bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Nomogram Model for ACR TI‐RADS 4 Nodules Based on Clinical, Biochemical Data and Sonographic Patterns
Authors: Wang Yongheng , Tang Yao , Luo Ziyu , Li Jianhui , Li Wenhan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe objective of this study was to develop and validate a nomogram model integrating clinical, biochemical and ultrasound features to predict the malignancy rates of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 (TR4) thyroid nodules.MethodsA total of 1557 cases with confirmed pathological diagnoses via fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) were retrospectively included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of malignancy. These predictors were incorporated into the nomogram model, and its predictive performance was evaluated using receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration plots, net reclassification improvement (NRI), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsEight out of 22 variables—age, margin, extrathyroidal extension, halo, calcification, suspicious lymph node metastasis, aspect ratio and thyroid peroxidase antibody—were identified as independent predictors of malignancy. The calibration curve demonstrated excellent performance, and DCA indicated favourable clinical utility. Additionally, our nomogram exhibited superior predictive ability compared to the current American College of Radiology (ACR) score model, as indicated by higher AUC, NRI, IDI, negative likelihood ratio (NLR) and positive likelihood ratio (PLR) values.ConclusionsThe developed nomogram model effectively predicts the malignancy rate of TR4 thyroid nodules, demonstrating promising clinical applicability.
Impact of baseline characteristics on the efficacy of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide among participants with type 2 diabetes: A post hoc analysis of SUSTAIN China
Authors: Ji Linong , Lu Yibing , Shen Zewei , Hu Ping , Liu Wenyan , Zhang Qiu , Shi Bimin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimsTo investigate the impact of baseline characteristics on the efficacy of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg in participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from the SUSTAIN China trial.MethodsIn this post hoc analysis, data for semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg versus sitagliptin 100 mg were analysed in the total (n = 868) and Chinese‐only (n = 605) populations. Changes from baseline to end of treatment (EOT) in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight were analysed by baseline age, sex, body mass index, HbA1c, diabetes duration, and homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) tertile. Proportions of participants achieving HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) by baseline HbA1c, change from baseline to EOT in standard deviation of seven‐point self‐monitored plasma glucose (SMPG), derived time‐in‐range (dTIR) of seven‐point SMPG at Week 30, and HOMA‐β ratio to baseline at Week 30 were assessed for both populations.ResultsIn both populations the efficacy of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg versus sitagliptin was not significantly affected by most of the baseline characteristics studied. The proportion of participants achieving the target HbA1c <7% was not affected by baseline HbA1c (pinteraction > 0.05). SMPG fluctuation and dTIR indicated less glucose variability in participants treated with semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg versus sitagliptin, and the HOMA‐β ratios to baseline at EOT were greater with semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg versus sitagliptin (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results support the effectiveness of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg across a broad range of baseline characteristics, in participants with T2D from SUSTAIN China.
Case‐Based Reasoning in Educational Ethics: Phronēsis and Epistemic Blinders
Authors: Vazquez Michael , Webster Dustin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this paper Michael Vazquez and Dustin Webster consider the practice of deliberating about ethical case studies as a means to contribute to the professional development of educators. An ongoing debate is whether or not the study of ethical theory should be included in this practice. Vazquez and Webster argue that a popular strategy, known as the Phronetic Approach, is vulnerable to what they call “epistemic blinders” that arise in the absence of the scaffolding provided by theory. They then sketch an alternative approach to case‐based reasoning inspired by Barbara Herman's notion of middle theory. The middle theory approach naturally suggests a balanced method for using case studies in teacher professional development: expose educators to some theory, but only to the degree and at the level appropriate for the specific audience and in light of how frequent interactions with that audience will be.
Interleukin‐1 family cytokines and soluble receptors in hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Manzo Margiotta Flavia , Gambino Gaetana , Pratesi Federico , Michelucci Alessandra , Pisani Francesco , Rossi Leonardo , Dini Valentina , Romanelli Marco , Migliorini Paola 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease, characterized by clinical inflammation of the hair follicle with the recurrence of abscesses, nodules, and tunnels. Recently, several studies suggested a role of IL‐1 family (IL‐1F) cytokines in eliciting and sustaining the disease. The aim of this work is to perform a comprehensive analysis of IL‐1F cytokines, soluble inhibitors and receptors in a cohort of HS patients not treated with biological agents. Sixteen patients affected by HS and 16 healthy controls were recruited; clinical data were collected and disease severity evaluated by means of the International HS Severity Score System (IHS4). Serum levels of IL‐1F cytokines, inhibitors and receptors were measured using a Multiplex Assays. IL‐18 and free IL‐18 levels were significantly higher in patients vs controls. Among soluble inhibitors, IL‐1Ra, IL‐1R2 and ST2/IL‐1R4 were significantly increased. IL‐18, free IL‐18 and IL‐33 levels are strongly correlated with IHS4. Also the inhibitors IL‐1Ra and IL‐18BP show a correlation with IHS4. The data obtained in this study confirm the involvement of IL‐1F cytokines in mediating the disease and determining its severity and suggest a possible role for IL‐18 as novel serum biomarker of active disease.
