bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technical note: Evaluation of artificial 120‐kilovolt computed tomography images for radiation therapy applications
Authors: Tao Shengzhen , Gong Hao , Michalak Gregory , McCollough Cynthia , Leng Shuai , Hu Yanle 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this work is to evaluate the scaled computed tomography (CT) number accuracy of an artificial 120 kV reconstruction technique based on phantom experiments in the context of radiation therapy planning.MethodsAn abdomen‐shaped electron density phantom was scanned on a clinical CT scanner capable of artificial 120 kV reconstruction using different tube potentials from 70 to 150 kV. A series of tissue‐equivalent phantom inserts (lung, adipose, breast, solid water, liver, inner bone, 30%/50% CaCO3, cortical bone) were placed inside the phantom. Images were reconstructed using a conventional quantitative reconstruction kernel as well as the artificial 120 kV reconstruction kernel. Scaled CT numbers of inserts were measured from images acquired at different kVs and compared with those acquired at 120 kV, which were deemed as the ground truth. The relative error was quantified as the percentage deviation of scaled CT numbers acquired at different tube potentials from their ground truth values acquired at 120 kV.ResultsScaled CT numbers measured from images reconstructed using the conventional reconstruction demonstrated a strong kV‐dependence. The relative error in scaled CT numbers ranged from 0.6% (liver insert) to 31.1% (cortical bone insert). The artificial 120 kV reconstruction reduced the kV dependence, especially for bone tissues. The relative error in scaled CT number was reduced to 0.4% (liver insert) and 2.6% (30% CaCO3 insert) using this technique. When tube potential selection was limited to the range of 90 to 150 kV, the relative error was further restrained to <1.2% for all tissue types.ConclusionPhantom results demonstrated that using the artificial 120 kV technique, it was feasible to acquire raw projection data at the desired tube potential and then reconstruct images with scaled CT numbers comparable to those obtained directly at 120 kV. In radiotherapy applications, this technique may allow optimization of tube potential without complicating clinical workflow by eliminating the necessity of maintaining multiple sets of CT calibration curves.
Registration of TN13‐4304 soybean germplasm with good yield, high meal protein, and resistance to peanut and southern root knot nematode
Authors: Fallen Ben , Cunicelli Mia , Wyman Chris , Pantalone Vince 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTN13‐4304 (Reg. no. GP‐450, PI 699660) is a conventional late maturity group (MG) IV (relative maturity 4.9) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] with high seed yield potential, high meal protein, and resistance to southern root knot nematode, peanut root knot nematode, and stem canker. It was developed and released by the University of Tennessee soybean breeding program. TN13‐4304 was developed from reselection within the Asian Vegetable Development Center cultivar ‘AGS 292’, which was originally released for use in the edamame market. In replicated field trials across 26 environments of the USDA Southern Soybean Preliminary MG V Early and Uniform MG V Tests, TN13‐4304 yielded 108 and 101%, respectively, of the average yield of the commercial checks. In the 2018 United Soybean Board Southern Diversity Yield Trials MG IV Late (USBDIV4L), tested across three states, TN13‐4304 yielded 115% of the average of three Asgrow commercial cultivars and had an average seed protein content and oil content of 429 and 219 g kg–1, respectively. In the same test the three Asgrow cultivars had an average seed protein content of 403 g kg–1 and an average oil content of 225 g kg–1, reported using a near infrared spectrometer. In the USBDIV4L, TN13‐4304 was one of only two genotypes that met all targets of yield, seed protein, oil, and meal protein in the test. TN13‐4304 has white flowers, gray pubescence, and a determinate growth habit. The pods have a tan pod wall and the seeds are yellow with smooth seed coats. For decades soybean genetic improvement has focused on increasing yield, which typically increased seed oil content at the expense of protein content in the meal. Although yield remains the top priority, improvements to seed composition have become very important and can have a significant impact on value. There is a limited supply of conventional (non‐genetically modified) germplasm lines available for soybean breeders. Typically, these are released by public land grant universities and by the USDA‐ARS. Release of soybean line TN13‐4304 would provide a conventional line with high protein meal and disease resistance that is useful for breeding programs.
