bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why we went to the woods?: effects of human disturbance on species presence in a disturbed Myanmar forest ecosystem
Authors: Cremonesi G. , Bisi F. , Gaffi L. , Loprete L. , Zaw T. , Gagliardi A. , Wauters L. A. , Preatoni D. G. , Martinoli A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHuman activities are affecting habitats and wildlife populations worldwide. Tropical forests are one of the most affected environments, mainly due to deforestation and poaching. Since high levels of anthropogenic pressure on forest ecosystems, including illegal logging and hunting, occur in southwest Myanmar (Rakhine State), we analyzed the effects of human disturbance on medium to large mammals in this region. We used camera‐trapping data collected over three consecutive years to investigate occurrence probabilities of 10 species: five common species exploited for bushmeat consumption, and five threatened species targeted by the illegal wildlife trade. We used a hierarchical single‐species multi‐season occupancy model implemented in a Bayesian framework to evaluate the effects of human disturbances and persistent habitat characteristics, such as the proportion of remaining pristine evergreen forest and the elevation, on occurrence probabilities. We found that occupancy probabilities of three out of five target species for the illegal wildlife trade were positively linked to forest habitats, whereas among common species hunted for bushmeat consumption the Northern red muntjak and the Malayan porcupine were negatively affected by human presence. The effects of human and habitat covariates were varied for other species of both groups. We confirmed results from previous studies that human disturbance is a driver of occurrence probabilities for some species in tropical areas. Our findings suggest that as protection of rainforest habitat is fundamental to the conservation of tropical ecosystems, law enforcement, patrolling, and local engagement activities are also recommended to mitigate forest and species exploitation. Finally, camera trapping could be a first step to identify areas where human presence affects species occupancy and help local authorities to develop more fine‐tuned conservation plans.
Polypharmacy in polymorbid pregnancies and the risk of congenital malformations—A systematic review
Authors: Thunbo Mette Østergaard , Vendelbo Julie Hauer , Volqvartz Tabia , Witte Daniel R. , Larsen Agnete , Pedersen Lars Henning 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWith an increased prevalence of concurrent morbidities during pregnancy, polypharmacy has become increasingly common in pregnant women. The risks associated with polypharmacy may exceed those of individual medication because of drug–drug interactions. This systematic review aims to evaluate the risk of congenital malformations in polymorbid pregnancies exposed to first‐trimester polypharmacy. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched to identify original human studies with first‐ trimester polypharmacy due to polymorbidity as the exposure and congenital malformations as the outcome. After screening of 4034 identified records, seven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Four of the seven studies reported an increased risk of congenital malformations compared with unexposed or monotherapy, odds ratios ranging from 1.1 to >10.0. Particularly, short‐term anti‐infective treatment combined with other drugs and P‐glycoprotein substrates were associated with increased malformation risks. In conclusion, knowledge is limited on risks associated with first‐trimester polypharmacy due to polymorbidity with the underlying evidence of low quantity and quality. Therefore, an increased focus on pharmacovigilance to enable safe drug use in early pregnancy is needed. Large‐scale register‐based studies and better knowledge of placental biology are needed to support the clinical management of polymorbid pregnancies that require polypharmacy.
Racial disparities in living donor kidney transplantation in the United States
Authors: Husain S. Ali , King Kristen L. , Adler Joel T. , Mohan Sumit 
Published: November 2021

AbstractLiving donor kidney transplant (LDKT) is the best treatment for end‐stage kidney disease, but there are racial disparities in LDKT rates. To study putative mechanisms of these disparities, we identified 58 752 adult kidney transplant candidates first activated on the United States kidney transplant waitlist 2015–2016 and defined four exposure groups by race/primary payer: African American/Medicaid, African American/NonMedicaid, Non‐African American/Medicaid, Non‐African American/NonMedicaid. We performed competing risk regression to compare risk of LDKT between groups. Among included candidates, 30% had African American race and 9% had Medicaid primary payer. By the end of follow up, 16% underwent LDKT. The cumulative incidence of LDKT was lowest for African American candidates regardless of payer. Compared to African American/Non‐Medicaid candidates, the adjusted likelihood of LDKT was higher for both Non‐African American/Medicaid (HR 1.60, 95%CI 1.43–1.78) and Non‐African American/Non‐Medicaid candidates (HR 2.66, 95%CI 2.50–2.83). Results were similar when analyzing only candidates still waitlisted > 2 years after initial activation or candidates with type O blood. Among 9639 candidates who received LDKT, only 13% were African American. Donor‐recipient relationships were similar for African American and Non‐African American recipients. These findings indicate African American candidates have a lower incidence of LDKT than candidates of other races, regardless of primary payer.