Changing disturbance regimes, material legacies, and stabilizing feedbacks: Dead coral skeletons impair key recovery processes following coral bleaching
Authors: Kopecky Kai L. , Holbrook Sally J. , Partlow Emalia , Cunningham Madeline , Schmitt Russell J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEcosystem responses to disturbance depend on the nature of the perturbation and the ecological legacies left behind, making it critical to understand how climate‐driven changes in disturbance regimes modify resilience properties of ecosystems. For coral reefs, recent increases in severe marine heat waves now co‐occur with powerful storms, the historic agent of disturbance. While storms kill coral and remove their skeletons, heat waves bleach and kill corals but leave their skeletons intact. Here, we explored how the material legacy of dead coral skeletons modifies two key ecological processes that underpin coral reef resilience: the ability of herbivores to control macroalgae (spatial competitors of corals), and the replenishment of new coral colonies. Our findings, grounded by a major bleaching event at our long‐term study locale, revealed that the presence of structurally complex dead skeletons reduced grazing on turf algae by ~80%. For macroalgae, browsing was reduced by >40% on less preferred (unpalatable) taxa, but only by ~10% on more preferred taxa. This enabled unpalatable macroalgae to reach ~45% cover in 2 years. By contrast, herbivores prevented macroalgae from becoming established on adjacent reefs that lacked skeletons. Manipulation of unpalatable macroalgae revealed that the cover reached after 1 year (~20%) reduced recruitment of corals by 50%. The effect of skeletons on juvenile coral growth was contingent on the timing of settlement relative to the disturbance. If corals settled directly after bleaching (before macroalgae colonized), dead skeletons enhanced colony growth by 34%, but this benefit was lost if corals colonized dead skeletons a year after the disturbance once macroalgae had proliferated. These findings underscore how a material legacy from a changing disturbance regime can alter ecosystem resilience properties by disrupting key trophic and competitive interactions that shape post‐disturbance community dynamics.
Identification of a higher C–S lyase activity of Staphylococcus hominis in volunteers with unpleasant axillary odour
Authors: Grimaldi Christine , Gilardeau Sophie , Verzeaux Laurie , Guedj Océane , Richer Stéphanie , Laspoussas Aliette , Le Guillou Maud , Muchico Hélène , Aymard Elodie , Closs Brigitte 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveExcessive and unpleasant odours that emanate from the skin can induce bromhidrosis and substantially impair a person's quality of life. Enzymatic pathways generating unpleasant odours are well detailed, and among them, the C–S lyase is one of the enzymes involved in the conversion of non‐volatile precursors into thiol‐type malodorous volatile molecules such as 3M3SH. This study aimed to investigate the variation of axillary odour intensity correlated with Staphylococcus (S.) hominis C–S lyase activity within a group of volunteers after a physical activity.MethodsFirst, a group of 24 volunteers from the same ethnicity with standardized hygienic and alimentary practices participated in a supervised indoor cycling activity. Following this session, worn T‐shirts were recovered to enable the olfactory evaluation of axillary odours by qualified experts. To go further, the microbiota from the axillary zone of each volunteer was sampled and the bacterial relative abundance was investigated by using 16S rRNA metasequencing. Then, S. hominis isolates were obtained by culturomics from these microbiota samples and the C–S lyase activity was measured by spectrofluorometry in protein crude extracts.ResultsThe evaluation of the odour intensity revealed that within the panel, two groups were significantly distinct. A non‐odorous group and a malodorous one with volunteers having unpleasant odours. The 16S rRNA metasequencing reveals differences in bacterial communities between the two groups with a significant increase in the relative abundance of S. hominis in the malodorous group compared with the non‐odorous one. The C–S lyase activities measured on S. hominis sampled on volunteers from the two groups demonstrate that for an equivalent quantity of protein, this enzymatic activity is significantly higher for the samples originating from the malodorous group.ConclusionHence, this study demonstrates that beyond the increase of S. hominis relative abundance, the C–S lyase enzymatic activity of this bacteria is also higher in volunteers with unpleasant axillary odours.
