bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the influencing factors and mechanisms (land use changes and check dams) controlling changes in the soil organic carbon of typical loess watersheds in China
Authors: Cao Taohong , She Dongli , Zhang Xiang , Yang Zhen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractStudying the distribution patterns and controlling mechanisms of soil organic carbon (SOC) based on the comprehensive performance of vegetation restoration and check dams at the watershed scale is important for understanding carbon cycling processes in nature. Two typical watersheds (Xinshui River and Zhujiachuan watershed) of the Loess Plateau were selected to evaluate the factors affecting the change in SOC content, and then the key factors were considered in the genetic algorithm‐support vector regression (GA‐SVR) model to predict SOC content. The results showed that the topography, vegetation, and soil characteristics had significant effects on the SOC content in the upland hillslopes, while the SOC content in the check dams was significantly affected by depth and soil characteristics. The soil organic carbon storage (TSOC) in the check dams could be evaluated and predicted by the vegetation index (NGRDI) and area of the subwatershed. The GA‐SVR model had good prediction accuracy and stable performance in predicting SOC content. According to the model simulation results, bulk density (BD), mean weight diameter (MWD), elevation, NGRDI, clay ratio (CR), and slope could be used to predict the surface SOC content of the Loess Plateau. Furthermore, depth, CR, MWD, BD, and median particle size (D50) could be applied in the model to predict the SOC content at different depths in the check dams. This study explored the potential control factors of SOC content and predicted SOC content from multiple angles, which can provide basic support for the study of the carbon sequestration on the Loess Plateau.
Impact of ineffective measures on the increasing land degradation in a monsoon‐dominated region of India: Issues and policy implications
Authors: Roy Paramita , Pal Subodh Chandra , Chakrabortty Rabin , Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Chowdhuri Indrajit , Saha Asish 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLand degradation is a phenomenon that affects many environment, including drylands, resulting in a long‐term decline in ecosystems and productivity loss in agriculture. Asia has the highest ranked position in land degradation, followed by Africa and Europe, respectively. In more than 100 countries, 2.6 billion people are suffering from land degradation, and more than 33% of the Earth's land surface is under desertification. Various natural causes are drought, tsunami, earthquake, fire, flood, etc., while anthropogenic causes are land degradation through land clearance, overgrazing, planting of unsuitable species, wrong agricultural practices, inappropriate irrigation schemes, urban sprawl, and pollution from industries. The implications and effects of land degradation have reduced the productivity of agricultural land, damaged basic resources and ecosystem functions, and caused biodiversity losses. The main aim of this study is to identify the impact of ineffective measures on land degradation in a monsoon dominated region of India. In our this study, we have applied the Indian soil erosion model to predict soil erosion due to the implementation of structural and non‐structural measures. Our study finally found non‐structural measures effective for the health of the soil. Implementation of sustainable agriculture practices can reduce environmental effects without affecting productivity. This research we hope will be beneficial to local and global policymakers and those developing regulations to manage the land degradation process.
Molecular autopsy and clinical family screening in a case of sudden cardiac death reveals ACTN2 mutation related to hypertrophic/dilated cardiomyopathy and a novel LZTR1 variant associated with Noonan syndrome
Authors: Kraoua Lilia , Jaouadi Hager , Allouche Mohamed , Achour Ahlem , Kaouther Hakim , Ahmed Habib Ben , Chaker Lilia , Maazoul Faouzi , Ouarda Fatma , Zaffran Stéphane , M'rad Ridha 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundGenetic cardiac diseases are the main trigger of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young adults. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent cardiomyopathy and accounts for 0.5 to 1% of SCD cases per year.MethodsHerein, we report a family with a marked history of SCD focusing on one SCD young adult case and one pediatric case with HCM.ResultsFor the deceased young adult, postmortem whole‐exome sequencing (WES) revealed a missense variant in the ACTN2 gene: c.355G > A; p.(Ala119Thr) confirming the mixed hypertrophic/dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype detected in the autopsy. For the pediatric case, WES allowed us the identification of a novel frameshift variant in the LZTR1 gene: c.1745delT; p.(Val582Glyfs*10) which confirms a clinical suspicion of HCM related to Noonan syndrome.ConclusionThe present study adds further evidence on the pathogenicity of ACTN2: p. Ala119Thr variant in SCD and expands the mutational spectrum of the LZTR1 gene related to Noonan syndrome.
