bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NOVA: Rendering Virtual Worlds with Humans for Computer Vision Tasks
Authors: Kerim Abdulrahman , Aslan Cem , Celikcan Ufuk , Erdem Erkut , Erdem Aykut 
Published: May 2021

AbstractToday, the cutting edge of computer vision research greatly depends on the availability of large datasets, which are critical for effectively training and testing new methods. Manually annotating visual data, however, is not only a labor‐intensive process but also prone to errors. In this study, we present NOVA, a versatile framework to create realistic‐looking 3D rendered worlds containing procedurally generated humans with rich pixel‐level ground truth annotations. NOVA can simulate various environmental factors such as weather conditions or different times of day, and bring an exceptionally diverse set of humans to life, each having a distinct body shape, gender and age. To demonstrate NOVA's capabilities, we generate two synthetic datasets for person tracking. The first one includes 108 sequences, each with different levels of difficulty like tracking in crowded scenes or at nighttime and aims for testing the limits of current state‐of‐the‐art trackers. A second dataset of 97 sequences with normal weather conditions is used to show how our synthetic sequences can be utilized to train and boost the performance of deep‐learning based trackers. Our results indicate that the synthetic data generated by NOVA represents a good proxy of the real‐world and can be exploited for computer vision tasks.
Plastid phylogenomics provides novel insights into the infrafamilial relationship of Polypodiaceae
Authors: Wei Ran , Yang Jie , He Li‐Juan , Liu Hong‐Mei , Hu Jia‐Yu , Liang Si‐Qi , Wei Xue‐Ping , Zhao Cun‐Feng , Zhang Xian‐Chun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe polygrammoids (Polypodiaceae) are the most species‐rich and diversified epiphytic fern lineages, and hold an important role to understand the deep diverging events and rapid adaptation to changing environments in the plant tree of life. Despite progress in the phylogeny of this group of ferns in previous multilocus phylogenetic studies, uncertainty remains especially in backbone relationships among closely related clades, and the phylogenetic placement of recalcitrant species or lineages. Here, we investigated the deep phylogenetic relationships within Polypodiaceae by sampling all major lineages and using 81 plastid genomes (plastomes), of which 70 plastomes were newly sequenced with high‐throughput sequencing technology. Based on parsimony, maximum‐likelihood, Bayesian and multispecies coalescent analyses of genome skimming data, we achieved a better resolution of the backbone phylogeny of Polypodiaceae. Using simulated data matrices, we detected that potential phylogenetic artefacts, such as long‐branch attraction and insufficient taxonomic sampling, may have a confounding impact on the incongruence of phylogenetic inferences. Furthermore, our phylogenetic analyses offer greater resolution than previous multilocus studies, providing a robust framework for future phylogenetic implications on the subfamilial taxonomy of Polypodiaceae. Our phylogenomic study not only demonstrates the advantage of a character‐rich plastome dataset for resolving the recalcitrant lineages that have undergone rapid radiation, but also sheds new light on integrative explorations understanding the evolutionary history of large fern groups in the genomic era.
Treatment with alitretinoin in patients taking part in a tertiary individual prevention program for work‐related skin diseases
Authors: Obermeyer Lara , Skudlik Christoph , John Swen M. , Brans Richard 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients taking part in a tertiary individual prevention program (TIP) for work‐related skin diseases frequently have chronic hand eczema (HE) for which alitretinoin is a treatment option.ObjectiveTo investigate treatment with alitretinoin before and during the TIP and related factors.MethodsData of 1614 patients taking part in the TIP between January 2015 and December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsThree hundred forty‐eight patients (21.6%) reported treatment with alitretinoin prior to the TIP showing an increase over time, particularly in men. In 45 patients (2.8%), alitretinoin treatment was initiated during the TIP. Treatment with alitretinoin was significantly less common among female than male patients, both prior to (P < .001) and during the TIP (P = .015). Female patients who had received alitretinoin in the past were significantly older than the other female patients (P < .001). Among patients treated with alitretinoin prior to the TIP, women had a significantly higher disease severity at admission than men (P = .007).ConclusionsAbout twenty percent of patients reported treatment with alitretinoin prior to the TIP. The data indicate that treatment of female TIP patients with alitretinoin is less frequent than among male patients and depends on age and disease severity.
Rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma presenting as telangiectasia in a 57‐year‐old man
Authors: Zargari Omid , Asadi Masih , Azimi Seyyede Zeinab , Mesbah Alireza 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma (RMH) is a rare congenital malformation of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Usually, RMH occurs in the midline of the face and neck region. We described a case of RMH presenting as telangiectasia in a 57‐year‐old man with a history of pityriasis lichenoides chronicus. Histopathological examination revealed a subepidermal haphazard proliferation of striated muscular tissue perpendicular to the epidermis. These bundles of striated muscular tissue were admixed with adnexal structures. The diagnosis was consistent with RMH. RMH is more common in the neonatal period or in young children, but we should consider it as part of a differential diagnosis in older adults as well.
Dermatophyte infections in children compared to adults in Germany: a retrospective multicenter study in Germany
Authors: Kromer Christian , Celis Daniel , Hipler Uta‐Christina , Zampeli Vasiliki A. , Mößner Rotraut , Lippert Undine 
Published: May 2021

SummaryBackground and objectiveDermatophyte infections of the skin and nails are common worldwide and vary between geographical areas and over time. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of dermatophytes in Germany with a focus on comparing children with adults.Patients and methodsIn this retrospective multicenter study, mycological dermatophyte culture results in the period 01/2014 to 12/2016 were analyzed according to identified pathogen, age and gender of patients, and type of disease.ResultsOf 1,136 infections (children: n = 88, adults: n = 1,048), 50.8 % were clinically classified as onychomycosis, followed by tinea pedis (34.6 %), tinea corporis (16.2 %), tinea manus (16.2 %), tinea capitis (2.5 %), and tinea faciei (1.2 %). The most frequent pathogen was Trichophyton (T.) rubrum (78.6 %), followed by T. interdigitale (14.3 %), T. benhamiae (3.2 %), T. mentagrophytes (2.1 %), and Microsporum canis (1.7 %). The fungal spectrum differed particularly in tinea corporis and tinea capitis between children and adults with a more diverse pathogen spectrum in children. Trichophyton tonsurans was rarely identified as cause for tinea corporis (2.7 %) or tinea capitis (3.3 %).ConclusionsDifferences in pathogens and frequency of fungal infections between age groups should be considered for optimal selection of the appropriate therapeutic regimen.
Development of Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles for Diabetes, a culturally tailored diabetes self‐management education and support programme for Black‐British adults: A participatory research approach
Authors: Goff Louise M. , Moore Amanda P. , Harding Seeromanie , Rivas Carol 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsTo develop an evidence‐based, culturally tailored, diabetes self‐management education and support programme for Black‐British adults, called Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles for Diabetes (HEAL‐D), using participatory methods to engage key stakeholders in the intervention design process.MethodsBlack‐British adults living with type 2 diabetes, healthcare professionals and community leaders were engaged in an intervention development study. The intervention structure, format, content and delivery were developed through three phases of participatory research: Phase 1, formative research, involved focus groups and interviews; interactive co‐development workshops were conducted in Phase 2; and Phase 3 focused on materials development.ResultsIn Phase 1, focus groups and interviews identified the importance of nurturing collectivism, a reliance on informal sources of information/advice, barriers to attending appointments associated with competing priorities of work, travel and carer commitments, and a preference for directness and simple, clear advice/messages. A priority for healthcare professionals was the intervention embedding within current primary care structures and aligning with incentivised targets/metrics. Phase 2 (workshops) highlighted key requirements: avoidance of medical settings, appropriately trained and culturally knowledgeable educators, flexible appointments, preference for verbal and visual information and avoidance of technical/medical terminology. In Phase 3 (materials development), culturally sensitive videos, short films and information booklets were developed to convey educational messages, and food photography was used to provide culturally relevant dietary advice.ConclusionsParticipatory methods provide a means to understand the needs of specific communities. This approach enables the development of healthcare interventions that are sensitive to the needs of service users and providers.
