante Davide , Mouhand Assia , Nagy Gabor , Nugnes María Victoria , Pérez-Cañadillas José Manuel , Pesce Giulia , Pierattelli Roberta , Piovesan Damiano , Quaglia Federica , Ricard-Blum Sylvie , Robustelli Paul , Sagar Amin , Salladini Edoardo , Sénicourt Lucile , Sibille Nathalie , Teixeira João M C , Tsangaris Thomas E , Varadi Mihaly , Tompa Peter , Tosatto Silvio C E , Monzon Alexander Miguel 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The Protein Ensemble Database (PED) (URL: https://proteinensemble.org) is the primary resource for depositing structural ensembles of intrinsically disordered proteins. This updated version of PED reflects advancements in the field, denoting a continual expansion with a total of 461 entries and 538 ensembles, including those generated without explicit experimental data through novel machine learning (ML) techniques. With this significant increment in the number of ensembles, a few yet-unprecedented new entries entered the database, including those also determined or refined by electron paramagnetic resonance or circular dichroism data. In addition, PED was enriched with several new features, including a novel deposition service, improved user interface, new database cross-referencing options and integration with the 3D-Beacons network—all representing efforts to improve the FAIRness of the database. Foreseeably, PED will keep growing in size and expanding with new types of ensembles generated by accurate and fast ML-based generative models and coarse-grained simulations. Therefore, among future efforts, priority will be given to further develop the database to be compatible with ensembles modeled at a coarse-grained level.
The antiSMASH database version 4: additional genomes and BGCs, new sequence-based searches and more
Authors: Blin Kai , Shaw Simon , Medema Marnix H , Weber Tilmann 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Many microorganisms produce natural products that are frequently used in the development of medicines and crop protection agents. Genome mining has evolved into a prominent method to access this potential. antiSMASH is the most popular tool for this task. Here we present version 4 of the antiSMASH database, providing biosynthetic gene clusters detected by antiSMASH 7.1 in publicly available, dereplicated, high-quality microbial genomes via an interactive graphical user interface. In version 4, the database contains 231 534 high quality BGC regions from 592 archaeal, 35 726 bacterial and 236 fungal genomes and is available at https://antismash-db.secondarymetabolites.org/.
GLIOMA-11 JUVENILE OLIGODENDROGLIOMA OF THE OPTIC NERVE: UNIQUE CASE REPORT AND CHALLENGE IN DIAGNOSIS ACCORDING TO CURRENT 2021 WHO CLASSIFICATION IN LIMITED RESOURCES COUNTRIES.
Authors: Ottoman Oscar , Chalamila Athuman , Mgaya Evarista , Kanji Raheel , Magambo Magreth , Rambau Peter 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The list of most commonly occurring primary brain tumors includes gliomas, and the vast majority of these are astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas. Oligodendrogliomas, account for about 3% of all intracranial tumors and 20% of gliomas. They are more commonly found in adults and occur mainly in the superficial gray matter of the cerebral hemispheres. For this tumor, 69% of the lesion is located in the frontal lobes. Involvement of the hypothalamus and optic chiasm are rarely seen and the tumor is most rare within the eye itself. The positive stain of IHC stain GFAP and OLIGO-2 overexpression is required for confirmation of diagnosis. Molecular genetics study of IDH-mutant is used for WHO grading and management of the oligodendrogliomas lesions.

