bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine learning is a powerful tool to study the effect of cancer on species and ecosystems
Authors: Dujon Antoine M. , Vittecoq Marion , Bramwell Georgina , Thomas Frédéric , Ujvari Beata 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Cancer is an understudied but important process in wildlife. Cancerous cells are proposed to have had significant effect on the evolution of metazoan species due to their negative effect on host fitness. However, gaining knowledge on the impact of cancer on species and ecosystems is currently relatively slow as it requires expertise in both ecology and oncology. The field can greatly benefit from automation to reduce the need of excessive manpower and analyse complex ecological datasets.

In this commentary, we examine how machine learning has been used to gain knowledge on oncogenic processes in wildlife. Using a landscape ecology approach, we explore spatial scales ranging from the size of a molecule up to whole ecosystems and detail, for each level, how machine learning has been used, or could contribute to obtain insights on cancer in wildlife populations and ecosystems.

We illustrate how machine learning is a powerful toolbox to conduct studies at the interface of ecology and oncology. We provide guidance for the readers of both fields on how to implement machine learning tools in their research and identify directions to move the field forward using this promising technology. We demonstrate how applying machine learning to complex ecological datasets will (a) contribute to quantitating the effect of cancer at different life stages in wildlife; (b) allow the mining of long‐term datasets to understand the spatiotemporal variability of cancer risk factors and (c) contribute to mitigating cancer risk factors and the conservation of endangered species.

With this study, we aim to facilitate the use of machine learning to wildlife species and to encourage discussion between the scientists of the fields of oncology and ecology. We highlight the importance of international and pluridisciplinary collaborations to collect high‐quality datasets on which efficient machine learning algorithms can be trained.
Pedigree accumulation analysis: Combining methods from community ecology and population genetics for breeding adult estimation
Authors: Sard Nicholas M. , Hunter Robert D. , Roseman Edward F. , Hayes Daniel B. , DeBruyne Robin L. , Scribner Kim T. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Estimates of the number of successfully breeding adults (NS) in a population can predict levels of recruitment. However, assessments of NS are often difficult to obtain because encounters with adults are limited due to life‐history characteristics, low abundance or other constraints associated with access to critical habitats. Alternatively, efforts to sample individuals at earlier ontogenetic stages can be more tractable, resulting in more comprehensive samples.

To estimate NS, we describe, evaluate and apply two nonparametric species richness estimators to information associated with genetic pedigree reconstruction. Simulations compared bias and precision associated with Chao and Jackknife methods when estimating NS. We also evaluated NS estimation sensitivity to two sources of variation associated with species reproductive ecology (variance in reproductive success and sex ratio skew) and genetic pedigree assignment error. Finally, the application of our novel method was demonstrated in two different species and systems (Chinook Salmon in Oregon, USA and Lake Sturgeon in Michigan, USA).

We found unbiased NS estimates were generated across a broad range of offspring sample sizes using the Chao method. Empirical results corroborated simulation‐based expectations and highlighted applications where parents and offspring are sampled, and when only offspring are sampled.

When offspring sample sizes are adequate and pedigree reconstruction errors are low, the combination of established methods from community ecology and genetic pedigree reconstruction provides an accurate alternative method to estimate NS that can facilitate population assessments.