Cancer and Covid‐19: A preliminary study on the trauma aspects of coronavirus in cancer patients
Authors: Mirandola Mara , Andreis Federica , Abdel Kader Sonia , Bianchetti Margherita , Runcan Mariana , Malighetti Clelia , Meriggi Fausto , Zaniboni Alberto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveBecause of Covid 19, it has become necessary to revise the treatment of cancer patients (“how” and “when”). That has had important psychological repercussions. The purpose of this study is the evaluation of the impact of Covid19 in terms of Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression and the potential association with coping strategies.MethodsWe conducted an exploratory study with 106 patients undergoing treatment, using following questionnaires: Screening Questionnaire for Disaster Mental Health and Mini‐Mental Adjustment to Cancer.ResultsOnly 25.5% of our sample showed symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 6.6% revealed a probable presence of depression. In addition, it came up a significant correlation between SQD_P and the coping styles “Hopelessness” (r = 0.41 p < 0.001) and “Anxious Preoccupation” (r = 0.45, p < 0.001).A strong correlation also emerged between non‐Covid 19 patients and PTSD (r = 0.29, p = 0.002).ConclusionsOur preliminary data did not reveal a prevalence of PTSD, but the persistence of the health emergency requires to focus future research on protective and risk factors related to PTSD and psychological distress in cancer patients, in order to reduce the mental health burden of Covid19.
Are mass spectrometry imaging‐based diagnostics becoming reality?
Authors: Seeley Erin H. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTraditional histological tissue‐based diagnostics have been slow and often require large numbers of sections to interrogate for several different proteins with immunohistochemical stains. Often, due to small biopsy size, there is not sufficient material available to carry out all the desired tests on a patient sample. Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) enables the simultaneous detection of hundreds to thousands of analytes from a single tissue section. In recent years, great strides have been made to standardize MSI workflows and data analysis to make it an accessible tool for clinicians to use in patient diagnoses. This commentary highlights the advances by Janßen et al. toward this goal that are discussed in this issue (Proteomics Clin Appl., https://doi.org/10.1002/prca.202100068).
A Q‐method survey of stream restoration practitioners in the Driftless Area, USA
Authors: Lundberg Emma , Gottschalk Druschke Caroline , Booth Eric G. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractStream restoration has become increasingly common, both globally and specifically in the United States. Though stream restoration has become a common freshwater management practice, there are debates around what constitutes “success” in restored systems and whether this success should incorporate both scientific and stakeholder‐defined endpoints. In our study context, the Upper Mississippi River Basin's Driftless Area, conflicts over stream restoration practices often center on the management and use of Driftless Area streams, as practitioners navigate competing perspectives about restoration approaches alongside tensions over whose needs and interests should be prioritized in restoration planning and implementation. Based on the importance of stream restoration practitioner perspectives for mediating uncertainty and shaping on‐the‐ground projects, we asked (a) What are the main areas of conflict that emerge around Driftless Area stream restoration? (b) Can stream restoration practitioners be categorized into distinct groups based on their varying perspectives on stream restoration practices in the Driftless Area? (c) If so, what are these groups and how do they map onto the main areas of stream restoration conflict in the Driftless Area? We used Q‐method to identify and describe four perspectives about stream restoration practices and priorities in the Driftless Area. Our results suggest that (a) the differences between groups are related to concerns about best practices for stabilizing streambanks and post‐restoration monitoring. We found that (b) all four Q‐method identified groups agree that floodplain‐stream channel reconnection is an important aspect of restoration projects and that erosion is a big concern in the Driftless Area.
Topical Treatments for Kaposi Sarcoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Htet Kyaw Zin , Waul Michael Andrew , Leslie Kieron Seymour 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
While treatment options exist for solitary or disseminated Kaposi sarcoma (KS) disease, there are currently no standardized clinical treatment guidelines for cutaneous KS.