Fluid and electrolyte therapy in childhood diabetic ketoacidosis management: A rationale for new national guideline
Authors: Agwu Juliana Chizo , Ng Sze M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFluid and electrolyte therapy in childhood diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) management has been controversial. Previous National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2015 guidance advocated a restricted fluid regimen while more recent guidelines have advocated a more liberal approach to fluid replacement in DKA. At the core of the debate is the need to avoid developing cerebral oedema as a complication. Although subtle asymptomatic cerebral oedema is common in children presenting in DKA, clinically apparent cerebral oedema is rare and has been reported in approximately 0.5%–1% of DKA cases in children. Recent research evidence has shown that there was no clear evidence of a difference in rates of clinically apparent cerebral injury in children in DKA managed with a range of fluid volumes and rates of rehydration. In view of this, NICE has updated its guideline. In this paper, we review literature evidence underpinning the current understanding of the pathophysiology of cerebral oedema in children and discuss the rationale for the new NICE guidance.
Temporal variations in maternal treatment requirements and early neonatal outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes
Authors: Fox Rachel A. , Patient Charlotte J. , Aiken Abigail R. , Meek Claire L. , Aiken Catherine E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsThere is seasonal variation in the incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) and delivery outcomes of affected patients. We assessed whether there was also evidence of temporal variation in maternal treatment requirements and early neonatal outcomes.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of women diagnosed with GDM (75 g oral glucose tolerance test, 0 h ≥ 5.1; 1 h ≥ 10.0; 2 h ≥ 8.5 mmol/L) in a UK tertiary obstetric centre (2015–2019) with a singleton infant. Data regarding demographic characteristics, total insulin requirements and neonatal outcomes were extracted from contemporaneous electronic medical records. Linear/logistic regression models using month of the year as a predictor of outcomes were used to assess annual variation.ResultsIn all, 791 women (50.6% receiving pharmacological treatment) and 790 neonates were included. The likelihood of requiring insulin treatment was highest in November (p < 0.05). The average total daily insulin dose was higher at peak (January) compared to average by 19 units/day (p < 0.05). There was no temporal variation in neonatal intensive care admission, or neonatal capillary blood glucose. However, rates of neonatal hypoglycaemia (defined as <2.6 mmol/L) were highest in December (40% above average; p < 0.05).ConclusionsWomen with GDM diagnosed in winter are more likely to require insulin treatment and to require higher insulin doses. Neonates born to winter‐diagnosed mothers had a corresponding increased risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia. Maternal treatment requirements and neonatal outcomes of GDM vary significantly throughout the year, even in a relatively temperate climate.
Outcomes of a novel pharmacy screening intervention to address the burden of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in an Arabic‐speaking country
Authors: Alzubaidi Hamzah , Hasan Sanah , Saidawi Ward , Mc Namara Kevin , Chandir Subhash , Krass Ines 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsAim of this study is to evaluate the capacity of a pharmacist‐delivered screening model for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in identifying and referring individuals at risk.MethodA screening programme was implemented in 12 community pharmacies in three cities in the United Arab Emirates. Trained pharmacists screened adults (≥40 years) without a previous diagnosis of diabetes or CVD. Most participants were recruited during their visits to the pharmacies; pharmacy‐based advertising and social media were also used. The screening included medical history, anthropometric measurements, point‐of‐care glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and a lipid panel. High‐risk individuals (HbA1c ≥ 5.7% [39 mmol/mol], a high diabetes risk score, or a 10‐year CVD risk ≥7.5%) were given a referral letter and advised to visit their physician. Risk factors for elevated HbA1c were identified by logistic regression.ResultsOf the 568 screened participants, 332/568 (58%) were identified to be at risk: HbA1c levels were consistent with diabetes 67/560 (12%) or prediabetes 148/560 (26%), high diabetes risk score 243/566 (43%), CVD risk score > 7.5% 79/541 (15%). Obese people were more likely to have prediabetes or diabetes OR (95% CI): 3.2 (1.3, 7.5), as were those who spent more than 11 h/day sitting: 5.7 (1.8, 17.6). Of the 332 at‐risk participants, 206 (62%) responded to a telephone follow‐up at six weeks; one‐third had discussed screening results with their physician.ConclusionsCommunity pharmacists detected and referred individuals at risk for diabetes or CVD, although participant follow‐up with their physician could be improved. Pharmacy screening is feasible and will potentially improve outcomes.