Testing the effects of ecologically extinct mammals on vegetation in arid Australia: A long‐term experimental approach
Authors: Michael Kimberley H. , Leonard Steven W. J. , Decker Orsolya , Verdon Simon J. , Gibb Heloise 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe loss of species from ecosystems can have cascading impacts on species interactions and ecosystem function. Australia has experienced the greatest loss of mammals globally in the past 200 years, but we know little of how the loss of this suite of ecosystem engineers and herbivores has affected vegetation. We used a threatened mammal reintroduction sanctuary to investigate effects of ecologically extinct mammals on plant assemblages. First, we tested the net effects of mammals using a long‐term exclusion experiment within the sanctuary. Second, we used a three‐year disturbance experiment to determine the relative roles of herbivory and physical disturbance in driving changes in plant assemblages. Third, we compared outcomes inside and outside the sanctuary to determine how effects of reintroduced mammals differed from contemporary mammal assemblages. Plant species richness was greatest in mammal exclusion plots and declined across all treatments from 2011 to 2018, probably due to drought. Plant composition changed in response to mammal exclusion, with six species increasing significantly, shrubs and myrmecochorous plants becoming more common and large‐seeded species less common. Responses to experimental disturbance were less clear. Grass and resprouters were more common, and palatable and large‐seeded plants were less common outside the sanctuary (exposed to contemporary mammal assemblage). Our study shows that reintroductions of ecologically extinct mammals have substantial impacts on plant assemblages, both through ecosystem engineering and herbivory, and these impacts differ from those of contemporary mammal faunas, suggesting that pre‐European Australian ecosystems were markedly different from contemporary ecosystems.
The impact of irrigation protocols on epoxy sealer penetration depth in dentinal tubules. Study involving laser confocal microscopy
Authors: Wilkoński Wojciech , Jamróz‐Wilkońska Lidia , Kępczyński Mariusz , Zapotoczny Szczepan , Maziarz Urszula , Opiła Janusz , Giardino Luciano 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe aim was to assess the impact of irrigation protocols ended with ethanol or chlorhexidine on AH Plus penetration into dentinal tubules. 45 root canals were prepared to ISO 40/04, divided into three groups and irrigated with three protocols: Group 1 (control): 5.25% NaOCl; Group 2: 40% CA (citric acid), 5.25% NaOCl, 40% CA, water, ethanol; Group 3: 40% CA, 5.25% NaOCl, 40% CA, water, 2% chlorhexidine. Canals were filled using vertical condensation technique with gutta‐percha and fluorescein‐stained AH Plus sealer. After 72 h, 1 mm thick cross‐sections were cut at 2, 5, 8 mm from the apex. Confocal laser microscope was used to measure the sealer penetration into dentinal tubules. Mean depth of sealer penetration (in micrometres) was 107, 131, 170 (Group 1); 146, 233, 317 (Group 2); 185, 301, 542 (Group 3); in apical, middle and coronal parts, respectively. Irrigation protocol ended with chlorhexidine resulted in the deeper sealer penetration compared with alcohol.
Do private consultants promote savings and investments in rural Mozambique?
Authors: Christian Paul , Glover Steven , Kondylis Florence , Mueller Valerie , Ruzzante Matteo , Zwager Astrid 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAdvice from managementprofessionals can help small‐ and medium‐sized firms reach complex financial goals in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We apply lessons learned in the firm literature to determine the degree in which farmer associations face constraints to management and planning capacity that can be alleviated by the provision of advice from external consultants. In particular, we conducted a randomized control trial in 42 water user associations (WUAs) in Mozambique to examine whether more intensive attention from financial consultants through repeated follow‐up visits prompts households to save and invest in agricultural equipment. All WUAs received a financial literacy training and were eligible to receive a matching grant. Twenty‐one WUAs were randomized into the treatment group that additionally were visited by private consultants quarterly, who tailored their advice to meet individuals’ own savings and investment objectives. We find the follow‐up visits increase ‘hidden savings’ in the form of new capital investments on farmers’ own account. Thus, the visits may have changed savings’ habits by leading farmers to invest in technologies that were not directly subsidized. Our ability to detect an additional effect on the type of investments farmers targeted through the matching grant and, hence, the savings for the respective investments is limited given the power of our study design. Although the proportion of households saving increased, the intervention was likely less cost‐effective than other modalities aimed to enhance the proclivity to save.