Cicatricial pemphigoid Brunsting–Perry variant masquerading as neutrophil‐mediated cicatricial alopecia
Authors: Rahbar Ziba , Cohen Jarish N. , McCalmont Timothy H. , LeBoit Philip E. , Connolly M. Kari , Berger Timothy , Pincus Laura B. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA 72‐year‐old male presented with scarring alopecia on the scalp vertex, multiple crusted plaques on the hairline, and a history of vesicular eruption on the face. The scalp showed crusted plaques with loss of follicular ostia. No follicular pustules or compound follicles were present. An initial transverse scalp biopsy showed perifollicular neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells along with dermal fibrosis. Focal epidermal/dermal and follicular/adventitial dermal clefts were apparent but were thought to be secondary to fibrosis, and the biopsy result was interpreted to represent a neutrophil‐mediated cicatricial alopecia. Concurrently, direct immunofluorescence (DIF) analysis showed linear junctional deposition of IgG and C3. A repeat scalp biopsy revealed more prominent epidermal/dermal clefts, fibrosis, mixed infiltrate with neutrophils, lymphocytes, histiocytes, and plasma cells, as well as prominent follicular/adventitial dermal clefts with perifollicular neutrophils. Given the combination of clefts, perijunctional neutrophils, and positive DIF findings, it became clear that this eruption represented the Brunsting–Perry variant of cicatricial pemphigoid. Here, we illustrated that a neutrophil‐rich form of cicatricial pemphigoid can masquerade as a neutrophil‐mediated scarring alopecia. In evaluating a specimen suspected to be a neutrophil‐mediated scarring alopecia, one should be alert to the presence of subepidermal and perifollicular clefting, and consider cicatricial pemphigoid.
Prognostic value of transient pattern visual evoked potentials in children with cerebral visual impairment
Authors: Howes Jessica , Thompson Dorothy , Liasis Alki , Oluonye Ngozi , Dale Naomi , Bowman Richard 
Published: November 2021

AimTo investigate whether pattern reversal visual evoked potentials (PRVEPs) could predict future visual acuity in infants with cerebral visual impairment (CVI).MethodFifty‐five children (27 males, 28 females) with severe CVI seen in the ophthalmology department of a specialist children’s hospital were identified retrospectively. Behavioural visual acuity and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) at presentation (time 1, T1) were compared with final visual acuity at late preschool/early school age (time 2, T2). Predictors of visual acuity at T2 were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis.ResultsMedian age was 14 months at T1 (range: 6–44mo) and 63 months at T2 (range: 29–150mo). The presence of a PRVEP produced by a check width of 50′ (minutes of arc) or smaller (T1) predicted (p=0.05) the presence of measurable preferential looking acuity at T2. The presence of PRVEP to check widths of 25′ or smaller (T1) predicted (p=0.02) better preferential looking acuity (logMAR‐equivalent) scores at T2. The latter association was independent of presenting acuity at T1.InterpretationThe presence of PRVEPs to check widths of 50′ and 25′ in infancy provided useful information. VEPs in young children with CVI may have prognostic value regarding future acuity.
