bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of whole-lesion histogram analysis based on field‑of‑view (FOV) and FOCUS diffusion‑weighted imaging (DWI) for predicting axillary lymph node status in early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Fang Shu , Zhu Jun , Wang Yafeng , Zhou Jie , Wang Guiqian , Xu Weiwei , Zhang Wei 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: This study aims to estimate the amount of axillary lymph node (ALN) involvement in early-stage breast cancer utilizing a field of view (FOV) and constrained undistorted single-shot (FOCUS) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) approach, as well as a whole-lesion histogram analysis.Methods: This retrospective analysis involved 65 individuals with invasive breast cancer. The patients were divided into three groups: N0 (negative ALN metastasis), N1–2 (low metastatic burden with 1-2 ALNs), and N≥3 (heavy metastatic burden with≥3 ALNs) based on their sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Histogram parameters of apparent diffusion coefﬁcient (ADC) depending basically on FOCUS DWI were performed using 3D-Slicer software for whole lesions. The typical histogram characteristics for N0, N1–2, and N≥3 were compared to identify the significantly different parameters. To determine the diagnostic efficacy of significantly different factors, the area under their receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was examined.Results: There were significant differences in the energy, maximum, 90 percentile, range, and lesion size among N0, N1–2, and N≥3 groups (P<0.05). The energy differed significantly between N0 and N1–2 groups (P < 0.05), and some certain ADC histogram parameters and lesion sizes differed significantly between N0 and N≥3, or N1–2 and N≥3 groups. For ROC analysis, the energy yielded the best diagnostic performance in distinguishing N0 and N1-2 groups from N≥3 group with an AUC value of 0.856. All parameters revealed excellent inter-observer agreement with inter-reader consistencies data ranging from 0.931 to 0.987.Conclusion: By employing FOCUS DWI method, the analysis of whole-lesion ADC histogram quantitatively provides a non-invasive way to evaluate the degree of ALN metastatic spread in early-stage breast cancer.
Identifications and in silico analysis of a spectrum of SLC4A11 mutations in Indian familial and non-familial cases of congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy
Authors: Salman Mohd , Verma Anshuman , Chaurasia Sunita , Prasad Deeksha , Kannabiran Chitra , Singh Vivek , RAMAPPA MURALIDHAR 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) is a rare form of corneal dystrophy and is known to be caused by SLC4A11 gene mutation. The purpose of this study is to find genetic alterations in SLC4A11 using direct sequencing in two Indian familial CHED cases with affected members n=3 and n=2 respectively and five non-familial cases with a single affected member, followed by in silico characterization of identified mutations. Results: All three affected members of the first CHED family were identified with novel hom. c.1514C>G (p.Ser489Trp) mutation while second family showed presence of novel compound heterozygous mutation- het c.529A>C (p.Arg161Arg) + het c.2461insT (p.Val805fs). Among five non-familial cases, two showed novel changes hom. c.1487G>T (p.Ser480Ile) and hom. c.620-2A>G respectively, while the other one had previously reported hom. c.2653C>T (p.Arg869Cys) mutation. The remaining two cases did not reveal the presence of SLC4A11 related pathogenic mutations. Identified mutations were excluded from a large number of controls (n=80) and analyzed in silico using homology-based protein modeling and pathogenicity prediction tools, which predicted these alterations to be pathogenic causing change in protein stability, protein local flexibility and decrease in hydrogen bond interactions. Conclusions: Our study contributed to CHED mutational spectrum adding four novel mutations and confirming a previously reported mutation. Our study demonstrated a spectrum of mutations ranging from coding, non-coding, homozygous, and synonymous compound heterozygous in CHED cases. The identified mutations demonstrated different degrees of pathogenic effects based on in silico analysis. In addition, two non-familial cases could not be identified with pathogenic mutation emphasizing the involvement of other genes or genetic mechanisms for such cases.
Repeated exposure to either consistently spatiotemporally congruent or consistently incongruent audiovisual stimuli modulates the audiovisual common-cause prior
Authors: Hong Fangfang , Badde Stephanie , Landy Michael 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
To estimate an environmental property such as object location from multiple sensory cues, the brain must infer their causal relationship. Only cues originating from the same source should be integrated. This inference relies on the characteristics of the cues as well as on a cross-modal common-cause prior: accumulated knowledge about the probability that cross-modal cues come from the same source. We examined the plasticity of this cross-modal common-cause prior. In a learning phase, participants were exposed to a series of audiovisual stimuli that were either consistently spatiotemporally congruent or consistently incongruent; participants’ audiovisual spatial integration was measured before and after this exposure. We fitted several Bayesian causal-inference models to the data; the models differed in the plasticity of the common-source prior. Model comparison revealed that, for the majority of the participants, the common-cause prior changed during the learning phase. Our findings reveal that short periods of exposure to audiovisual stimuli with a consistent causal relationship can modify the common-cause prior. In accordance with previous studies, both exposure conditions could either strengthen or weaken the common-cause prior at the participant-level. Simulations imply that the direction of the prior update might be mediated by the perceptual variability of the cues during the learning phase.