Advances and highlights in asthma in 2021
Authors: Agache Ioana , Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , Cojanu Catalina , Laculiceanu Alexandru , del Giacco Stefano , Zemelka‐Wiacek Magdalena , Kosowska Anna , Akdis Cezmi A. , Jutel Marek 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLast year brought a significant advance in asthma management, unyielding to the pressure of the pandemics. Novel key findings in asthma pathogenesis focus on the resident cell compartment, epigenetics and the innate immune system. The precision immunology unbiased approach was supplemented with novel tools and greatly facilitated by the use of artificial intelligence. Several randomised clinical trials and good quality real‐world evidence shed new light on asthma treatment and supported the revision of several asthma guidelines (GINA, Expert Panel Report 3, ERS/ATS guidelines on severe asthma) and the conception of new ones (EAACI Guidelines for the use of biologicals in severe asthma). Integrating asthma management within the broader context of Planetary Health has been put forward. In this review, recently published articles and clinical trials are summarised and discussed with the goal to provide clinicians and researchers with a concise update on asthma research from a translational perspective.
Minimizing opioid consumption by eliminating patient‐controlled analgesia after penile inversion vaginoplasty with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol
Authors: Tirrell Abigail R. , Abu El Hawa Areeg A. , Bekeny Jenna C. , Fan Kenneth L. , Del Corral Gabriel 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundGenital‐based gender affirmation surgery is a physically demanding procedure requiring extensive postoperative pain management. However, perioperative opioid use for these procedures is relatively understudied.ObjectivesThis study analyzes whether intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) enhances pain control after penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) in the setting of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, and whether non‐PCA (NCA)‐based regimens could reduce postoperative opioid use.MethodsAll patients undergoing PIV with ERAS protocols by a single provider from December 2018 to November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, pain scores, length of stay (LOS), and opioid usage during their hospitalization were collected. Postoperative opioid use and pain scores were compared between PCA and NCA patient cohorts.ResultsA total of 61 patients were included. 30 patients received intravenous PCA postoperatively, and 31 patients used NCA‐based narcotic pain control. All patients underwent ERAS protocol perioperatively. Average patient age was 34.5 years (SD 11.9) in the PCA cohort and 37.6 years (SD 11.9) in the NCA cohort (p = 0.242). Average total postoperative opioid use during hospital stay was reduced by 53.7% in the NCA cohort, with an average use of 501.6 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (SD 410.3) among PCA patients and an average use of 232.0 MME (SD 216.5) among NCA patients (p = 0.003). Daily average pain scores for postoperative days 1 to 6 did not differ between the PCA and NCA patient groups (p > 0.05). Average hospital LOS was shorter among NCA patients, 6.2 days (SD 1.0) versus 7.3 days (SD 1.4), respectively, (p < 0.001).DiscussionIn combination with an ERAS non‐narcotic pain control protocol, it may be possible to reduce opioid use by more than 50% and shorten length of postoperative hospital stay among patients by implementing NCA pain management protocols.ConclusionMinimizing postoperative opioid consumption after PIV will benefit patients and their sustained well‐being.
Adverse reactions with levamisole vary according to its indications and misuse: A systematic pharmacovigilance study
Authors: Campillo Jérémy T. , Eiden Céline , Boussinesq Michel , Pion Sébastien D. S. , Faillie Jean‐Luc , Chesnais Cédric B. 