Dental continuing professional development ‐ Part II: The Malta CPD Pilot Project
Authors: Meli Attard Ann , Bartolo Adam , Millar Brian J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionContinuing professional development (CPD) remains voluntary in nine European countries. Evidence suggests a move towards mandatory CPD across Europe with the objective of harmonisation of dental CPD. Although the importance of CPD is acknowledged, the literature regarding its effectiveness is limited and under debate.Aims and objectivesThe main aim was to measure the effectiveness and success of a new CPD programme with the objective to devise a strategy, guidelines and recommendations for the establishment of a dental CPD programme in Malta.MethodologyThis project was divided into two phases; Phase 1 was the analysis of a survey sent out to 135 members of the Dental Association of Malta. Phase 2 involved the evaluation of eight verifiable CPD events, through pre‐event and post‐event tests and feedback forms, to investigate the effect on short‐term knowledge retention and the respective satisfaction levels of participants at each event.ResultsThe survey had a response rate of 78%. The CPD events in Phase 2 all showed statistically significant improvement in short‐term knowledge retention on each subject (p < 0.05). Satisfaction levels ranged from 70% to 99%.ConclusionsThe information gathered from this project was used to provide guidelines and recommendations for the local regulatory body and CPD providers for the set‐up of a dental CPD framework and programmes in Malta, a country where dental CPD is still voluntary. This article is the second article from a two‐part series of articles about the Malta Dental CPD Pilot project.
Retrospective memory trace sustained by the human hippocampus during working memory task
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Naya Yuji 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWorking memory is a subcategory of short‐term memory that voluntarily maintains behaviourally relevant information to prepare for a subsequent action. An established theory is that working memory is supported by the prefrontal cortex (PFC) for executive control, while the hippocampus (HPC) is largely involved in long‐term episodic memory. Recent studies suggest that the HPC is also involved in perception and short‐term storage. However, it remains unclear whether the HPC supports active maintenance of short‐term memory as working memory. To address this question, we devised a new delayed matching‐to‐sample task in which two visual items were presented at different locations one by one as samples. The sequential presentations of sample stimuli allowed us to dissociate the contents of working memory (i.e., identities and locations of two samples) from the constituent perceived information of single samples. By applying representational similarity analysis (RSA) to the blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signals of human participants, we investigated the delay activity after the two sample presentations. The results of the RSA showed that the right HPC signalled only the second sample as a conjunctional representation of its item identity and location. In contrast, the right PFC, including both lateral and medial parts, represented the conjunctional information of both samples. These results suggested that the HPC may support short‐term memory for retrospective coding to retain information of the last event rather than for prospective coding coupled with working memory.
Computer‐aided deep learning model for identification of lymphoblast cell using microscopic leukocyte images
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Rawat Jyoti , Kumar Indrajeet , Rashid Mamoon , Singh Kamred Udham , Al‐Otaibi Yasser D. , Tariq Usman 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe conventional technique of leukocyte cell classification involves segmenting the required portion of cells from input image, extracting features of the segmented nuclei, reducing and optimizing these features and then implements the classifier. Thus, designing a good classifier by using such techniques increases the time complexity of the system. In order to resolve such issues, the proposed work implements the deep convolutional neural network (DCNN)‐based models for classifying malignant versus normal WBCs. The proposed system is validated on 108 images of ALL‐IDB 1. Due to limited number of training samples, data augmentation is used to create a similar type of virtual image. In this work, experimentation is carried out for discrimination between normal and infected WBC using DCNN with four different activation functions. By using this method, a set of 6000 samples are generated and used for proper training of the DL model for all activation functions. The performance of each trained model is evaluated in terms of accuracy, recall, precision and F‐measure with the maximum values of 98.1%, 98.3%, 98.3% and 98.3% are achieved, respectively. Finally, it has been concluded that the defined DCNN model and ReLu activation function yield outstanding performance for lymphoblast characterization using microscopic blood images.