Insights into functional mitral regurgitation using transillumination rendering
Authors: Ramirez Roberto H. , Ro Richard , Lerakis Stamatios , Argulian Edgar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSecondary mitral regurgitation has been originally explained by tethering of the structurally normal mitral leaflets or by mitral annular dilation after atrial remodeling. Advances in echocardiography have provided more insights into functional anatomy of the mitral valve leaflets as active participants in this entity.
Persistence of abnormal global longitudinal strain in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bortnick Anna E. , Lama von Buchwald Claudia , Hasani Aliaskar , Liu Christina , Berkowitz Julia L. , Vega Shayna , Mustehsan Mohammad Hashim , Wolfe Diana S. , Taub Cynthia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesData regarding the longitudinal relationship of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and echocardiographic parameters are lacking in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). We evaluated GLS and its correlation with change (∆) in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).MethodsWe retrospectively identified women age ≥16 years hospitalized at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY from 1999‐2015 with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th revision codes for PPCM or an occurrence of unexplained heart failure during or up to 5 months postpartum. N = 195 charts were reviewed for inclusion/exclusion criteria, n = 53 patients met criteria for PPCM, and of those, n = 13 had a baseline and follow‐up echocardiogram suitable for GLS analysis.ResultsOf those eligible for strain analysis, the mean age was 30 ± 6 years, 46.2% identified as Black and 38.5% as Hispanic/Latina. Baseline LVEF was 30 (25, 35)%, GLS was −13.2 (−14, −7.6)%. At a mean follow‐up time of 1.2 ± 0.7 years, 11/13 had persistently mild −15.6 (−16.3, −12.7)%, and 2/13 severely abnormal GLS −7.05 (−7.1, −7.0)%. There was no correlation between baseline GLS and ∆LVEF (r = .014, P = .965).ConclusionsGlobal longitudinal strain is a sensitive method to identify subclinical myocardial dysfunction. In this series of women with PPCM, GLS remained persistently abnormal over time, even if LVEF improved. Future studies should examine the implication of persistently abnormal GLS in PPCM.
Urinary biopyrrins and free immunoglobin light chains are biomarker candidates for screening at‐risk mental state in adolescents
Authors: Wake Rei , Araki Tomoko , Fukushima Michiyo , Matsuda Hiroyuki , Inagaki Takuji , Hayashida Maiko , Hashioka Sadayuki , Horiguchi Jun , Inagaki Masatoshi , Miyaoka Tsuyoshi , Oh‐Nishi Arata 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundEarly diagnosis of individuals' at‐risk mental state (ARMS) is important for preventing their pathogenesis or, at least, delaying onset of overt psychosis. Traditional diagnosis of ARMS subjects is mainly based on structured interviews, but future diagnosis would be carried out together with biomarkers.AimIn this study, we report urinary biopyrrins and free immunoglobin light chains κ and λ (κFLC and λFLC) as novel diagnostic biomarker candidates for screening ARMS subjects.MethodsNineteen ARMS subjects and 21 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria of the ARMS subjects were based on a comprehensive assessment of Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes. We compared oxidative stress and immunological markers in the urine of ARMS subjects with those of healthy controls by ELISA protocol.ResultsAugmentation of biopyrrins and reduction of κFLC and λFLC were found in the ARMS samples, and their diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis, of which area under the curve was as large as 0.915 in combination.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the ARMS subjects were under higher oxidative stress but lower in B cell activation, and that the combined assay of urinary biopyrrins and free immunoglobulin light chains would be useful for the early detection and screening of ARMS subjects among adolescents.