AAPM task group report 303 endorsed by the ABS: MRI implementation in HDR brachytherapy—Considerations from simulation to treatment
Authors: Prisciandaro Joann , Zoberi Jacqueline (Esthappan) , Cohen Gil'ad , Kim Yusung , Johnson Perry , Paulson Eric , Song William , Hwang Ken‐Pin , Erickson Beth , Beriwal Sushil , Kirisits Christian , Mourtada Firas 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe task group (TG) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) implementation in high‐dose‐rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT)—Considerations from simulation to treatment, TG 303, was constituted by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine's (AAPM's) Science Council under the direction of the Therapy Physics Committee, the Brachytherapy Subcommittee, and the Working Group on Brachytherapy Clinical Applications. The TG was charged with developing recommendations for commissioning, clinical implementation, and on‐going quality assurance (QA). Additionally, the TG was charged with describing HDR BT workflows and evaluating practical consideration that arise when implementing MR imaging. For brevity, the report is focused on the treatment of gynecologic and prostate cancer. The TG report provides an introduction and rationale for MRI implementation in BT, a review of previous publications on topics including available applicators, clinical trials, previously published BT‐related TG reports, and new image‐guided recommendations beyond CT‐based practices. The report describes MRI protocols and methodologies, including recommendations for the clinical implementation and logical considerations for MR imaging for HDR BT. Given the evolution from prescriptive to risk‐based QA, an example of a risk‐based analysis using MRI‐based, prostate HDR BT is presented. In summary, the TG report is intended to provide clear and comprehensive guidelines and recommendations for commissioning, clinical implementation, and QA for MRI‐based HDR BT that may be utilized by the medical physics community to streamline this process. This report is endorsed by the American Brachytherapy Society.
Multi‐echo balanced SSFP with a sequential phase‐encoding order for functional MR imaging at 7T
Authors: Liang Huilou , Pan Ziyi , Qian Chencan , Liu Chengwen , Sun Kaibao , Weng Dehe , An Jing , Zhuo Yan , Wang Danny J. J. , Guo Hua , Xue Rong 
Published: June 2022

PurposeTo develop a 2D multi‐echo passband balanced SSFP (bSSFP) sequence using an echo‐train readout with a sequential phase‐encoding order (sequential multi‐echo bSSFP), and evaluate its performance in fast functional brain imaging at 7 T.MethodsAs images of sequential multi‐echo bSSFP exhibit multiple ghosts due to periodic k‐space modulations, a GRAPPA‐based reconstruction method was proposed to eliminate ghosting artifacts. MRI experiments were performed to compare the image quality of multi‐echo bSSFP and conventional single‐echo bSSFP. Submillimeter‐resolution fMRI using a checkerboard visual stimulus was conducted to compare the activation characteristics of multi‐echo bSSFP, conventional single‐echo bSSFP and standard gradient‐echo EPI (GE‐EPI).ResultsA higher mean structural similarity index was found between images of single‐echo bSSFP and multi‐echo bSSFP with a shorter echo train length (ETL). Multi‐echo bSSFP (ETL = 3) showed higher temporal SNR (tSNR) values than GRAPPA‐accelerated single‐echo bSSFP (R = 2). In submillimeter‐resolution fMRI experiments, multi‐echo bSSFP (ETL = 3) approached the imaging speed of GRAPPA‐accelerated single‐echo bSSFP (R = 2), but without tSNR penalty and reduced activation due to acceleration. The median t‐value and the number of significantly activated voxels were comparable between GE‐EPI and multi‐echo bSSFP (ETL = 3) that provides virtually distortion‐free functional images and inherits the activation patterns of conventional bSSFP.ConclusionSequential multi‐echo bSSFP (ETL = 3) is suitable for fast fMRI with submillimeter in‐plane resolution, and offers an option to accelerate bSSFP imaging without tSNR penalty like parallel imaging.