Retention index of FDG-PET/CT SUVmax of the primary tumor in non-small cell lung cancer as a predictor of lymph node metastasis: a retrospective study
Authors: Ema Toshinari , Kojima Hideaki , Mizuno Shinji , Hirai Tatsuo , Oka Mikako , Neyatani Hiroshi , Funai Kazuhito , Shiiya Norihiko 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Accurate staging of non-small cell lung cancer is key in treatment planning and prediction of prognosis. We investigated the correlation between the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) retention index (RI) of the primary tumor and lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung carcinoma. We also evaluated the tendencies according to the histological types.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 218 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors from 217 patients who underwent pre-operative fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) followed by lung surgery and lymph node resection between July 2015 and August 2020. All primary tumors were calculated as the SUVmax at 50 min (SUVmaxearly [SUVmaxe]) and 120 min (SUVmaxdelayed [SUVmaxd]), and RI. The clinico-pathological factors of interest were compared based on lymph node metastasis status and NSCLC histo-pathological subtype. Results: The median SUVmaxe and SUVmaxd of the primary tumor were 3.3 and 4.2, respectively, and the median RI was 0.25. The RI was significantly higher in the pN(+) (n = 44) group (0.30) compared to the pN0 (n = 174) group (0.24) (p = 0.01). In patients with adenocarcinoma (n = 145), the RI was also significantly higher in the pN(+) (n = 29) group (0.29) compared to the pN0 (n = 116) group (0.16) (p <0.01). A high RI of the primary tumor was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis, particularly in patients with adenocarcinoma (odds ratio: 12.30, p <0.05).Conclusions: The RI of primary NSCLC tumors can help predict lymph node metastases, particularly in patients with adenocarcinoma.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation and Proctectomy Improves Survival Irrespective of Pathologic Response in Rectal Adenocarcinoma: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Naffouje Samer A. , Liu Yuen-Joyce , Kamarajah Sivesh K , Salti George I , Dahdaleh Fadi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThis study sought to determine whether adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) compared to no AC (noAC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) and resection for rectal adenocarcinoma prolongs survival. Current guidelines from expert groups are conflicting, and data to support administering AC to patients who received neoadjuvant CRT are lacking. Methods19867 patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Mean age was 58.6±12.0 years, and 12396 (62.4%) were males. Complete response (CR) was documented in 3801 (19.1%) patients and 8167 (41.1%) received AC. The cohort was stratified into pathological complete (pCR, N=3,801) and incomplete (pIR, N=16,066) subgroups, and pIR further subcategorized into ypN0 (N=10,191) and ypN+ (N=5,875) subgroups. After propensity score matching, AC was associated with improved OS in the pCR subgroups (mean 139.1±1.9 vs. 134.0±2.2 months; p<0.001), in pIR ypN0 subgroup (141.6±1.5 vs. 129.9±1.2 months, p<0.001) and in pIR ypN+ subgroup (155.9±5.4 vs. 126.5±7.6 months; p<0.001). ResultsAC was associated with improved OS in patients who received neoadjuvant CRT followed by proctectomy for clinical stages II and III rectal adenocarcinoma. This effect persisted irrespective of pathological response status. ConclusionsAC following neoadjuvant CRT and surgery is associated with improved OS in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma. These findings warrant adoption of AC after neoadjuvant CRT and surgery for clinical stage II and III rectal adenocarcinoma.
Transcriptome wide identification and characterization of NAC Transcription factors in response to abiotic stress in Lowland bamboo [ Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A.rich) munro]
Authors: Adem Muhamed , Gadissa Fikadu , Zhao Kai , Beyene Dereje 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
NAC (NAM, no apical meristem, ATAF and CUC) are among the biggest plant transcription factor (TF) having important role in plant developmental and biological processes. NAC members which are found only in plant kingdom have distinct structures and diverse functions. They have tremendous role in cell differentiation and expansion, and hormone signaling in response to various stresses. Despite this importance, genome-wide analysis and expression profiling of NAC gene family under abiotic stress remains elusive in Ethiopian lowland bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica). In this study, a genome-wide identification of 220 O. abyssinica TFs having intact and complete NAC DNA binding domain (PF01849) have been made from abiotic stress induced transcriptome. The identification was followed by functional annotation, protein property, phylogenetic relationship and expression profiling. Accordingly, significant variations were observed regarding gene length, molecular weights and isoelectric points among NAC members. The expression level of randomly selected OaNACs were examined using qRT-PCR. The results were consistent with the RNA-Seq results, confirming the differential expression of selected genes. This informs the key role of NACs in regulating abiotic stress tolerances in O. abyssinica. In total, 142 of the 220 OaNACs are differentially expressed due to either drought or salinity stress. The biological involvement of 26 genes in stress response and the up-regulation 35 genes in expression analysis points the likely association of NACs in stress response and adaption in O. abyssinica. In this regard, this study lays the basis for further studies associated with NACs abiotic stress tolerance and adaptation in O. abyssinica and related plants.
