bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the impact of habitat modifications on species behavior and mortality: A case study of tropical tuna
Authors: Dupaix Amaël , Dagorn Laurent , Deneubourg Jean‐Louis , Capello Manuela 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEcosystems and biodiversity across the world are being altered by human activities. Habitat modification and degradation are among the most important drivers of biodiversity loss. These modifications can have an impact on species behavior, which can, in turn, impact their mortality. While several studies have investigated the impacts of habitat degradation and fragmentation on terrestrial species, the extent to which habitat modifications affect the behavior and fitness of marine species is still largely unknown, particularly for pelagic species. Since the early 1990s, industrial purse seine vessels targeting tuna have started deploying artificial floating objects—Drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (DFADs)—in all oceans to increase tuna catchability. Since then, the massive deployment of DFADs has modified tuna surface habitat, by increasing the density of floating objects, with potential impacts on tuna associative behavior and mortality. In this study, we investigate these impacts for yellowfin tuna in the Indian Ocean. Using an individual‐based model based on a correlated random walk and newly available data on DFAD densities, we quantify for the first time how the increase in floating object density, due to DFAD use, affects the percentage of time that yellowfin tuna spend associated, which, in turn, directly impacts their availability to fishers and fishing mortality. This modification of tuna associative behavior could also have indirect impacts on their fitness, by retaining tuna in areas detrimental to them or disrupting schooling behavior. Hence, there is an urgent need to further investigate DFAD impacts on tuna behavior, in particular, taking social behavior into account, and to continue regulation efforts on DFAD use and monitoring.
American mistletoes: A dataset of Phoradendron species and their hosts across their distribution range
Authors: Tinoco‐Domínguez Eurídice , González‐Elizondo M. Socorro , Lira‐Noriega Andrés 
Published: September 2024

AbstractParasite–host systems are a good study model for answering ecological and evolutionary questions. In this regard, mistletoes have been increasingly studied in recent decades in both temperate and tropical zones. The genus Phoradendron is a group of American mistletoes that has been studied from different evolutionary and ecological approaches as a model of parasite–host systems. Currently, however, no systematic compilation of the plant species parasitized by these mistletoes is available. To address this issue, we conducted a thorough search and compilation of interactions between mistletoe species of the genus Phoradendron and their hosts. This involved consulting multiple sources, including monographs, digitized herbaria material, and scientific publications. Additionally, we incorporated information regarding the presence records of Phoradendron from the most authoritative databases at the national, continental, and global levels. This process yielded a comprehensive dataset consisting of two independent tables, offering information on the interactions and occurrences of Phoradendron throughout its distribution range in the Americas. The dataset includes the interactions between 159 mistletoe species and 118 hosts at the family level, 379 hosts at the genus level, and 544 hosts at the species level, totaling 2929 interactions between species of the genus Phoradendron and their hosts. This data paper represents an updated compilation of a genus of parasitic plants, with the purpose of making this database of interactions accessible for researchers to address questions at multiple scales and from disciplines as varied as biogeography, ecology, evolution, and epidemiology. We plan to use and expand this database with subsequent studies from the authors. There are no copyright restrictions on the dataset; please cite this data paper when using data from this publication. We also encourage you to contact the authors if you are interested in contributing to this database.
Tviblindi algorithm identifies branching developmental trajectories of human B‐cell development and describes abnormalities in RAG‐1 and WAS patients
Authors: Bakardjieva Marina , Pelák Ondřej , Wentink Marjolein , Glier Hana , Novák David , Stančíková Jitka , Kužílková Daniela , Mejstříková Ester , Janowska Iga , Rizzi Marta , van der Burg Mirjam , Stuchlý Jan , Kalina Tomáš 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDetailed knowledge of human B‐cell development is crucial for the proper interpretation of inborn errors of immunity and malignant diseases. It is of interest to understand the kinetics of protein expression changes during development, but also to properly interpret the major and possibly alternative developmental trajectories. We have investigated human samples from healthy individuals with the aim of describing all B‐cell developmental trajectories. We validated a 30‐parameter mass cytometry panel and demonstrated the utility of “vaevictis” visualization of B‐cell developmental stages. We used the trajectory inference tool “tviblindi” to exhaustively describe all trajectories leading to all developmental ends discovered in the data. Focusing on Natural Effector B cells, we demonstrated the dynamics of expression of nuclear factors (PAX‐5, TdT, Ki‐67, Bcl‐2), cytokine and chemokine receptors (CD127, CXCR4, CXCR5) in relation to the canonical B‐cell developmental stage markers. We observed branching of the memory development, where follicular memory formation was marked by CD73 expression. Lastly, we performed an analysis of two example cases of abnormal B‐cell development caused by mutations in RAG‐1 and Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome gene in patients with primary immunodeficiency. In conclusion, we developed, validated, and presented a comprehensive set of tools for the investigation of B‐cell development in the bone marrow compartment.