Highly rigid & transparent supramolecular fibrils of tyrosine
Authors: Adhikari Ramesh Y. , Pujols Jeiko J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractVarious peptides and amino acids can self‐assemble into fibrils in a solution environment both in vivo and in vitro. These fibrils can aggregate as amyloids in the organs of individuals with certain genetic mutations, and can also be assembled in‐vitro for their potential application as bioinspired and biocompatible material. Here, we present our study of the mechanical properties of self‐assembled fibrils of enantiomers of tyrosine, one of the essential amino acids found in living systems. We have observed that Young's modulus of fibrils of L‐tyrosine, the biologically relevant enantiomer, can be as high as 43 GPa with a point stiffness of about 454 N m–1 making these fibrils to be one of the highly rigid bioinspired structures. We have also observed that films of highly rigid L‐tyrosine fibrils also have high optical transmittance of 65% while films of enantiomer D‐tyrosine fibrils and fibrils of an equimolar mixture of D‐ and L‐tyrosine are opaque. This suggests that individual amino acids can self‐assemble into highly rigid fibrils and opens up avenues for using amino acids for constructing mechanically robust structures with varying optical properties.
Physicomechanical and cellular behavior of 3D printed polycaprolactone/poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) scaffold containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and extracellular matrix nanoparticles for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Alidadi Shamsabadi Zahra , Mahdavi Hamid , Shojaei Shahrokh , Salehi Hossien , Valiani Ali 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe common disease of articular cartilage is osteoarthritis, which can be diagnosed with the degradation of the articular cartilage a well as formation of osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, synovial inflammation and ultimate loss of joint function. Due to the lack of articular cartilage regeneration as well as shortage of appropriate treatment, tissue engineering has been widely used to fabricate hybrid scaffolds for supporting cartilage tissue regeneration using 3D fabrication and design techniques. In this study a 3D scaffold was designed using polycaprolactone (PCL)/poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) biomaterial inks. Moreover, in order to achieve mechanical consistency and optimize the printing process, different concentrations of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles including 0, 3 and 5 (% w/v) were added. The cartilage derived extracellular matrix (ECM) particles were used as the filler to improve hydrophilicity, optimal porosity formation, optimal mechanical properties and print resolution. The samples were evaluated in terms of morphology, thermal properties, physicochemical structure, hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, biodegradation as well as thermal and cell culture study. Results showed that the compressive modulus of the PCL/PLGA/20%ECM/3%POSS 3D printed scaffolds was higher than other scaffolds. By adding 20% (w/w) ECM to the basic biomaterial ink viscosity of the biomaterial ink, porosity and water uptake were increased significantly. The 3D printed scaffold containing PCL/PLGA/5%POSS/20%ECM components demonstrated high biocompatibility as well as cell viability. Therefore, it was concluded that 3% POSS accompanying 20% ECM addition was the most suitable bioink composition for fabricating the most biocompatible and applicable scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering applications.
Low‐rank fusion convolutional neural network for prediction of remission after stereotactic radiosurgery in patients with acromegaly: a proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Qiao Nidan , Yu Damin , Wu Guoqing , Zhang Qilin , Yao Boyuan , He Min , Ye Hongying , Zhang Zhaoyun , Wang Yongfei , Wu Hanfeng , Zhao Yao , Yu Jinhua 
Published: June 2022

AbstractArtificial intelligence approaches to analyze pathological images (pathomic) for outcome prediction have not been sufficiently considered in the field of pituitary research. A total of 5,504 hematoxylin & eosin‐stained pathology image tiles from 58 acromegalic patients with a good or poor outcome were integrated with other clinical and genetic information to train a low‐rank fusion convolutional neural network (LFCNN). The model was externally validated in 1,536 patches from an external cohort. The primary outcome was the time to the first endocrine remission after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The median time of initial endocrine remission was 43 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 13–60 months) after SRS, and the 24‐month initial cumulative remission rate was 57.9% (IQR: 46.4–72.3%). The patient‐wise accuracy of the LFCNN model in predicting the primary outcome was 92.9% in the internal test dataset, and the sensitivity and specificity were 87.5 and 100.0%, respectively. The LFCNN model was a strong predictor of initial cumulative remission in the training cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 9.