Moving beyond biology: the critical role of social and structural determinants in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Polaskey Meredith Tyree , Chovatiya Raj 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease with a substantial global burden and negative impact on quality of life. While genetics and pathophysiology are key to understanding AD, emerging evidence indicates that social and structural determinants of health (SDOH and StDOH) strongly influence the condition's onset, severity, and outcomes. SDOH, such as economic stability, education quality and access, healthcare quality and access, neighborhood environment, and social/community context, shape individual risk and disease experience. StDOH, including government processes, economic policies, social/public policies, and cultural/societal values, further act as upstream forces that directly and indirectly influence AD outcomes. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on the impacts of SDOH and StDOH on AD incidence, severity, and disparities. Embracing a biopsychosocial model is crucial to elucidate the etiology, epidemiology, and optimal management of AD. Future research should adopt a holistic approach, moving beyond a purely biological perspective to consider the intricate interplay of social and structural determinants in understanding and managing AD.
The functional attributes of protein hydrolysates from horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum)
Authors: Sharma Vatsala , Ramesh Janani , Thakur Monika , Singh Sridevi Annapurna 
Published: September 2024

SummaryThe functional attributes of enzymatically derived horsegram protein hydrolysates from dehulled horsegram were investigated in this study. Hydrolysates were produced using commercial proteases, namely Alcalase® 2.4L and Protex 6L, at varying degrees of hydrolysis (DH) – specifically, 5%, 8%, and 10%. Maximum DH reached 11% with Alcalase® 2.4L and 11.5% with Protex 6L. Optimal hydrolysis conditions entailed a dehulled horsegram concentration of 2.5% (w/v), an enzyme–substrate ratio (E/S) of 0.001% for Alcalase® 2.4L and 0.002% for Protex 6L, at 55 °C and 60 °C, respectively, for 5 h, maintaining a pH of 7.5. Enhanced solubility was observed across a wide pH range (2–10), with HG‐PH exhibiting an increase from 21% to 56%. Analysis of functional properties revealed a significant elevation (P < 0.05) in both water holding and oil holding capacities with increasing DH. Emulsion activity decreased from 0.5 to 0.1 in proportion to DH increase. Conversely, foaming capacity (FC) showed a positive correlation with the hydrolysis extent, rising from 24% to 98%. However, foam stability decreased across all samples, declining from 84% to 12%. These findings underscore the potential of incorporating these hydrolysates into diverse food applications, capitalising on their heightened solubility, water and oil holding capacities, and foam‐forming characteristics. The comprehensive array of functional properties exhibited by HG‐PH renders it a promising ingredient for integration into food product formulations.
Isolation and characterisation of zinc‐chelating peptides from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) protein hydrolysate
Authors: Shen Zehan , He Shan , Abukhadra Mostafa R. , El‐Sherbeeny Ahmed M. , Zeng Qingzhu , Liu Lixiang , Deng Shanggui , Gao Jingrong 
Published: September 2024

SummaryThis study aimed to isolate and characterise zinc‐chelating peptides from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) protein hydrolysate. The hydrolysate was fractionated using a multi‐ultrafiltration technique, yielding peptide fractions with molecular weights between 0.5 and 5 kDa. These fractions were further purified using immobilised metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC‐Zn2+) and reverse high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). Among the fractions obtained, the peptide fraction F211 exhibited a zinc‐binding capacity of 76.26 ± 2.46 mg g−1. Sequence analysis indicated that zinc binding occurred at amino acids on the F21 peptide and at valine or glutamate residues on the F22 peptide fraction. Structural characterisation revealed that amino nitrogen and oxygen atoms from carboxylate groups were the primary binding sites for Zn2+. Additionally, the zinc–peptide complex demonstrated strong thermal stability, which is significant for potential applications in food processing and storage, where maintaining the integrity of nutritional supplements under varying temperature conditions is crucial. These findings provide a feasible approach for the separation and purification of zinc‐binding peptides from tilapia protein hydrolysates and contribute to the understanding of the binding mechanisms between zinc and peptides.
