bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physicians' level of hindrance by body hair in dermatoscopy and clinical benefit of an automated hair removal algorithm
Authors: Fink Christine , Uhlmann Lorenz , Vogt Karsten , Schneiderbauer Roland , Menzer Christian , Toberer Ferdinand , Schank Timo E. , Enk Alexander , Haenssle Holger A. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryBackground and objectivesDermatoscopy may be hindered by body hair, and the development of an automated hair removal algorithm (AuHRA) might improve the diagnostic accuracy. However, the physicians' exact level of hindrance and the clinical benefit attained by AuHRA has not been assessed. The objectives of this study are to quantify the physicians' level of hindrance by body hair and the level of improvement in the visibility of underlying dermatoscopic patterns after application of AuHRA to digital images of hair‐covered nevi.Patients and methodsA cross‐sectional reader study including 59 sets of dermatoscopic images of benign nevi that were presented to six dermatologists. Each set included three images of one individual nevus (unshaved/physically shaved/digitally shaved with AuHRA), which were compared to each other within each set to assess the level of improvement caused by hair removal.ResultsIn comparison to unshaved lesions, dermatologists attributed the highest mean level of improvement to a physical shave (+1.36, p < 0.001) followed by AuHRA's digital shave (+0.79, p < 0.001). The majority of dermatologists considered the application of AuHRA as helpful and confirmed a medical need.ConclusionsThe dermatologists in our study confirmed a substantial impairment of the dermatoscopic examination by body hair. We demonstrated a clinical benefit attained by AuHRA in comparison to unshaved or physically shaved lesions.
Concurrently burrowing host fly larvae reciprocally enhance pupation depth to minimise parasitism risk
Authors: Okuyama Toshinori 
Published: November 2019

1. Variation in parasitism risk among hosts is a key factor influencing host–parasitoid interactions; however, within‐patch variation (as opposed to between‐patch variation) in parasitism risk has hardly been studied. This study investigated the mechanisms of within‐patch variation in parasitism risk in the oriental fruit fly,Bactrocera dorsalis(Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae).2.Bactrocera dorsalispupates underground. Previous studies have shown that pupae at greater depths have a reduced risk of parasitism by a pupal parasitoidDirhinus giffardii(Silvestri) (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae). When a pupa near the ground surface is parasitised, the victim may decrease the risk of parasitism risk for pupae located at deeper depths. It was hypothesised that larvae will pupate at greater depths when they perceive the presence of conspecifics because of the benefit of pupating deeper than other individuals.3. In a series of laboratory experiments, the effects of three factors on pupation depth were examined, including: (i) the density of larvae during development; (ii) the density of concurrently burrowing larvae; and (iii) the presence of pre‐existing pupae in the pupation substrate. Only the density of concurrently burrowing larvae influenced pupation depth, which suggests that when a burrowing larva perceives the presence of other burrowing larvae, it aims to burrow deeper than them.4. This study shows not only that parasitism risk is variable among pupae within a patch, but also that it is density‐dependent. A commonly made assumption (i.e. the absence of within‐patch variability in parasitism risk) needs to be re‐evaluated in a wide range of host–parasitoid systems.
The citizen‐makers: Ethical dilemmas in immigrant integration
Authors: Orgad Liav 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe topic of citizen‐making—turning migrants into citizens—is one of the most politically contested policy areas in Europe. Access to European citizenship is governed by national law with almost no EU regulation. The Article brings to the fore normative concerns associated with citizen‐making policies in Europe (Section 2). It examines ethical dilemmas involved in the process of creating new citizens (Section 3) and promotes the adoption of a European legal framework on access to citizenship (Section 4). The overall claim is that every newcomer will be required to demonstrate, as a prerequisite for citizenship, attachments to the constitution of the specific Member State, yet the test will be functional, flexible and non‐exclusive. As the topic of EU citizenship law is currently at the centre of the European agenda, this article has both theoretical significance and policy implications.