Published: August 2021

Levamisole was initially prescribed for the treatment of intestinal worms. Because of immunomodulatory properties, levamisole has been used in inflammatory pathologies and in cancers in association with 5‐fluorouracil. Levamisole is misused as a cocaine adulterant. Post‐marketing reports have implicated levamisole in the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and its use is now limited in Europe and North America. In contrast, all other parts of the World continue to use single‐dose levamisole as an anthelmintic. The aim of this study was to identify ADRs reported after levamisole exposure in VigiBase, the World Health Organisation's pharmacovigilance database, and analyse their frequency compared to other drugs and according to levamisole type of use.MethodsAll levamisole‐related ADRs were extracted from VigiBase. Disproportionality analyses were conducted to investigate psychiatric, hepatobiliary, renal, vascular, nervous, blood, skin, cardiac, musculoskeletal and general ADRs associated with levamisole and other drugs exposure. In secondary analyses, we compared the frequency of ADRs between levamisole and mebendazole and between levamisole type of use.ResultsAmong the 1763 levamisole‐related ADRs identified, psychiatric disorders (reporting odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals: 1.4 [1.2–2.6]), hepatobiliary disorders (2.4 [1.9–4.3]), vasculitis (6.5 [4.1–10.6]), encephalopathy (22.5 [17.4–39.9]), neuropathy (4.3 [2.9–7.1]), haematological disorders, mild rashes and musculoskeletal disorders were more frequently reported with levamisole than with other drug. The majority of levamisole‐related ADRs occurred when the drug was administrated for a non–anti‐infectious indication.ConclusionThe great majority of the levamisole‐related ADRs concerned its immunomodulatory indication and multiple‐dose regimen. Our results suggest that single‐dose treatments for anthelmintic action have a good safety profile.
Hierarchical cancer heterogeneity analysis based on histopathological imaging features
Authors: Ren Mingyang , Zhang Qingzhao , Zhang Sanguo , Zhong Tingyan , Huang Jian , Ma Shuangge 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn cancer research, supervised heterogeneity analysis has important implications. Such analysis has been traditionally based on clinical/demographic/molecular variables. Recently, histopathological imaging features, which are generated as a byproduct of biopsy, have been shown as effective for modeling cancer outcomes, and a handful of supervised heterogeneity analysis has been conducted based on such features. There are two types of histopathological imaging features, which are extracted based on specific biological knowledge and using automated imaging processing software, respectively. Using both types of histopathological imaging features, our goal is to conduct the first supervised cancer heterogeneity analysis that satisfies a hierarchical structure. That is, the first type of imaging features defines a rough structure, and the second type defines a nested and more refined structure. A penalization approach is developed, which has been motivated by but differs significantly from penalized fusion and sparse group penalization. It has satisfactory statistical and numerical properties. In the analysis of lung adenocarcinoma data, it identifies a heterogeneity structure significantly different from the alternatives and has satisfactory prediction and stability performance.
Lower urinary tract electrical sensory assessment: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van der Lely Stéphanie , Schmidhalter Melanie R. , Knüpfer Stephanie C. , Sartori Andrea M. , Schneider Marc P. , Stalder Stephanie A. , Kessler Thomas M. , Liechti Martina D. , Mehnert Ulrich 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesTo summarize the current literature on lower urinary tract electrical sensory assessment (LUTESA), with regard to current perception thresholds (CPTs) and sensory evoked potentials (SEPs), and to discuss the applied methods in terms of technical aspects, confounding factors, and potential for lower urinary tract (LUT) diagnostics.MethodsThe review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Medline (PubMed), Embase and Scopus were searched on 13 October 2020. Meta‐analyses were performed and methodological qualities of the included studies were defined by assessing risk of bias (RoB) as well as confounding.ResultsAfter screening 9925 articles, 80 studies (five randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and 75 non‐RCTs) were included, comprising a total of 3732 patients and 692 healthy subjects (HS). Of these studies, 61 investigated CPTs exclusively and 19 reported on SEPs, with or without corresponding CPTs. The recording of LUTCPTs and SEPs was shown to represent a safe and reliable assessment of LUT afferent nerve function in HS and patients. LUTESA demonstrated significant differences in LUT sensitivity between HS and neurological patients, as well as after interventions such as pelvic surgery or drug treatments. Pooled analyses showed that several stimulation variables (e.g. stimulation frequency, location) as well as patient characteristics might affect the main outcome measures of LUTESA (CPTs, SEP latencies, peak‐to‐peak amplitudes, responder rate). RoB and confounding was high in most studies.ConclusionsPreliminary data show that CPT and SEP recordings are valuable tools to more objectively assess LUT afferent nerve function. LUTESA complements already established diagnostics such as urodynamics, allowing a more comprehensive patient evaluation. The high RoB and confounding rate was related to inconsistency and inaccuracy in reporting rather than the technique itself. LUTESA standardization and well‐designed RCTs are crucial to implement LUTESA as a clinical assessment tool.