CASE PRESENTATION
A 10 years old male presented with progressive blurred vision for 2 years and left eye globe protrusion for 1 month. On examination, he present with keratopathy, loss of vision, and pus discharge on the left eye. The Brain MRI was done and showed a left orbital heterogeneous enhancing lesion with mixed cystic and soft tissue involving both the globe and retrobulbar region with associated distortion of the optic nerve. The eye globe enucleation was done and tissue samples were taken for histopathology. The histopathology diagnosis reveals the optic nerve oligodendroglioma (NOS). The patient was kept on 8 cycles of Carboplatin chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION
Definitive diagnosis of Juvenile Oligodendroglioma of the optic nerve can be made only after the results of pathological and immunohistochemical analyses are known. Also, the current WHO grading of Oligodendroglioma requires molecular genetics IDH study. Although Juvenile Oligodendroglioma of the optic nerve is extremely rare, preoperatively oligodendroglioma should be included in the differential diagnosis of optic nerve tumors in pediatrics especially in limited settings with no molecular IDH testing.
OTHER-03 A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BRAIN TUMOR PALLIATIVE CARE PRACTICES IN CAMEROON AND NIGERIA
Authors: Tadipatri Ramya , Fonkem Ekokobe 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Early access to palliative care is essential in management of brain tumor patients, particularly given low rates of survival despite optimal therapies. This is especially true in resource limited areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, where treatment options are further limited. A palliative care questionnaire was distributed to 72 physicians in Nigeria and 37 physicians in Cameroon who treated brain tumor patients. Significantly more participants from Nigeria expressed understanding of palliative care (90%), compared with the participants from Cameroon (35%), with more Nigerian participants reporting prior education in palliative care (58% compared with 27%). Participants from Nigeria were also much more comfortable initiating discussions, addressing concerns, providing consultations, and prescribing palliative medication (93%, 76%, 56%, and 71% respectively) compared with participants from Cameroon (65%, 41%, 32%, and 47% respectively). Participants from Nigeria were more likely to address pain, dysphagia-related symptoms, and anxiety (81%, 87%, and 72% respectively) compared with participants from Cameroon (69%, 50%, and 51% respectively). They were less likely to delay palliative care, with 47% waiting until evidence of irreversible deterioration compared with 62%. Participants from both Cameroon and Nigeria expressed limitations in access, with approximately 40% reporting no access to palliative care, and access to liquid opioids was particularly limited in Cameroon, with over 60% reporting no access. Additionally, many participants in both countries reported that cultural beliefs of both the provider and patient had an impact on palliative care delivery. Overall, this analysis helps to further characterize the country-specific challenges in palliative care delivery in sub-Saharan Africa and may assist in developing a framework for meeting brain tumor patient needs.
OTHER-04 FEASIBILITY STUDY ON BRAIN TUMOR BIOBANKING AND REGISTRY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUNTRIES: A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED SURVEY
Authors: Odukoya Lateef , Kamson David , Eckel-Passow Jeanette , Ghomsi Nathalie , Jenkins Robert , Balogun James , Lachance Daniel , Karekezi Claire , Ekhator Chukwuyem , Osei-Tutu Lawrence , Ngaiza Advera , Tiamiyu Liadi , Mwakimonga Angela , Huse Jason , Nyalundja Arsene , Totimeh Teddy , Badmos Kabir , Bankole Olufemi , Kitange Gaspar , Brown Desmond , Anunobi Charles , Schroeder Kristin , Fonkem Ekokobe , Cheserem Beverly , Zerd Francis 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Brain tumors constitute significant morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Improvements in neuro-oncology practice and research have seen increased diagnosis of brain tumors. However, to our knowledge, there have been no previous projects on brain tumor genetics in SSA. To understand the feasibility of developing brain tumor biobanking and registries, this project aims to start by mapping out the current neuro-oncology capacity in terms of workforce and available services.

METHODOLOGY
We will conduct a descriptive questionnaire-based online survey among a cross section of neuro-oncology practitioners spread across SSA countries. The dissemination of the survey questionnaire will be facilitated by the Society for Neuro-oncology in SSA (SNOSSA). The Google designed questionnaire will capture information on the distribution, and number of available neuro-oncology care practitioners, capacity for brain tumor diagnosis and management, cancer registration, tumor biobanking, and research.

CLINICAL IMPACT AND CONCLUSION
This study will generate robust data from SSA, which can be used to improve future research and promote advocacy towards brain tumor diagnosis and management. This work will also serve as a pilot study for subsequent research that will focus on the development of brain tumor-specific registries and biorepositories in SSA.
PAEDIATRIC-11 EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PINEALOBLASTOMA IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Davidson Alan , Ohonba Efosa , Parkes Jeannette , Pillay Komala , Figaji Anthony 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To compare the experience with pinealoblastoma (PB) of the neuro-oncology services of the University of Cape Town to the WHO 2021 classification.

METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed on folders of patients diagnosed at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and Groote Schuur Hospital from 2000-2022. Routine molecular testing is not available nor is testing for DICER mutations. Patients with PB associated with retinoblastoma (RB) were assumed to be Rb1-altered and were treated with ophthalmic local control and chemotherapy, and those without associated RB (assumed to be non-Rb1-altered) were mostly treated with surgery, chemotherapy and craniospinal radiotherapy. Convenience sampling was performed by age with respect to disease characteristics and outcome to try and disaggregate miRNA-processing-altered-1 and -2 from MYC/FOXR2-altered PB.

RESULTS
Twenty-five patients were identified, 6 with Rb1-altered PB, aged 0.33-1.88 years (median 0.79) and 19 with non-Rb1-altered PB, aged 0.17-12.99 years (median 6.23). The whole cohort was balanced in terms of gender but there were slightly more girls (11) than boys (8) among the non-Rb1-altered PBs. One of these children was a 5-year-old boy with DICER syndrome who was identified through family screening. One Rb1-altered PB had metastatic disease outside the pineal gland. Among the non-Rb1-altered PBs 47% had metastases, 0% of those under 3 years, 40% of those aged 3-9 years and 80% of those older than 9 years. Estimated 5-year OS for the whole group was 49%, 50% for Rb1-altered PB and 49% for non-Rb1-altered PBs. OS by age among non-Rb1-altered PBs was 0% for 0-3 years, 90% for 3-9 years and 20% for those older than 9 years.

CONCLUSION
DICER testing and molecular typing would be very useful in helping to stratify our non-Rb1-altered PBs, both for prognostication and to allow consideration of high-risk strategies. Multi-disciplinary treatment of PB in LMIC is essential.
PAEDIATRIC-16 ADVANCING IN PAEDEATRIC BRAIN CANCER CARE
Authors: Madzudzo Michelle , Musosi Godwin , Muzvondiwa Ivan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To empower health workers in the cancer care continuum to nationally reduce the disease burden from brain cancer through active engagement, advocacy , collaboration and education -to introduce theories and concepts including current trends, issues , challenges and debates in brain cancer.