Objective
This systematic review seeks to identify safe and effective topical treatments for cutaneous KS lesions.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review using peer-reviewed articles from January 1970 to September 2021 published in the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases.

Results
From the initial search that yielded 590 studies, 34 met the inclusion criteria and were selected. Of the 34 studies, seven were clinical trials, 26 were case reports/series and one was a multicentre study. A total of 634 patients were included in our review. The three most common topical treatments used for cutaneous KS were imiquimod, alitretinoin and timolol. Topical alitretinoin was used in three case reports and three clinical trials. Topical imiquimod was used in eight case reports, one prospective phase II cohort study and one comparative single-blinded non-controlled clinical study. Topical timolol was used in nine case reports/series. Our review also identified reports of less widely used topical treatments for cutaneous KS. These include topical diphencyprone (DPCP), all-trans-retinoic-acid, rapamycin and bleomycin-dimethylsulfoxide (BLM-DMSO) which achieved variable response rates but have not been widely studied.

Conclusion
Topical alitretinoin, imiquimod and timolol demonstrated positive responses for cutaneous KS and the treatments were well tolerated. These three topical treatment modalities could be considered by clinicians when treating cutaneous KS.
Biophysical and Structural Insights in α‐Amylase and Bile Acids interaction
Authors: Bustos Ana Y. , de los Angeles Frias María , Ledesma Ana E. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAmylase is an enzyme exposed to the effect of bile acids (BAs) in intestine. BAs may potential reduce the activity of the enzyme. In this paper, an insight in biophysical and structural terms on how taurodeoxycholic and deoxycholic acids (TDCA and DCA, respectively) interact with α‐amylase is given, using UV‐visible, fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and molecular docking calculations. Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements, confirm that TDCA and DCA interact with α‐amylase with high affinity causing conformational changes. Also, DCA significantly modify the thermal denaturation of the protein. Besides, DCA induces a decrease in α‐helix and unordered region, together with an important increase in β‐sheet, modifying the surface charges of the protein and inducing the formation of protein aggregates producing a loss of activity. Docking results indicate that TDCA interacts with the surface of the enzyme, while DCA may stabilize inside the active site of α‐amylase thereby justifying its inhibitory mechanism. BAs acts as protein‐unfolding agents and the mechanism is dependent on the structure of the bile acid under study. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the interaction of BAs with proteins and its role as protein‐unfolding agents, at molecular level.
Nano‐Cocrystals of Piperine‐Succinic Acid: Physicochemical Characterization and Dissolution Rate Studies
Authors: Fitriani Lili , Fitriandi Annisa Dezura , Hasanah Uswatul , Zaini Erizal 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study was to prepare and characterize piperine‐succinic acid nano‐cocrystals in order to increase the solubility and dissolution rate of piperine. Nano‐cocrystals were prepared using a wet‐milling technique. Solid state characterization of the nano‐cocrystals was performed by particle size analysis (PSA), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FT‐IR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Solubility and dissolution rate study were carried out in CO2‐free distilled water medium. The PSA of the nano‐cocrystal samples showed the mean of particle size was 344.4±26.25 nm, with a zeta potential value of −2.2 mV. A decrease in the intensity of the diffraction peaks by PXRD analysis, as well as endothermic peaks and the fusion enthalpy value of piperine by DSC analysis were observed in the nano‐cocrystals. Solubility tests with the nano‐cocrystals showed an increase in solubility of 12.701‐fold compared to that of intact piperine. The percentage of dissolved piperine in the nano‐cocrystals after 60 minutes was 53.281 %. It can be concluded that the formation of piperine‐succinic acid as a nano‐cocrystal using a wet‐milling technique resulted in an increase in both the solubility and dissolution rate of piperine.