Long noncoding RNA just proximal to X‐inactive specific transcript facilitates aerobic glycolysis and temozolomide chemoresistance by promoting stability of PDK1 mRNA in an m6A‐dependent manner in glioblastoma multiforme cells
Authors: Li Xu Dong , Wang Min Jie , Zheng Jiang Lin , Wu Yue Hui , Wang Xuan , Jiang Xiao Bing 
Published: August 2021

AbstractImproving the chemotherapy resistance of temozolomide (TMZ) is of great significance in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Long non‐coding RNA just proximal to the X‐inactive specific transcript (JPX) has been proven to be involved in cancer progression. However, the intrinsic significance and molecular mechanism by which JPX orchestrates GBM progression and TMZ chemotherapy resistance remain poorly understood. Here, JPX was found to be significantly elevated in GBM tissues and cell lines, and patients with high expressions of JPX showed significantly worse prognoses. Functional experiments revealed its carcinogenic roles in GBM cell proliferation, TMZ chemoresistance, anti‐apoptosis, DNA damage repair, and aerobic glycolysis. Mechanistically, JPX formed a complex with phosphoinositide dependent kinase‐1 (PDK1) messenger RNA (mRNA) and promoted its stability and expression. Furthermore, an RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) experiment showed that JPX interacted with N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase FTO alpha‐ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase (FTO) and enhanced FTO‐mediated PDK1 mRNA demethylation. JPX exerted its GBM‐promotion effects through the FTO/PDK1 axis. Taken together, these findings reveal the key role of JPX in promoting GBM aerobic glycolysis and TMZ chemoresistance in an m6A‐dependent manner. Thus, it comprises a promising novel therapeutic target for GBM chemotherapy.
Clinical, radiographic, and immunological evaluation of angulated screw‐retained and cemented single‐implant crowns in the esthetic region: A 1‐year randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lv Xiao‐Lei , Qian Shu‐jiao , Qiao Shi‐chong , Gu Ying‐Xin , Lai Hong‐Chang , Shi Jun‐Yu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundScrew‐retained implant crowns are considered more biologically compatible than cemented crowns due to the absence of excess cement. However, traditional screw‐retained implant crowns are not viable when the access hole of the screw channel would need to be located in an esthetic area, which would compromise the esthetic outcome of the treatment.PurposeTo evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and immunological outcomes of angulated screw‐retained and cemented single‐implant crowns in the esthetic region.Materials and methodsThe study was a single‐center, open‐label, randomized controlled clinical trial. Eligible patients were randomly placed in two groups: angulated screw‐retained group (AG) and cemented group (CG). Implant survival rate, bleeding on probing rate (BOP%), probing depth (PD), modified plaque index (mPI), marginal bone loss (MBL), concentrations of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6) in peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF), mechanical complications, and pink esthetic score/white esthetic score (PES/WES) were evaluated.ResultsFifty‐six patients (AG: 29, CG: 27) attended the 1‐year examination. The drop‐out rate was 6.67%. No implant failure was found in both groups during the observation period. BOP% was significantly lower in the AG than that in the CG (mean, 21.84% ± 19.97% vs. 37.04% ± 26.28%, p = 0.018). The concentration of TNF‐α in PICF was significantly higher in the AG than that in the CG (median, 13.54 vs. 4.62, p = 0.019). No significant difference of PD, mPI, MBL, IL‐6, or mechanical complication rates was found between the two groups. Mean scores for PES/WES were 21.71 and 21.64 in the AG and CG, respectively.ConclusionBased on the present results, both treatment options showed acceptable clinical outcomes in the short term. Angulated screw‐retained crowns might benefit the peri‐implant soft tissue. However, studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed to confirm whether the higher concentration of TNF‐α will compromise the long‐term outcomes of treatment.