Photoactivation of nano MgO anchored g‐C3N4 enhances biodiesel production in Chlorella sorokiniana: A sustainable approach
Authors: Khalifa Amany , Faried Maryam , Abdelsalam Essam M. , Samer Mohamed , Moselhy Mohamed A. , Elsayed Hassan , Attia Yasser A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractInvestigating the potential of magnesium oxide (MgO), graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), and their composite nanoparticles as nutrient sources for enhanced microalgae biodiesel production formed the core of this study. Supplementing the growth medium with g‐C3N4 and MgO/g‐C3N4 nanoparticles significantly increased microalgae (Chlorella sorokiniana) growth and lipid accumulation, culminating in a 58 mg/L lipid concentration. Interestingly, while MgO nanoparticles alone led to the highest biodiesel yield, the synergistic effect of MgO and g‐C3N4 in the composite nanoparticles improved nutrient availability and facilitated optimal microalgae growth and lipid accumulation. These findings pave the way for further research and development of nanoparticle‐based strategies to optimize microalgae‐based biodiesel production, offering a promising avenue for a more sustainable and efficient future of biofuel generation. The results showed that the addition of 15 mg/L of MgO NPs produced the maximum biodiesel yield which reached 61.5 mg/L.
Acute symptomatic seizures in patients with recurrent ischemic stroke: A multicentric study
Authors: Leal Rato Miguel , Schön Miguel , Zafra Maria Paula , Aguiar de Sousa Diana , Pinho e Melo Teresa , Franco Ana Catarina , Peralta Ana Rita , Ferreira‐Atuesta Carolina , Mayor‐Romero Luis Carlos , Rouhl Rob P. W. , Bentes Carla 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveEpileptic seizures occur frequently after stroke due to changes in brain function and structure, and up to around 10% of stroke patients experience stroke recurrence in the first year. We aimed to establish the risk of acute symptomatic seizures in patients with recurrent stroke.MethodsRetrospective cohort study including consecutive admissions to a Stroke Unit due to acute ischemic stroke, during a 5‐year period. Additional inclusion of patients admitted to two centers in different countries to corroborate findings (confirmatory cohort). We aimed to compare acute symptomatic seizure incidence in patients with and without previous stroke. Patients with history of epilepsy were excluded. Logistic regression modeling was performed to identify predictors in middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke.ResultsWe included 1473 patients (1085 with MCA stroke), of which 117 had a recurrent ischemic stroke (84 with MCA stroke). Patients with recurrent stroke had a seizure risk during hospital stay similar to that of patients with a first‐ever stroke (5.1% vs. 4.5%, OR 1.15, 95% CI .48–2.71, p = .75). Risk of acute symptomatic seizures was also similar (5.0% vs. 4.1, OR 1.22, 95% CI .29–5.27, p = .78). Older age, female sex, and hemorrhagic transformation were predictors of seizures in patients with a first MCA ischemic stroke, but not in recurrent stroke patients. Electrographic characteristics were similar between the two groups in patients who had an electroencephalogram (46 with first stroke, 5 with recurrent stroke). The low rate of seizures (1.5%) in the confirmatory cohort (n = 198) precluded full comparison with the initial cohort. Nevertheless, the rate of seizures was not higher in stroke recurrence.SignificanceHistory of previous stroke was not associated with an increased risk of acute symptomatic seizures during hospital stay. Larger, prospective studies, with prospective electrophysiological evaluation, are needed to explore the impact of stroke recurrence on seizure risk.