Literacy en français and à la française: Socializing students to academic literacy practices in a foreign language
Authors: Linares Emily , Blocker Déborah 
Published: November 2021

AbstractResearch on academic socialization has predominately focused on the L2 educational experiences of international students. While foreign language (FL) research has explored “multiliteracies” and “intercultural learning,” literacy in a FL continues to be understood as the use of foreign words and grammar combined with culturally familiar reading and writing practices. This article, which is conceptual in nature, highlights the potential to socialize US FL learners to literacy practices from the target culture. It reports on an upper‐division French literature and composition course that was redesigned to socialize students at UC Berkeley to two French academic genres, namely, the explication de texte and commentaire composé. The insights from the present project, which are not language‐specific and hold relevance for undergraduate and graduate students alike, encourage critical reflection within FL departments on what is—and can be—entailed by literacy in additional languages.
Helicobacter pylori infection and the progression of atherosclerosis: A systematic review and meta‑analysis
Authors: Shi Hongshuo , Li Yinghao , Dong Chengda , Si Guomin , Xu Yunsheng , Peng Min , Li Yujie 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveIn recent years, many studies have tried to prove whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can promote the progression of atherosclerosis (AS), but the reported results are conflicting. Carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT), flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), or pulse wave velocity (PWV) are the most commonly used indicators to evaluate the progress of AS. So, we collected and evaluated these three indicators to provide evidence‐based medicine for the clinic.Materials and methodsWe included and evaluated studies on H. pylori infection and CIMT, FMD, or PWV from PubMed, Cochrane trials, and Embase databases before September 1, 2021, and language restrictions: English. Research types include cross‐sectional studies, cohort studies, and case‐control studies. The MINORS scale was used to evaluate the quality of these studies. For all studies, we choose a random‐effects model and calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD) for analysis, and all our analyses use STATA software.ResultsMeta‐analysis shows that H. pylori infection can significantly increase CIMT (WMD = 0.059, 95% CI: 0.039, 0.079, p < 0.001). Based on subgroup analysis, we found that the relationship between the two is more significant in the young and middle‐aged people younger than 60 years old and people without cardiovascular disease. In addition, we also found an association between H. pylori infection and FMD (WMD = −3.873, 95% CI: −5.684, −2.062, p < 0.001), but it is a pity that there are few literatures that meet the standards. Finally, We concluded that H. pylori infection can significantly increase PWV (WMD = 88.033, 95%CI: 67.297,108.768. I2 = 99.63%, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, we also found that this correlation is similar to CIMT, and it is more significant in the young and middle‐aged population under 60 and those without cardiovascular disease. We also found in the sub‐analysis that there was a significant increase in CIMT in CagA‐positive individuals in H. pylori‐infected patients (WMD = 0.16, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.29. p = 0.03).ConclusionHelicobacter pylori infection can promote the process of AS, especially in people under the age of 60 and people without cardiovascular risk factors, and we hope that our meta‐analysis can provide ideas for the early prevention of AS.
Comparison of diagnostic performance between FIB‐4 and NFS in metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease era
Authors: Park Huiyul , Yoon Eileen L. , Kim Mimi , Lee Jonghyun , Kim Jung‐Hwan , Cho Seon , Jun Dae Won , Nah Eun‐Hee 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimsFibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score (NFS) are the two most widely used non‐invasive tools for screening of advanced fibrosis in subjects with NAFLD. Since metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed as a new category of fatty liver disease, we aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of FIB‐4 and NFS in subjects with MAFLD and in various subgroups.MethodsThis study was designed as cross‐sectional study. Data from 6775 subjects who underwent magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and abdominal ultrasonography at the same time during a health check‐up at 13 various health check‐up centers were retrospectively reviewed. Advanced fibrosis was defined as an MRE value of ≥3.6 kPa.ResultsThe area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) of FIB‐4 and NFS for diagnosing advanced fibrosis were similar in subjects with MAFLD. However, the AUROC of NFS was lower than that of FIB‐4 in the diabetic subgroup of MAFLD (0.809 in FIB‐4 vs. 0.717 in NFS, p = 0.002). The performances of both FIB‐4 and NFS were poor in the subgroup of MAFLD with significant alcohol intake.ConclusionsThe overall diagnostic performance of FIB‐4 and NFS for diagnosing advanced fibrosis did not differ among subjects with MAFLD. However, the performance of NFS was lower in the diabetes subgroup of MAFLD. The diagnostic performance of FIB‐4 was better for fibrosis in various subgroups of MAFLD.