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.89–23.59; p < 0.001) and was higher than that of established prognostic markers. The predictive value of the LFCNN model was further validated in an external cohort (HR 9.06, 95% CI 1.14–72.25; p = 0.012). In this proof‐of‐concept study, clinically and genetically useful prognostic markers were integrated with digital images to predict endocrine outcomes after SRS in patients with active acromegaly. The model considerably outperformed established prognostic markers and can potentially be used by clinicians to improve decision‐making regarding adjuvant treatment choices. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Brentuximab vedotin in the treatment of paediatric patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma: Results of a real‐life study
Authors: Massano Davide , Carraro Elisa , Mussolin Lara , Buffardi Salvatore , Barat Veronica , Zama Daniele , Muggeo Paola , Vendemini Francesca , Sau Antonella , Moleti Maria Luisa , Verzegnassi Federico , D'Amico Salvatore , Casini Tommaso , Garaventa Alberto , Schiavello Elisabetta , Cellini Monica , Vinti Luciana , Farruggia Piero , Perruccio Katia , Cesaro Simone , De Santis Raffaela , Marinoni Maddalena , D'Alba Irene , Mura Rosa Maria , Burnelli Roberta , Mascarin Maurizio , Pillon Marta 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundBrentuximab vedotin (BV) is an antibody drug‐conjugated anti‐CD30 approved for the treatment of adult classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), whereas it is considered as off‐label indication in paediatrics. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BV to treat patients aged less than 18 years with refractory/relapsed HL.Materials and methodsIn this multicentre, retrospective study, 68 paediatric patients who received at least one dose of BV between November 2011 and August 2020 were enrolled. A median of nine doses of BV were administered as monotherapy (n = 31) or combined with other therapies (n = 37). BV was administrated alone as consolidation therapy after stem cell transplantation (SCT) in 12 patients, before SCT in 18 patients, whereas in 15 patients it was used before and after SCT as consolidation therapy. Median follow‐up was 2.8 years (range: 0.6–8.9 years).ResultsThe best response was observed in the 86% of patients; the overall response rate was 66%. The 3‐year progression‐free survival was 58%, whereas the overall survival was 75%. No statistically significant differences between patients treated with BV monotherapy or combination were highlighted. In multivariate analysis, patients with non‐nodular sclerosis HL and not transplanted had an increased risk of failure. Overall, 46% of patients had grade 3–4 adverse events that led to BV discontinuation in five of them.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study confirms that BV was a safe and effective drug, able to induce complete remission, either as monotherapy or in association with standard therapy.
Functionalization of poly(methyl acrylate) with formate esters and polyester through ester‐ester exchange reaction
Authors: Katoh Takayoshi , Ohta Yoshihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAlkoxide‐catalyzed ester‐ester exchange reaction of poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) with alkyl formate or polyester was investigated. In the transesterification of PMA with benzyl formate (1a), we found that the reaction of PMA with 2 equivalents of 1a in the presence of 5 mol% of potassium tert‐butoxide (tBuOK) in diglyme under reduced pressure (90 Torr) at 120°C resulted in quantitative conversion of the methyl ester moiety of PMA to the benzyl ester. Under similar conditions, hexyloxy, 2‐methylpentyloxy, and 2‐pyrenemethoyl groups were introduced into PMA with high efficiency by means of the transesterification of PMA with the corresponding formate. Furthermore, the transesterification of PMA with 23 mol% of poly(dodecamethylene isophthalate) (PEs) proceeded in the presence of 7 mol% of tBuOK in diglyme at 120°C for 1 day to afford PMA grafted with PEs (composition molar ratio PEs/PMA = 19/81). As another approach to the graft copolymer, we attempted the polycondensation of 1,12‐dodecanediol formate (2) and methyl isophthalate (3) in the presence of 20 mol% of PMA and 5 mol% of tBuOK in toluene under reduced pressure at 60°C, but this reaction afforded a gel. However, the polycondensation of 2 and 3 followed by the reaction with PMA at 60°C gave a soluble graft copolymer with PEs/PMA = 87/13 in good yield.