The Man Van: A pilot study of using mobile targeted case‐finding to address health inequalities in prostate cancer
Authors: Moghul Masood , Tran Amina , Croft Fionnuala , Kinsella Netty , Peckitt Clare , Cahill Declan , James Nicholas D. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEarly diagnosis remains a major limitation of cancer outcomes with ethnicity and deprivation being determinants of inequalities that impact outcomes. Prostate cancer suffers from lower incidence rates and higher mortality rates in the most deprived versus the least deprived groups. We developed the ‘Man Van’ to enable high‐risk male patients' from deprived communities and ethnic minorities increased access to health care to address these health inequalities. Between December 2021 and December 2022 the Man Van project was piloted in eight different locations chosen using geospatial targeting based on ethnic minority populations and deprivation scores. The primary outcome measures were the prevalence of prostate cancer and other health conditions. 810 men were recruited to be seen at our Man Van clinics with 610 men attending. 48% of attendees were non‐White including 30% of men who were Black. 420 men had PSA tests performed with a median PSA of 1 μg/L. 15 prostate cancers were diagnosed (3.6%; 95% CI 2.0–5.9) with 10 of these being clinically significant disease. Black men were more likely to be diagnosed compared to white men: 7.1% versus 1.8% (p < .05). The Man Van project is a novel approach to tackling health inequalities combining awareness raising, improved access to healthcare as well as ease of follow‐up. Comparatively high levels of prostate cancers were diagnosed at early stages and high levels of other health conditions were found which could improve the economic value of the service.
Integrating Multi‐Scale Feature Boundary Module and Feature Fusion With CNN for Accurate Skin Cancer Segmentation and Classification
Authors: Malaiarasan S. , Ravi R. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe skin, a crucial organ, plays a protective role in the human body, emphasizing the significance of early detection of skin diseases to prevent potential progression to skin cancer. The challenge lies in diagnosing these diseases at their early stages, where visual resemblance complicates differentiation, highlighting the need for an innovative automated method for precisely identifying skin lesions in biomedical images. This paper introduces a holistic methodology that combines DenseNet, multi‐scale feature boundary module (MFBM), and feature fusion and decoding engine (FFDE) to tackle challenges in existing deep‐learning image segmentation methods. Furthermore, a convolutional neural network model is designed for the classification of segmented images. The DenseNet encoder efficiently extracts features at four resolution levels, leveraging dense connectivity to capture intricate hierarchical features. The proposed MFBM plays a crucial role in extracting boundary information, employing parallel dilated convolutions with various dilation rates for effective multi‐scale information capture. To overcome potential disadvantages related to the conversion of features during segmentation, our approach ensures the preservation of context features. The proposed FFDE method adaptively fuses features from different levels, restoring skin lesion location information while preserving local details. The evaluation of the model is conducted on the HAM10000 dataset, which consists of 10 015 dermoscopy images, yielding promising results.
Noncontact Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy of Synovial Fluid Samples for Rapid Identification of Infections
Authors: Drewke Erin E. , Brand Robert L. , Geels Caroline G. , Jensen Hanna K. , Wong Kevin , Sanders Jarret D. , Rajaram Narasimhan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTSevere joint infections, such as septic arthritis, require rapid diagnostic testing of the synovial fluid aspirated from joints level so that a surgical team can be assembled quickly. We present a diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) system for noncontact determination of infection. Using a light‐tight syringe holder and fiber optic probe, diffusely reflected light from 475 to 655 nm was acquired from 18 patient samples through the wall of a syringe in a noncontact and sterile manner. We determined the reflectance ratios at two different wavelengths—R
490/R
600 and R
580/R
600 and found statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in both ratios between the infected and noninfected groups. Critically, the R
490/R
600 and R
580/R
600 ratios were significantly correlated with clinical biomarkers—the white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts, respectively. This study demonstrates the potential of DRS as a rapid diagnostic tool for joint infections.