Public Health Microbiological Quality and Safety Assessment of Addis Ababa City Drinking Water Sources, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Wolde Amsalu Mekonnen 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Water of poor quality can cause water borne diseases by bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasites. It has been frequently described responsible for millions morbidity and mortality. Therefore, quality and safety status of municipal drinking water of Addis Ababa should be regularly monitored in sustainable manner.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the bacteriological and parasitological quality and safety status of treated and non-treated municipal drinking water sources in Addis Ababa city.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out on drinking water sources such as public taps, reservoirs, springs and wells managed by Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority (AAWSA). 125ml drinking water of each 2951 samples were collected from all water sources and analyzed for bacteriological by Presence/ Absence (P-A) culturing method and 11L drinking water of each were collected from 25 selected reservoirs for parasites identification by direct microscopy.Results: This study revealed that there were 10% of all samples were positive for bacteriological parameters done by presence-absence method. Consequently, 7% and 3% were positive for total coli forms and faecal coli forms respectively. On the other hand, all parasitological tested samples from selected reservoirs were free from intestinal parasites.Conclusion: It was concluded that most Addis Ababa city drinking water sources had acceptable quality and were safe to drink. Samples were contaminated with fecal coli forms & total coli forms during the study period. It needs continuous screening and treating water sources to utmost important for prevention and control of infectious diseases caused by water transmitted pathogens.
Full-wave solver for massively multi-channel optics using augmented partial factorization
Authors: Lin Ho-Chun , Wang Zeyu , Hsu Chia Wei 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Multi-channel optical systems such as disordered media, metasurfaces, multi-mode fibers, and photonic circuits are of both fundamental and technological importance. However, their optical responses are difficult to describe in the presence of multiple scattering, strong coupling, and multi-path interference. Accurate modeling requires many large-scale simulations associated with the many input states, which currently take enormous computing resources. We propose an approach where all simulations are solved jointly and efficiently by augmenting the Maxwell operator with the source and the projection profiles, followed by a single partial factorization. This method applies to any linear system with any type of inputs, and benchmarks show it uses less memory and is 1,000 to 30,000,000 times faster than existing methods. It opens the door to previously inaccessible studies across disciplines involving multi-channel wave transport. As pilot examples, we realize, for the first time, full-wave simulations of entangled-photon backscattering from disorder and all-angle characterizations of aperiodic metasurfaces that are thousands of wavelengths wide.
Effects of extracellular vesicles derived from oral bacteria on osteoclast differentiation and activation
Authors: Kim Hyun Young , Song Min-Kyoung , Lim Younggap , Jang Ji Sun , An Sun-Jin , Kim Hong-Hee , Choi Bong-Kyu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Dysbiosis of the oral microbiota plays an important role in the progression of periodontitis, which is characterized by chronic inflammation and alveolar bone loss, and associated with systemic diseases. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain various bioactive molecules and show diverse effects on host environments depending on the bacterial species. Recently, we reported that EVs derived from Filifactor alocis, a Gram-positive periodontal pathogen, had osteoclastogenic activity. In the present study, we analysed the osteoclastogenic potency and immunostimulatory activity of EVs derived from the Gram-negative periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, the oral commensal bacterium Streptococcus oralis, and the gut probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri. Bacterial EVs were purified by density gradient ultracentrifugation using OptiPrep™ reagent. EVs from P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and S. oralis increased osteoclast differentiation and osteoclstogenic cytokine expression in osteoclast precursors, whereas EVs from L. reuteri did not. EVs from P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and S. oralis preferentially activated TLR2 rather than TLR4 or TLR9, and induced osteoclastogenesis mainly through TLR2. The osteoclastogenic effects of EVs from P. gingivalis and T. forsythia were reduced by both lipoprotein lipase and polymyxin B, an inhibitor of LPS, while the osteoclastogenic effects of EVs from S. oralis were reduced by lipoprotein lipase alone. These results demonstrate that EVs from periodontal pathogens and oral commensal have osteoclastogenic activity through TLR2 activation by lipoproteins and/or lipopolysaccharide.