A ready‐to‐use fast gelation/liquefying hydrogel towards enzyme free three‐dimensional cell culture
Authors: Dong Xiaofei , Jiang Zhiqi , Hu Qiaoling 
Published: June 2022

AbstractTrypsin treatment employed in traditional cell desorption method cause the damage of extracellular matrix protein and cell membrane integrity. Two‐dimensional thermo‐sensitive cell culture dish has the limitation of insufficient area. This report describes an ingenious design and synthesis of a thermoresponsive chitosan‐based hydrogel, N‐succinyl chitosan (NSCS) grafted poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), named NSCS‐g‐PNIPAM. We then demonstrate the ultrafast gelation and liquefying of NSCS‐g‐PNIPAM by reversibly tuning the temperature of hydrogel solution above (gelation) or below (liquefying) 32°C. These unique features render the NSCS‐g‐PNIPAM hydrogel an ideal matrix for enzyme‐free three‐dimensional cell culture. As an exemplar, the skeleton muscle cell is chosen for in vitro cellular studies. The data suggests that after seven passages and harvesting, the amount of total protein, laminin and fibronectin of cell collected from the thermoreponsive hydrogel group shows unsignificant decrease after seven passages. The proteins on the cell surface are well protected compared to the conventional trypsin‐treated method. In addition, by labeling the NSCS‐g‐PNIPAM hydrogels with tetraphenylethylene (TPE)‐based aggregation‐induced‐emission (AIE) luminogenes, NSCS‐g‐PNIPAM were observed by confocal microscopy and they remain outside during entire cell culturing period.
Germline genetics of prostate cancer
Authors: Khan Hiba M. , Cheng Heather H. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundAn important fraction (>/~10%) of men with high‐risk, localized prostate cancer and metastatic prostate cancer carry germline (heritable) pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants (also known as mutations) in DNA repair genes. These can represent known or suspected autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndromes. Growing evidence suggests that pathogenic variants in key genes involved in homologous recombination and mismatch DNA repair are important in prostate cancer initiation and/or the development of metastases.AimsHere we provide a comprehensive review regarding individual genes and available literature regarding risks for developing prostate cancer, and discuss current national guidelines for germline genetic testing in the prostate cancer population and treatment implications.ResultsThe association with prostate cancer risk and treatment implications is best understood for those with germline mutations of BRCA2, with emerging data supporting associations with ATM, CHEK2, BRCA1, HOXB13, MSH2, MSH6, PALB2, TP53 and NBN. Treatment implications in the metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer setting include rucaparib and olaparib, and pembrolizumab with potential clinical trial opportunities in earlier disease settings.DiscussionThe data summarized in this review has led to the expansion of national guidelines for germline genetic testing in prostate cancer. We review these guidelines, and discuss the importance of cascade genetic testing of relatives, diverse populations with attention to inclusion, as well as prostate cancer screening updates and clinical trial opportunities for men who carry genetic risk factors for prostate cancer.
Model‐informed bridging of rivaroxaban doses for thromboprophylaxis in pediatric patients aged 9 years and older with congenital heart disease
Authors: Willmann Stefan , Ince Ibrahim , Ahsman Maurice , Coboeken Katrin , Zhang Yang , Thelen Kirstin , Kubitza Dagmar , Zannikos Peter , Zhou Wangda , Pina Liza Miriam , Post Teun , Lippert Jörg 
Published: June 2022

AbstractRivaroxaban is approved in various regions for the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children aged between 0 and 18 years and was recently investigated for thromboprophylaxis in children aged between 2 and 8 years (with body weights <30 kg) with congenital heart disease who had undergone the Fontan procedure. In the absence of clinical data, rivaroxaban doses for thromboprophylaxis in post‐Fontan children aged 9 years and older or ≥30 kg were derived by a bridging approach that used physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) and population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models based on pharmacokinetic (PK) data from 588 pediatric patients and from adult patients who received 10 mg once daily for thromboprophylaxis after major orthopedic surgeries as a reference. Both models showed a tendency toward underestimating rivaroxaban exposure in post‐Fontan patients aged between 2 and 5 years but accurately described rivaroxaban PK in post‐Fontan patients aged between 5 and 8 years. Under the assumption that hepatic function is not impaired in post‐Fontan patients, PBPK and popPK simulations indicated that half of the rivaroxaban doses for the same body weight given to pediatric patients treated for acute VTE would yield in pediatric post‐Fontan patients exposures similar to the exposure observed in adult patients receiving 10 mg rivaroxaban once daily for thromboprophylaxis. Simulation‐derived doses (7.5 mg rivaroxaban once daily for body weights 30–<50 kg and 10 mg once daily for body weights ≥50 kg) were therefore included in the recent US label of rivaroxaban for thromboprophylaxis in children aged 2 years and older with congenital heart disease who have undergone the Fontan procedure.