Effects of combustible cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems on immune cell‐driven inflammation: Evidences from diabetic patients and multiple low dose streptozotocin‐treated diabetic mice
Authors: Kastratovic Nikolina , Arsenijevic Aleksandar , Harrell Carl Randall , Mladenovic Violeta , Djukic Aleksandar , Volarevic Ana , Jovanovic Dalibor , Zdravkovic Marija , Macut Jelica Bjekic , Djonov Valentin , Volarevic Vladislav 
Published: September 2024

AbstractConsidering detrimental impacts of combustible cigarettes (CCs) on the exacerbation of diabetes mellitus (DM), a significant number of DM patients have substituted CCs with electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Herewith, we compared CCs and ENDS‐dependent modulation of immune cell‐driven inflammation in DM patients who used ENDS (DMENDS), CCs (DMCC) or were non‐smokers (DMAIR), paving the way for the better understanding of ENDS‐induced biological effects. Multiple low dose streptozotocin (MLD‐STZ)‐induced mice model of DM was used to support clinical findings. Both CCs and ENDS aggravated MLD‐STZ‐induced DM. Pancreatic injury and inflammation were more severe in CC‐exposed than in ENDS‐exposed diabetic mice. CCs promoted activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines in neutrophils, macrophages and remarkably improved antigen presenting capacity of dendritic cells which resulted in the expansion of TNF‐α, IFN‐γ and IL‐17‐producing Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes, NK and NKT cells. Compared to CCs, ENDS more intensively promoted expansion of FoxP3‐expressing, IL‐10‐producing NK and NKT cells and triggered less intense systemic inflammatory response in diabetic animals. Similar findings were observed in DM patients. The highest numbers of inflammatory, TNF‐α and IL‐1β‐producing neutrophils and monocytes, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ‐producing T lymphocytes, NK and NKT cells were determined in the blood of DMCC patients, while total number of immunosuppressive, TGF‐β‐producing CD3 + CD4 + T cells was the highest in the blood of DMENDS patients. In conclusion, although both CC and ENDS aggravate on‐going inflammation in DM, ENDS have weaker capacity to induce production of inflammatory cytokines in immune cells than CCs.
Amniotic‐umbilical‐to‐cerebral ratio, a Doppler index for estimating adverse perinatal outcomes in fetal growth restriction
Authors: Seyhanli Zeynep , Bayraktar Burak , Karabay Gulsan , Agaoglu Recep Taha , Ulusoy Can Ozan , Aktemur Gizem , Cakir Betul Tokgoz , Bucak Mevlut , Yucel Kadriye Yakut 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate amniotic fluid volume with Doppler parameters and its association with composite adverse perinatal outcomes (CAPOs) in fetal growth restriction (FGR).Materials and MethodsThis study was conducted prospectively in a tertiary referral center between 2023 and 2024 on pregnant women diagnosed with early‐ and late‐onset FGR. Fetal ultrasonographic measurements, including deepest vertical pocket (DVP) for amniotic fluid, and Doppler parameters including uterine artery (UtA) systolic/diastolic (S/D) and pulsatility index (PI), middle cerebral artery (MCA) S/D and PI, and umbilical artery (UA) S/D and PI, were conducted following fetal biometry. The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), cerebral ratio, cerebro‐placental‐uterine ratio (CPUR), and amniotic‐umbilical‐to‐cerebral ratio (AUCR) were all calculated. Pregnant women diagnosed with FGR were planned to give birth after 37 weeks' gestation, unless a pregnancy complication requiring earlier delivery occurred. We assessed perinatal outcomes subsequent to delivery, with CAPOs defined as the presence of at least one adverse outcome: 5th minute APGAR score <7, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), umbilical cord blood pH <7.2, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.ResultsThe study included 132 participants, divided into early‐ (n = 32) and late‐onset FGR (n = 100) groups. AUCR was significantly lower in fetuses with late‐onset FGR who experienced CAPOs. Multivariate analysis showed gestational age at birth and birth weight were significant predictors of CAPOs in early‐onset FGR, while gestational age, birth weight, and AUCR were significant predictors in late‐onset FGR. CPR, UCR, and CPUR did not show significance in predicting CAPOs in both early‐ and late‐onset FGR on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsAUCR is a potential reliable marker for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in late‐onset FGR.