METHOD
The talk cancer zim trust organised a hybrid national webinar on paedeatric brain cancer on 26 May 2023 under the mantra "advancing in brain cancer care , where are we? The objectives were to be met through presantations from the neurosurgeon , oncologist, psychiatrist, palliative care specialist , Kidzcan and the GICC focal person for the country.Thematic areas covered were palliative care,radiation oncology, neurosurgery, advocacy and psychooncology.

RESULTS
a total of 193 health proffessionals attended the meeting online while 24 health proffessionals attended the meeting in.person.The targeted audience consisted of radiographers, oncology nurses, pharmacists, rehabilitation specialists, medical physicists and specialist doctors such as oncologists, neurosurgeons and psychiatriasts.

CONCLUSION
There is need for a holistic approach to paedatric brain cancers throughout the cancer trajectory from awareness, diagnosis, screening through treatment and palliative care and research
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH-02 THE KEYSTONE CYTOKINE, INTERLEUKIN-6, A KEY TARGET AND “ORGANIZING PRINCIPLE” FOR GLIOBLASTOMA THERAPY: A DECADE OF TRANSLATIONAL PROGRESS FROM GENOMICS TO THE LABORATORY AND TO A MULTICENTER CLINICAL TRIAL
Authors: Brem Steven 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6), the ‘keystone cytokine’, affects homeostatic processes, including innate and adaptive immunity, and is regarded as a prominent target for clinical intervention (Hunter, 2015). IL-6 is also a senescence-associated-gene (SAG), linked to cellular aging, the aging brain, and cancer pathogenesis. We hypothesized that SAGs, including IL-6, are overexpressed in older patients, in higher grades of glioma, portending a poor prognosis (Coppola, 2014). Indeed, in an analysis of 47 gliomas at the Moffitt Cancer Center, we found that the ‘senescence score’ composed of genes central to the pathogenesis of glioma, defined a novel signature, provided prognostic biomarkers as well as targets for drug discovery and immunotherapy (Coppola, 2014). We suggested that IL-6 could be linked to neoplastic transformation and could be predictive of glioma progression (US Patent #8741575). At the University of Pennsylvania, we found an inhibitor of IL-6 to be well-tolerated in patients with glioblastoma undergoing CAR T cell therapy (O’Rourke, 2017). Yi Fan’s team discovered (Wang, 2018) that targeting IL-6 led to a remarkable change in the tumor microenvironment (TME), with a “switch” from the M2 (immunosuppressive, pro-tumorigenic) macrophage phenotype to an immunostimulatory (M1) phenotype, resulting in a significant increase in survival. Adding CD40 agonist enhanced the activity of infiltrated T cells, and an almost complete cure in GBM models. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in these experiments and by others (Lamano, 2019) produced a significant increase in survival. These findings led to a multicenter trial (PI, Stephen Bagley; NCT 047299959), by NRG Oncology (BN010), combining IL-6 inhibition (tocilizumab), PD-L1 blockade (atezolizumab) and stereotactic radiotherapy to treat recurrent glioblastoma. More recently, a MDACC team discovered that IL-6 blockade not only promotes tumor immunity but also abrogates the toxicity of checkpoint blockade, decoupling the autoimmune toxicity while promoting tumor immunity through the IL-12 pathway (Hailemichael, 2022).
The brain
Authors: Baron-Cohen Simon , Bolton Patrick 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The assumption is that in all children with autism there is some (possibly very subtle) brain damage. Where none can be found, it is assumed that this is because our tools for examining the brain are still too crude. Such brain damage, either observed or assumed, is held to cause the autism, as was made clear in the previous chapter. Parents often wonder if there really is any brain damage in their child, since he or she looks so normal. As we shall see, the brain-damage view is widely held simply because in many cases brain abnormalities are found. Here is the evidence.
Adolescence and adulthood
Authors: Baron-Cohen Simon , Bolton Patrick 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this chapter we consider the range of outcomes that usually occur in people with autism, to give a sense of what can be expected. This by no means defines the limits, but nevertheless summarizes the kinds of out¬ comes we have seen in our clinic. Following this we look at specific issues relating to adjustment in adolescence and early adulthood. Currently, our knowledge is limited by the fact that very few studies have followed people with autism into their later adult life, and by the fact that elderly people known to have autism are rare, since the disorder itself was only identified in the middle of this century. We do know, however, that the range of outcomes is very wide. Thus, for people with autism who also have severe mental handicap, some sort of life-long support and supervision will be essential. For more able individuals, outcome really depends on how much useful language the person has acquired. As a common-sense rule, the less language a person has, the more support he or she will need. It is however important to note that language can develop even as late as adolescence, although the rate of development by this age may be slow and limited. For the most able people with autism, a life of independence and employment in the open market-place is not unknown; but this is unusual. Sheltered accommodation and employment is more usual. Other options include day centres, in which the individual is given interesting activities and some training, but may not be employed. Some issues surrounding employment and placement are discussed later.