Hand hygiene compliance in intensive care units: An observational study
Authors: Hoffmann Magdalena , Sendlhofer Gerald , Gombotz Veronika , Pregartner Gudrun , Zierler Renate , Schwarz Christine , Tax Christa , Brunner Gernot 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimHealth care–associated infections along with antibiotic resistance are a leading risk for patient safety in intensive care units. Hygienic hand disinfection is still regarded as the most effective, simplest, and most cost‐effective measure to reduce health care–associated infections. To improve hand hygiene compliance and to prevent health care–associated infections, interventions of the “German Clean Hands Campaign” were implemented in a university hospital.MethodsObservational single‐center study using direct observation and feedback. Hand hygiene performance was assessed in 12 intensive care units between 2013 and 2017. Linear mixed model regression analyses were used to estimate the compliance trend over time.ResultsIn total, 10 315 “my five moments for hand hygiene” were observed. The mean hand hygiene compliance rates increased from 75.1% to 88.6% during the study period, yielding an estimated increase of about 4.5% per year. However, there are differences in compliance between occupational groups (physicians: between 61.2% and 77.1%; nurses: between 80.2% and 90.9%; others: between 61.3% and 82.4%).ConclusionsAfter implementation of the “German Clean Hands Campaign” interventions, an overall significant improvement of hand hygiene was detected. Compliance measurements helped to raise awareness among health care professional groups.
Gender differences in metabolic syndrome risk factors among patients with serious mental illness
Authors: Tzeng Wen‐Chii , Chiang Yu‐Shuang , Feng Hsin‐Pei , Chien Wu‐Chien , Tai Yueh‐Ming , Chen Mei‐Jung 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components continue to increase among patients with serious mental illness. This cross‐sectional study investigated whether metabolic syndrome prevalence and risk factors differ between male and female patients with serious mental illness. In total, 260 eligible patients were recruited from two hospitals. The data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviour factors, biochemistry, and anthropometry were collected. Analyses were performed using multivariate logistic regression. Metabolic syndrome prevalence was 40.8% (35.1% in men and 46.8% in women). Among patients aged 40–49 years, metabolic syndrome prevalence was higher in men; however, the trend was reversed among patients aged 50 years or older. Notably, gender‐specific metabolic syndrome risk factors were observed. In men, they included low education level, high body mass index (BMI), prolonged illness, comorbid physical illness, and diagnosis of bipolar disorder, whereas they included being married, old age, and high BMI in women. Our findings suggest that mental health professionals should consider the gender‐ and age‐based metabolic syndrome prevalence trend in patients with serious mental illness when designing interventions for the study population to minimize metabolic syndrome prevalence.
Clinical characteristics, predictors, and performance of case definition—Interim results from the WHO global respiratory syncytial virus surveillance pilot
Authors: Hirve Siddhivinayak , Crawford Nigel , Palekar Rakhee , Zhang Wenqing ,   the WHO RSV surveillance Group
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe lack of a uniform surveillance case definition poses a challenge to characterize the epidemiology, clinical features, and disease burden of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Global standards for RSV surveillance will inform immunization policy when RSV vaccines become available.MethodsThe WHO RSV surveillance pilot leverages the capacities of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). Hospitalized and non‐hospitalized medically attended patients of any age were tested for RSV using standardized molecular diagnostics throughout the year in fourteen countries. An extended severe acute respiratory infection (extended SARI) or an acute respiratory infection (ARI) case definition was used that did not require fever as a criterion.ResultsAmongst 21 221 patients tested for RSV between January 2017 and September 2018, 15 428 (73%) were hospital admissions. Amongst hospitalized RSV‐positive patients, 50% were aged <6 months and 88% <2 years. The percentage of patients testing positive for RSV was 37% in children <6 months and 25% in those aged 6 months to 2 years. Patients with fever were less likely to be RSV positive compared to those without fever (OR 0.74; 95% CI: 0.63‐0.86). For infants <6 months, 29% of RSV ARI cases did not have fever.ConclusionRequiring fever in a case definition for RSV lowers the sensitivity to detect cases in young children. Countries should consider ways to leverage the GISRS platform to implement RSV surveillance with an augmented case definition amongst the young pediatric population.