Freehand S2-alar-iliac screw technique in lumbosacral spinal tumors
Authors: Xu Lun , Zhang Zhichao , Cai Weiluo , Cheng Mo , Hu Xianglin , Sun Zhengwang , Wang Shengping , Yan Wangjun , Huang Wending 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: S2-alar-iliac (S2AI) screw technique is widely used in spinal surgery, but it is rarely seen in the field of spinal tumors. The aim of the study is to report the preliminary outcomes of the freehand S2AI screw fixation after lumbosacral tumor resection.Methods The records of patients with lumbosacral tumor who underwent S2AI screw fixation between November 2016 to November 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. A freehand S2AI screw technique was performed by senior spine surgeons. Patients’ demographic data, radiographic findings, complications and overall survival were analyzed.Results A total of 23 patients were identified in this study, including 12 males and 11 females, with an average age of 47.3±14.5 (range,15-73). The mean operation time was 224.6±54.1 (range, 155-370 minutes). The average estimated blood loss was 1560.9±887.0 (600-4000 ml). A total of 46 S2AI screws were implanted by freehand technique. CT scans showed 3 (6.5%) screws had penetrated the iliac cortex, indicating a 93.5% of implantation accuracy rate. No complications of iatrogenic neurovascular or visceral structure were observed. The average follow-up time was 31.6±15.3 months (range, 13-60 months). Two patients’ plain radiographies showed lucent zone around the screw. One patient underwent reoperation for wound delayed-infection. At the latest follow-up, eight patients had tumor-free survival, 11 had survival with tumor, and 4 died of disease.Conclusion S2AI screw fixation is a repeatable and reliable technique for lumbosacral tumor surgery. Long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the S2AI screws.
The impact of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver disease on Bone Mineral Density of Lumbar Spine in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Du Juan , Huang Changquan , Ma Yan , Lang Hongmei , Zhang Xingping 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the association between Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: The lumbar BMD of 1088 subjects was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Liver fat content was quantified via ultrasound. According to clinical diagnosis, subjects were divided into T2DM and non diabetes groups. The groups were further divided into NAFLD and non- NAFLD groups. Student’s t-test assessed the differences in BMD between the NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups. Multivariable linear regression analysis adjusted for confounders was performed to evaluate the association between lumbar BMD and NAFLD. Results: The lumbar BMD in the T2DM group and the non diabetes group was higher in the NAFLD group than in the non-NAFLD group (P<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis in the T2DM group showed that after adjusting for confounders, the association between lumbar spine BMD and NAFLD remained (P=0.027). In the non diabetes group, after adjusting for confounders, the association between NAFLD and lumbar spine BMD disappeared. Conclusions: The lumbar BMD of NAFLD patients is higher than that of non-NAFLD. After adjusting for confounding factors, lumbar BMD was associated with NAFLD in T2DM patients but not in non diabetes patients.
Implementation of a close-care model, team-talk, and person-centred tailored time; keys to support the complex care of older adults with multiple needs at home
Authors: Anbacken Els-Marie , Östlund Gunnel , Zander Viktoria , Bondesson Anna , Pettersson Tina , Gustafsson Lena-Karin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: This study aims to describe the pros and cons of the implementation of a close-care model for older adults with complex care needs living at home. The goal was to diminish hospitalization and still carry out high quality care at home. The close-care model was implemented by two organizations working in cooperation, the municipality, and the region. These handle social care and healthcare at the local level in Sweden to further develop safe and secure home care. Method: Six focus group interviews with personnel were carried out, half of them before the start of applying the new close-care model, and half after one year from close-care model implementation. The interviews were taped and analysed thematically.Results: Secured care satisfaction, Person tailored time, Shared professionalism, Care-chain cooperation, Caring for the next of kin were identified themes. Enrolled nurses emphasized the importance of securing professional and older person care satisfaction. The results further highlighted opportunities for being cared for at home even though the adults had multiple needs, by receiving person tailored time. Shared professionalism through close-care team-talks included nurses with different educational levels as well as rehabilitation professionals, and when needed a physician. Care-chain cooperation was another theme discussed and was experienced as delimiting repeated hospitalization. The close-care model also included person centred care as well as time to include the next of kin in the caring situation not least during palliative phases of the process. Conclusions: Trust and cooperation dilemmas are yet to be solved regarding shared professionalism and person tailored time which concerns enrolled nurses’ working conditions, and staffing stability. Another aspect is the existing digital communication boundaries between healthcare and social care organizations.