Recent Progress in Metal‐Incorporated Acyclic Schiff‐Base Derivatives: Biological Aspects
Authors: Nath Bikash Dev , Islam Md. Monarul , Karim Md. Rezaul , Rahman Shofiur , Shaikh Md. Aftab Ali , Georghiou Paris E. , Menelaou Melita 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSchiff‐base derivatives are widely used organic compounds and their metal complexes have been drawing much attention to chemists due to interesting structural features and unique properties. The presence of nitrogen containing imine groups (−C=N−) in Schiff‐bases as well as in their metallic complexes and the chelating properties of these compounds are responsible for their many unique biological properties. In this review, we have summarized various acyclic Schiff‐base ligands and their different metallic complexes which have been reported in the last one decade. Schiff‐bases and their metal complexes have shown a broad range of biological activities, including antifungal, antibacterial, antimalarial, antiproliferative, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, and antipyretic properties. We have reviewed and arranged the reported Schiff‐base derivatives according to their diverse biological applications, especially their anti‐bacterial and anti‐fungal activities, anti‐tumor and anti‐cancer activities, anti‐oxidant activities, anti‐inflammatory activities and other therapeutic and medicinal properties. The other component of this work as a review of the molecular structures of various Schiff‐bases since their molecular structures play a primary role in the biological properties. The presence of heteroatoms such as nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen with free electron pairs and aromatic rings in the structure of the Schiff‐bases play significant roles in determining their properties.
A Novel Levulinate‐Based Highly Specific Colorimetric Fluorescent Probe for Bisulfite Detection in Live Cells and Zebrafish
Authors: Zhao Zhenhua , Xing Liting , Feng Quanlin , Han Lin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBisulfite (HSO3−) is associated with many physiological processes in living systems. High concentration of HSO3− may lead to many diseases. Herein, a simple levulinate‐based colorimetric fluorescent probe for HSO3− detection was designed and synthesized. The probe showed high selectivity for HSO3− detection with color changes from light pink to deep pink. Under the optimal test conditions, there is a good linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and concentrations of HSO3− in the range of 0–50 μM with detection limit of 1.04 nM. In addition, the probe was successfully applied to monitor HSO3− in living cells and zebrafish, which proved that the probe can be used to detect HSO3− in living systems.
Biotransformation of metribuzin under various electron acceptor conditions
Authors: Phillips Thomas , Boopathy Raj 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMetribuzin is a triazine herbicide used in sugarcane fields to control broadleaf weeds. Metribuzin that is washed into waterways as runoff can be linked to hermaphroditism in frogs as well as algal and macrophyte death. Metribuzin degradation by bacteria is essential to reduce the half‐life of metribuzin in the environment. The objective of this study was to determine metribuzin degradation by various bacterial consortia developed from a sludge collected from a sewage treatment plant. The sludge was exposed to metribuzin under various electron acceptor conditions including, nitrate reducing, sulfate reducing, and mixed electron acceptor conditions. Results showed metribuzin was removed significantly under mixed electron acceptor condition when glucose served as a co‐substrate followed by sulfate reducing and nitrate reducing conditions. The major metabolites identified in metribuzin degradation were desamino‐metribuzin, diketo‐metribuzin, and desamino‐diketo‐metribuzin. Repeated exposure to metribuzin may help the bacteria to adapt and evolve metribuzin degrading enzymes.