Integrating artificial intelligence (S‐Detect software) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound for enhanced diagnosis of thyroid nodules: A comprehensive evaluation study
Authors: Zou Lu‐Lu , Zhang Qi , Yao Zhi , He Yong , Zhou Jun 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study aims to assess the diagnostic efficacy of Korean Thyroid imaging reporting and data system (K‐TIRADS), S‐Detect software and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) when employed individually, as well as their combined application, for the evaluation of thyroid nodules, with the objective of identifying the optimal method for diagnosing thyroid nodules.MethodsTwo hundred and sixty eight cases pathologically proven of thyroid nodules were retrospectively enrolled. Each nodule was classified according to K‐TIRADS. S‐Detect software was utilized for intelligent analysis. CEUS was employed to acquire contrast‐enhanced features.ResultsThe area under curve (AUC) values for diagnosing benign and malignant thyroid nodules using K‐TIRADS alone, S‐Detect software alone, CEUS alone, the combined application of K‐TIRADS and CEUS, the combined application of S‐Detect software and CEUS were 0.668, 0.668, 0.719, 0.741, and 0.759, respectively (p < 0.001). The sensitivity rate of S‐Detect software was 89.9% (p < 0.001). It was the highest of the five diagnostic methods above.ConclusionThe utilization of S‐Detect software can be served as a powerful tool for early screening. Notably, the combined utilization of S‐Detect software with CEUS demonstrates superior diagnostic performance compared to employing K‐TIRADS, S‐Detect software, CEUS used individually, as well as the combined application of K‐TIRADS with CEUS.
Vitamin E‐stabilized polyethylene shows similar survival rates at minimum 7‐year follow‐up compared to conventional polyethylene in primary total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Bistolfi Alessandro , Spezia Marco , Cipolla Alessandra , Bonera Monica , Mellano Danilo , Banci Lorenzo , Colombo Marta , Massè Alessandro 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this cross‐sectional study was to compare survival, clinical and radiographic results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with vitamin E‐stabilized polyethylene (VEPE) or conventional polyethylene (CPE) at a minimum of 7‐year follow‐up.MethodsPatients who underwent primary TKA between 2011 and 2015, receiving the same cemented rotating platform knee design with VEPE or CPE tibial inserts, were identified. Patients were contacted for clinical and radiographic follow‐up. American Knee Society Score (KSS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS‐12), presence of periprosthetic radiolucent lines (RLLs) and osteolysis were evaluated at the last follow‐up. Any revision, reintervention or other complications were recorded.ResultsAmong 350 TKAs initially identified, 102 VEPE and 97 CPE knees were included for analysis with mean follow‐up of 8.5 and 8.3 years, respectively. No significant difference was found in survival rates at 10‐year follow‐up with revision due to aseptic loosening (95.0% vs. 97.8%, p = 0.29) or due to any reason (87.6% vs. 89.6%, p = 0.78) between VEPE and CPE TKA. KSS function score resulted significantly higher in the VEPE group over CPE (77 vs. 63, p = 0.01). RLLs were more frequent in VEPE than CPE (54% vs. 32%, p = 0.05), mainly noticed medially and posteriorly beneath the tibial plate, adjacent to the trochlear shield and the posterior condyles. Osteolysis was observed in one knee per group, but patients were asymptomatic with stable implants.ConclusionTKA with VEPE and CPE tibial inserts showed comparable survival rates, complications and clinical and radiographic results up to 10‐year follow‐up.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Exploring the potential of in vitro extracellular vesicle generation in reproductive biology
Authors: Franko Roksan , de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz Marcia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe interest in the growing field of extracellular vesicle (EV) research highlights their significance in intercellular signalling and the selective transfer of biological information between donor and recipient cells. EV studies have provided valuable insights into intercellular communication mechanisms, signal identification and their involvement in disease states, offering potential avenues for manipulating pathological conditions, detecting biomarkers and developing drug‐delivery systems. While our understanding of EV functions in reproductive tissues has significantly progressed, exploring their potential as biomarkers for infertility, therapeutic interventions and enhancements in assisted reproductive technologies remains to be investigated. This knowledge gap stems partly from the difficulties associated with large‐scale EV production relevant to clinical applications. Most existing studies on EV production rely on conventional 2D cell culture systems, characterized by suboptimal EV yields and a failure to replicate in vivo conditions. This results in the generation of EVs that differ from their in vivo counterparts. Hence, this review firstly delves into the importance of EVs in reproduction to then expand on current techniques for in vitro EV production, specifically examining diverse methods of culture and the potential of bioengineering technologies to establish innovative systems for enhanced EV production.