Evaluation of aloins, pH and moisture in aloe leaf gel‐based personal care products
Authors: Sibhat Gereziher , Kahsay Getu , Van Schepdael Ann , Adams Erwin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveSome easily applicable analytical methods were explored to evaluate the quality of personal care products containing aloe leaf gel. Aloins should be absent in these products in view of their side effects. To check this, liquid chromatography (LC) was applied.MethodsThe LC method used a C18 monolithic column combined with gradient elution and ultraviolet (UV) detection. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile (B). The method was validated with respect to specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy. Next, it was practically applied for the analysis of commercial samples. In addition, the pH and moisture content were determined.ResultsThe LC results indicated that aloins were detected in 25% of the analysed commercial samples. Further, it turned out that 42% of the test samples were found to be in the basic pH range and 33% of them contained excessive moisture.ConclusionProper quality control and adequate labelling of aloe leaf gel‐based cosmetics are mandatory to avoid side effects.
Tres vías de gobernanza laboral para abordar los déficits de trabajo decente en las cadenas mundiales de valor
Authors: ANNER Mark 
Published: November 2021

ResumenLos estudios sobre cadenas mundiales de valor identifican seis tipos de gobernanza para abordar los déficits de trabajo decente (Gereffi y Lee 2016). Sobre la base de sus investigaciones en el sector de la confección de Bangladesh, Honduras y Viet Nam, el autor sostiene que los más eficaces son los que mitigan las asimetrías de poder en la cadena, como la gobernanza pública, sustentada en el poder del Estado, la negociación colectiva de amplia cobertura y los acuerdos internacionales multipartitos vinculantes. Las lagunas de gobernanza de los regímenes nacionales de relaciones laborales y los patrones y estrategias de resistencia de los trabajadores marcarán cuál es el más idóneo para cada caso.
Signatures of selection are present in the genome of two close autochthonous cattle breeds raised in the North of Italy and mainly distinguished for their coat colours
Authors: Bertolini Francesca , Moscatelli Giulia , Schiavo Giuseppina , Bovo Samuele , Ribani Anisa , Ballan Mohamad , Bonacini Massimo , Prandi Marco , Dall’Olio Stefania , Fontanesi Luca 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAutochthonous cattle breeds are genetic resources that, in many cases, have been fixed for inheritable exterior phenotypes useful to understand the genetic mechanisms affecting these breed‐specific traits. Reggiana and Modenese are two closely related autochthonous cattle breeds mainly raised in the production area of the well‐known Protected Designation of Origin Parmigiano‐Reggiano cheese, in the North of Italy. These breeds can be mainly distinguished for their standard coat colour: solid red in Reggiana and solid white with pale shades of grey in Modenese. In this study we genotyped with the GeneSeek GGP Bovine 150k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip almost half of the extant cattle populations of Reggiana (n = 1109 and Modenese (n = 326) and used genome‐wide information in comparative FST analyses to detect signatures of selection that diverge between these two autochthonous breeds. The two breeds could be clearly distinguished using multidimensional scaling plots and admixture analysis. Considering the top 0.0005% FST values, a total of 64 markers were detected in the single‐marker analysis. The top FST value was detected for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene mutation, which determines the red coat colour of the Reggiana breed. Another coat colour gene, agouti signalling protein (ASIP), emerged amongst this list of top SNPs. These results were also confirmed with the window‐based analyses, which included 0.5‐Mb or 1‐Mb genome regions. As variability affecting ASIP has been associated with white coat colour in sheep and goats, these results highlighted this gene as a strong candidate affecting coat colour in Modenese breed. This study demonstrates how population genomic approaches designed to take advantage from the diversity between local genetic resources could provide interesting hints to explain exterior traits not yet completely investigated in cattle.