Controlling CRISPR‐Cas9 by guide RNA engineering
Authors: Hu Lu‐Feng , Li Yu‐Xuan , Wang Jia‐Zhen , Zhao Yu‐Ting , Wang Yangming 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system is a product of million years of evolution by microbes to fight against invading genetic materials. Around 10 years ago, scientists started to repurpose the CRISPR as genetic tools by molecular engineering approaches. The guide RNA provides a versatile and unique platform for the innovation to improve and expand the application of CRISPR‐Cas9 system. In this review, we will first introduce the basic sequence and structure of guide RNA and its role during the function of CRISPR‐Cas9. We will then summarize recent progress on the development of various guide RNA engineering strategies. These strategies have been dedicated to improve the performance of CRISPR‐Cas9, to achieve precise spatiotemporal control of CRISPR‐Cas9, and to broaden the application of CRISPR‐Cas9. Finally, we will briefly discuss the uniqueness and advantage of guide RNA‐engineering based systems versus those with engineered Cas9 proteins and speculate potential future directions in guide RNA engineering.This article is categorized under:
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico
RNA Methods > RNA Nanotechnology
Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA‐Protein Complexes
Investing in a Resilient and Responsive Healthcare System During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sood Bulbul 
Published: April 2022

AbstractStrategies implemented by Jhpiego nationally and in 15 states of India to respond to the COVID- 19 emergency and to counter the devastating impact of the pandemic are discussed. By the time the nationwide lockdown was imposed in March, 2020, Jhpiego’s COVID-19 response strategy was in action. This strategy included strengthening the capacity of the health workforce, supporting the national and the state governments, and ensuring the continuation of essential health services including reproductive health services.Jhpiego mounted a swift multi-sectoral and multi-pronged program to provide technical support for enhancing the preparedness of the healthcare system across 15 states. Training and monitoring activities were conducted using virtual platforms. A decentralized approach was employed to co-design with the community local solutions for health problems. The thrust was on developing community-centered, community-owned, and community-driven programs. Digital technology, including tele-medicine and other innovative solutions, played a key part in these efforts. The program provided technical assistance for building a resilient healthcare system by strengthening governance mechanisms and facility-based preparedness, piloting an integrated disease surveillance system, enhancing the use of data to guide evidence-based decision-making, re-designing public health facilities, and setting-up rapid response teams which could be quickly mobilized to respond to crises.
The Twin Epidemics: TB and COVID-19 in India
Authors: Mehra Chapal 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCOVID-19 has disrupted the health systems in low- and middle-income countries and has consequently unleashed a global health crisis. The lack of preparedness is visible at multiple levels of the healthcare system in India. The health system is overwhelmed by the influx of COVID-19 cases, dislodging all other patients. An inadequate healthcare infrastructure with less than optimal human resources along with a rising case-load and serious supply chain disruptions, has resulted in fatigue, frustration, and anger among the health workforce on the one hand, and in an atmosphere of fear among the patients and healthcare workers, on the others.The media is filled with messages on the COVID-19 crisis. Forgotten in the hyperbole is that numerous other diseases continue to devastate India’s population. Of these, the most important is TB. India continues to bear the highest burden of TB in the world accounting for an estimated 2.8 million cases every year and killing more than 400,000 persons annually. TB kills 1,200 Indians every day.The symptoms of COVID-19 and TB are very similar. Both are respiratory air-borne diseases. Both diseases are heavily stigmatized. And both are associated with mental health problems. Gender disparities are apparent in TB and COVID-19, but the gendered aspects of these diseases is ignored in programming. The author argues that for all these reasons, these two diseases should be addressed in tandem. It is time to fight COVID-19 and TB just as it is time to invest in public health.
Social Media – Chancen und Risiken für die Rheumatologie
Authors: Haase I. , Mucke J. , Vossen D. , Knitza J. , Ruffer N. , Zeeck M. , Krusche M. 
Published: April 2022

ZusammenfassungDie Nutzung von sozialen Medien (Social Media) und sozialen Netzwerken (Social Networks) hat in den letzten Jahren stark zugenommen. Sie gewinnen als Informationskanäle sowohl im privaten als auch beruflichen Kontext immer mehr an Bedeutung. Auch in der Medizin werden Social Media bereits vielfältig eingesetzt. So sind Fachgesellschaften und Interessenverbände immer stärker in den sozialen Netzwerken vertreten. Durch die breite Nutzung und große Reichweite der Netzwerke ergeben sich neue Möglichkeiten auch für das Fach der Rheumatologie. Dieser Übersichtsartikel gibt einen Überblick über die Charakteristika einiger großer Social-Media-Plattformen und untersucht bisherige Publikationen aus diesem Themengebiet im Rahmen einer systematischen Analyse. Weiterhin werden Vorteile, aber auch potenzielle Risiken, die bei der Nutzung entstehen können, beschrieben.