Lexicographic optimization‐based clustering search metaheuristic for the multiobjective flexible job shop scheduling problem
Authors: Bissoli Dayan C. , Zufferey Nicolas , Amaral André R. S. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn recent years, the flexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSP) has received a great deal of attention from researchers not only due to its complexity but also due to its wide range of applications in the industry. The FJSP extends the job shop scheduling problem (JSP) by allowing operations to be processed by a set of alternative machines. Many of the studies found in the literature consider the objective of minimizing the largest completion time of the jobs, that is, the makespan. However, in the real context of industries, considering more than one criterion is often relevant. Thus, the present work addresses two additional criteria besides the makespan: minimizing the maximum workload of the machines and minimizing the total workload of the machines. Aiming at real cases, where it is necessary to define priorities among the criteria, a clustering search (CS) algorithm was implemented using a lexicographic classification of the objectives for solving the multiobjective FJSP (MOFJSP). The results of this study show that compared to the state‐of‐the‐art approach, CS is an effective alternative to solve the MOFJSP.
Proteomics of epicardial adipose tissue in patients with heart failure
Authors: Zhao Lei , Guo Zongsheng , Wang Pan , Zheng Meili , Yang Xiaoyan , Liu Ye , Ma Zheng , Chen Mulei , Yang Xinchun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active visceral fat depot closely linked to the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF). But the molecular signatures related to the mechanism of HF have not been systematically explored. Here, we present comprehensive proteomic analysis of EAT in HF patients and non‐HF patients as controls. A total of 771 proteins were identified in liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry experiments. Amongst them, 17 increased in abundance in HF and seven decreased. They were involved in HF‐related processes including inflammation and oxidative stress response and lipid metabolism. Of these proteins, serine proteinase inhibitor A3 (Serpina3) levels in EAT were highly up‐regulated in HF, with HF/non‐HF ratio of 4.63 (P = .0047). Gene expression of Serpina3 via quantitative polymerase chain reaction was significantly increased in the HF group. ELISA analysis confirmed a significant increase in circulating plasma Serpina3 levels in the HF group (P = .004). In summary, for the first time, we describe that parts of EAT proteome may be reactive and work as modulators of HF. Our profiling provides a comprehensive basis for linking EAT with pathogenesis of HF. Understanding the role of EAT may offer new insights into the treatment of HF.
Do sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms improve with school‐based ADHD interventions? Outcomes and predictors of change
Authors: Smith Zoe R. , Langberg Joshua M. 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundSluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) is a construct that includes symptoms of slowness, excessive daydreaming, and drowsiness. SCT is often comorbid with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and SCT symptoms are associated with significant academic impairment above the influence of ADHD. Despite the overlap between ADHD and SCT and associated impairments, no studies have evaluated how evidence‐based psychosocial interventions for adolescents with ADHD impact symptoms of SCT.MethodsThis study examined whether SCT symptoms improved in a sample of 274 young adolescents with ADHD who were randomly assigned to an organizational skills intervention, homework completion intervention, or to a waitlist control. SCT intervention response was evaluated broadly in all participants and, specifically, for participants in the clinical range for SCT symptom severity at baseline. Change in ADHD symptoms of inattention, executive functioning, and motivation were examined as potential predictors of improvement in SCT.ResultsThe two intervention groups were collapsed together for analyses because there were no significant differences in change in SCT symptoms. Multilevel modeling results indicate that parent‐reported SCT symptoms significantly decreased when comparing the intervention group to waitlist control (d = .410). For adolescents with parent‐reported clinical levels of SCT, the decrease in symptoms was more pronounced (d = .517). Self‐reported SCT symptoms produced null results, though effect size calculations showed small improvement for the full sample (d = .313) and for the high‐SCT group (d = .384). Change in behavior regulation executive functioning (d = .247), metacognitive executive functioning (d = .346), and inattention (d = .230) predicted change in parent‐reported SCT symptoms.ConclusionsAlthough not specifically designed to decrease SCT symptoms, the ADHD interventions evaluated in this study resulted in significant improvements in parent‐reported SCT with small to moderate effect sizes. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed, including development of interventions for adolescents with high levels of SCT.