Cumulative exposure to melphalan chemotherapy and subsequent risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Jonsdottir Gudbjorg , Björkholm Magnus , Turesson Ingemar , Hultcrantz Malin , Diamond Benjamin , Porwit Anna , Landgren Ola , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine risk factors for development of acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndromes (AML/MDS) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).MethodsWe identified all patients diagnosed with MM in Sweden from January 1st, 1958 to December 31, 2011. A total of 26 627 patients were diagnosed with MM with during the study period. Of these, 124 patients (0.5%) developed subsequent AML/MDS. For each patient with MM and a subsequent AML/MDS diagnosis, we randomly selected a matched (age, sex, and date of MM diagnosis) MM patient without a subsequent second malignancy diagnosis.ResultsThe cumulative melphalan exposure was significantly higher (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.7‐5.2; P < .001) among cases (median 988 mg; IQR 644‐1640) compared with controls (median 578 mg; IQR 360‐967). Median time to AML/MDS development was 3.8 years (IQR 2.8‐5.8). Risk of AML/MDS was not statistically altered by M protein isotype, anemia, renal failure, hypercalcemia, lytic bone lesions, or radiation therapy.ConclusionIn this nationwide population‐based study, we show that increased cumulative doses of alkylating therapy with melphalan increases the subsequent risk of developing AML/MDS in patients with MM. Given improved survival in MM patients over the last decade future studies will be important to better define long‐term risks.
Determining the types of descending waves from transcranial magnetic stimulation measured with conditioned H‐reflexes in humans
Authors: Leukel Christian , Kurz Alexander 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNon‐invasive techniques are scarce with which human (motor) cortical mechanisms can be investigated. In a series of previous experiments, we have applied an advanced form of conditioning technique with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation by which excitability changes at the laminar level in the primary motor cortex can be estimated. This method builds on the assumption that the first of subsequent corticospinal waves from TMS which is assessed with H‐reflexes (called early facilitation) results from indirect excitation of corticospinal neurons in motor cortex (I‐wave) and not direct excitation of corticospinal axons (D‐wave). So far, we have not provided strong experimental evidence that this is actually the case. In the present study, we therefore compared temporal differences of the early facilitation between transcranial magnetic and electrical stimulation (TES). TES is known to excite the axons of corticospinal neurons. TES in our study caused a temporal shift of the early facilitation of H‐reflexes in all subjects compared to TMS, which indicates that the early facilitation with TMS is indeed produced by an I‐wave. Additionally, we investigated temporal shifts of the early facilitation with different TMS intensities and two TMS coils. It has long been known that TMS with higher intensities can induce a D‐wave. Accordingly, we found that TMS with an intensity of 150% of resting motor threshold compared to 130%/110% results in a temporal shift of the early facilitation, indicating the presence of a D‐wave. This effect was dependent on the coil type.
Effects of size selection versus density dependence on life histories: A first experimental probe
Authors: Lyberger Kelsey , Schoener Thomas W. , Schreiber Sebastian J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWhen prey experience size‐based harvesting by predators, they are not only subject to selection due to larger individuals being preferentially harvested but also selection due to reductions in population density. Density‐dependent selection represents one of the most basic interactions between ecology and evolution. Yet, the reduction in density associated with exploitation has not been tested as a possible driving force of observed evolutionary changes in populations harvested size‐dependently. Using an artificial selection experiment with a mixture of Daphnia clones, we partition the evolutionary effects of size‐based harvesting into the effects of removing large individuals and the effects of lowering the population density. We show that both size selection and density‐dependent selection are significant drivers of life‐history evolution. Importantly, these drivers affected different life‐history traits with size‐selective harvesting selecting for slower juvenile growth rates and a larger size at maturity, and low‐density selecting for reduced reproductive output.