DRP1 upregulation promotes pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis through increased aerobic glycolysis
Authors: Liang Jing , Yang Yiping , Bai Lu , Li Feng , Li Enxiao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundMitochondrial shape is dynamically changed by fusion and fission processes in cells, and dysfunction of this process has become one of the emerging hallmarks of cancer. However, the expression patterns and biological effects of mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins in pancreatic cancer (PC) are still unclear.MethodsThe expressions of mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins were first evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis in both PC cell lines and tissue samples. In addition, the biologic functions of the differentially expressed proteins in PC cell growth and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo and their potential underlying mechanisms were systematically explored.ResultsWe first found that DRP1 was substantially upregulated in PC cell lines and tissue samples mainly due to the downregulation of miR‐29a, which contributed to the poor survival of PC patients. DRP1 promoted the growth and metastasis of PC cells both in vitro and in vivo by inducing G1‐S cell cycle transition and matrix metalloproteinase 2 secretion. Mechanistic investigations revealed that increased DRP1 upregulation‐mediated mitochondrial fission and subsequently enhanced aerobic glycolysis were involved in the promotion of growth and metastasis by DRP1 in PC cells.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that mitochondrial fusion protein DRP1 plays a critical oncogenic role in PC cells by enhancing aerobic glycolysis, which could serve as a novel therapeutic target for PC treatment.
The morphological diversity of the quadrate bone in squamate reptiles as revealed by high‐resolution computed tomography and geometric morphometrics
Authors: Palci Alessandro , Caldwell Michael W. , Hutchinson Mark N. , Konishi Takuya , Lee Michael S. Y. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe examined the morphological diversity of the quadrate bone in squamate reptiles (i.e. lizards, snakes, amphisbaenians). The quadrate is the principal splanchnocranial element involved in suspending the lower jaw from the skull, and its shape is of particular interest because it is potentially affected by several factors, such as phylogenetic history, allometry, ecology, skull kinesis and hearing capabilities (e.g. presence or absence of a tympanic ear). Due to its complexity, the quadrate bone is also considered one of the most diagnostic elements in fragmentary fossil taxa. We describe quadrates from 38 species spread across all major squamate clades, using qualitative and quantitative (e.g. geometric morphometrics) methods. We test for possible correlations between shape variation and factors such as phylogeny, size, ecology and presence/absence of a tympanum. Our results show that the shape of the quadrate is highly evolutionarily plastic, with very little of the diversity explained by phylogenetic history. Size variation (allometric scaling) is similarly unable to explain much shape diversity in the squamate quadrate. Ecology (terrestrial/fossorial/aquatic) and presence of a tympanic ear are more significant, but together explain only about 20% of the diversity observed. Other unexplored and more analytically complex factors, such as skull biomechanics, likely play additional major roles in shaping the quadrates of lizards and snakes.
Expression patterns of intermediate filament proteins desmin and lamin A in the developing conduction system of early human embryonic hearts
Authors: Liu Hui‐Xia , Jing Yi‐Xin , Wang Jing‐Jing , Yang Yan‐Ping , Wang Yun‐Xiu , Li Hai‐Rong , Song Li , Li Ai‐Hong , Cui Hui‐Lin , Jing Ya 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSince embryonic heart development is a complex process and acquisition of human embryonic specimens is challenging, the mechanism by which the embryonic conduction system develops remains unclear. Herein, we attempt to gain insights into this developmental process through immunohistochemical staining and 3D reconstructions. Expression analysis of T‐box transcription factor 3, cytoskeleton desmin, and nucleoskeleton lamin A protein in human embryos in Carnegie stages 11–20 showed that desmin is preferentially expressed in the myocardium of the central conduction system compared with the peripheral conduction system, and is co‐expressed with T‐box transcription factor 3 in the central conduction system. Further, lamin A was first expressed in the embryonic ventricular trabeculations, where the terminal ramifications of the peripheral conduction system develop, and extended progressively to all parts of the central conduction system. The uncoupled spatiotemporal distribution pattern of lamin A and desmin indicated that the association of cytoskeleton desmin and nucleoskeleton lamin A may be a late event in human embryonic heart development. Compared with model animals, our data provide a direct morphological basis for understanding the arrhythmogenesis caused by mutations in human DES and LMNA genes.
Microdermabrasion and topical tacrolimus: A novel combination therapy of vitiligo
Authors: Abd‐Elazim Nagwa E. , Yassa Haidy A. , Mahran Ayman M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundTopical immunomodulators have been successfully used as monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutic modalities in treating vitiligo. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have evaluated the combination of tacrolimus 0.03% ointment and microdermabrasion as a therapeutic modality to hasten response time and improve repigmentation rate in vitiligo vulgaris.AimsTo explore the efficacy and safety of the combination of MDA and topical tacrolimus (0.03%) as a novel therapeutic approach for stable vitiligo vulgaris.MethodsThirty‐five patients with vitiligo were enrolled in this randomized placebo‐controlled study. Three vitiligenous patches were chosen in each patient. The first lesion (A) was treated by tacrolimus 0.03% ointment, the second lesion (B) was treated by tacrolimus and microdermabrasion, and the third lesion (C) was treated by petrolatum as a placebo. Treatment course was 3 months, and follow‐up was done for three extra months. Vitiligenous patches were assessed at baseline and monthly for 6 months.ResultsModerate to excellent response was observed in 65.7% of lesions B, compared with 25.8% of lesions A (P = .001). Improvement in VASI score was significantly better in patients treated by the combination therapy (P = .000). Disease duration has a negative impact on therapeutic response. Patients were more satisfied with the combination treatment.ConclusionMicrodermabrasion combined with tacrolimus 0.03% ointment represents a new therapeutic option for the treatment of vitiligo which appears to be an easy, safe, and effective.
Lower facial regeneration with a combination of platelet‐rich fibrin liquid matrices based on the low speed centrifugation concept‐Cleopatra technique
Authors: Nacopoulos Cleopatra , Vesala Anna‐Maria 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundAutologous blood concentrates are increasingly being applied in esthetic medicine and dentistry due to their safety and their potential beneficial properties. Platelet‐rich fibrin based on the low speed centrifugation, a newly described blood product, seems to convey additional properties in several in vitro and ex vivo studies. Its clinical significance however in relation to facial regeneration remains anecdotal.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess a specific combination of PRF liquid matrices utilized for lower facial regeneration (Cleopatra technique).Patients/MethodsCleopatra technique was applied in 32 patients. In addition to recording of all patients' complaints and adverse events, a photographical study was performed. Possible positive effects were assessed by asking twenty‐three independent reviewers to distinguish initial and later photographs of each patient.ResultsA statistically significant percentage of true answers by the reviewers was noted upon completion of the treatment (U = 110.5, P < .001), which indicates a clinically significant effect of Cleopatra technique. Moreover, only few minor, self‐limited adverse events were recorded.ConclusionsCleopatra technique is a well‐tolerated and effective method of lower facial rejuvenation that deserves further attention from dentists and other health professional who utilize conservative methods in facial esthetics.