Sociodemographic Factors and Presentation Features of Individuals Seeking Mental Health Care in Emergency Departments: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Higgins Oliver , Sheather‐Reid Rachel B. , Chalup Stephan K. , Wilson Rhonda L. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTEmergency Department (ED) presentations for Mental Health (MH) help‐seeking have been rising rapidly, with EDs as the main entry point for most individuals in Australia. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to analyse the sociodemographic and presentation features of people who sought mental healthcare in two EDs located in a regional coastal setting in New South Wales (NSW), Australia from 2016 to 2021. This article is a part of a broader research study on the utilisation of machine learning in MH. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that lead to the admission of individuals to an MH inpatient facility when they seek MH care in an ED. Data were collected using existing records and analysed using descriptive univariate analysis with statistical significance between the two sites was determined using Chi squared test, p < 0.05. Two main themes characterise dominant help‐seeking dynamics for MH conditions in ED, suicidal ideation, and access and egress pathways. The main findings indicate that suicidal ideation was the most common presenting problem (38.19%). People presenting to ED who ‘Did not wait’ or ‘Left at own risk’ accounted for 10.20% of departures from ED. A large number of presentations arrived via the ambulance, accounting for 45.91%. A large proportion of presentations are related to a potentially life‐threatening condition (suicidal ideation). The largest proportion of triage code 1 ‘Resuscitation’ was for people with presenting problem of ‘Behavioural Disturbance’. Departure and arrival dynamics need to be better understood in consultation with community and lived experience groups to improve future service alignment with the access and egress pathways for emergency MH care.
Variance Matrix Priors for Dirichlet Process Mixture Models With Gaussian Kernels
Authors: Jing Wei , Papathomas Michail , Liverani Silvia 
Published: September 2024

SummaryBayesian mixture modelling is widely used for density estimation and clustering. The Dirichlet process mixture model (DPMM) is the most popular Bayesian non‐parametric mixture modelling approach. In this manuscript, we study the choice of prior for the variance or precision matrix when Gaussian kernels are adopted. Typically, in the relevant literature, the assessment of mixture models is done by considering observations in a space of only a handful of dimensions. Instead, we are concerned with more realistic problems of higher dimensionality, in a space of up to 20 dimensions. We observe that the choice of prior is increasingly important as the dimensionality of the problem increases. After identifying certain undesirable properties of standard priors in problems of higher dimensionality, we review and implement possible alternative priors. The most promising priors are identified, as well as other factors that affect the convergence of MCMC samplers. Our results show that the choice of prior is critical for deriving reliable posterior inferences. This manuscript offers a thorough overview and comparative investigation into possible priors, with detailed guidelines for their implementation. Although our work focuses on the use of the DPMM in clustering, it is also applicable to density estimation.
Gingival Crevicular Fluid Biomarkers During Periodontitis Progression and After Periodontal Treatment
Authors: Teles Flavia , Martin Lynn , Patel Michele , Hu Weiming , Bittinger Kyle , Kallan Michael J. , Chandrasekaran Ganesh , Cucchiara Andrew J. , Giannobile William V. , Stephens Danielle , Kantarci Alpdogan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo identify gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)‐derived inflammatory markers of periodontitis progression and periodontal treatment impact.MethodsPeriodontally healthy (H; n = 112) and periodontitis (P; n = 302) patients were monitored bi‐monthly for 1 year without therapy. Periodontitis patients were re‐examined 6 months after non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Levels of 64 biomarkers were measured in the GCF samples collected at each visit from progressing (n = 12 sites in H; n = 76 in P) and stable (n = 100 in H, n = 225 in P) sites. Clinical parameters and log‐transformed analyte levels were averaged within clinical groups at each time point and analysed using linear mixed models.ResultsDuring monitoring, progressing sites had significantly higher levels of IL‐1β, MMP‐8, IL‐12p40, EGF and VEGF. MMP‐9 and Periostin were significantly more elevated in stable sites. Distinct cytokine profiles were observed based on baseline PD. Treatment led to significant reductions in Eotaxin, Flt‐3L, GDF‐15, GM‐CSF, IL‐1β, IL‐17, MIP‐1d, RANTES and sCD40L, and increases in IP‐10 and MMP‐9.ConclusionDistinct cytokine signatures observed in stable and progressing sites were maintained over time in the absence of treatment and significantly affected by NSPT.
Efficiency of natural and forced convection systems in cooking ham: Industrial scale validation
Authors: Verlindo Roberto , Schwert Rodrigo , Peruzzolo Marcieli , Fischer Bruno , Dornelles Rosa Cristina Prestes , Mello Renius De Oliveira , Junges Alexander , Backes Geciane Toniazzo , Cansian Rogério Luis 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study evaluated the efficacy of cooking processes in natural and forced convection systems, for ensuring microbiological safety in industrial‐scale ham production. The cold point of the tanks was determined by measuring the water temperature every 2 min, with a maximum variation of 1.4°C between different regions of the tanks. The calculation of the lethal value (Fcal) was carried out using Enterococcus faecalis as the target microorganism due to its high resistance to heat treatment. The cooking temperature was measured at the geometric center of the ham and, in both convection systems, it reached the Fref value (23.6 min), necessary to achieve a reduction of 8 log (8 D), with Fcal of 45.7 and 45 min of cooking in the natural and forced convection systems. Both convection systems achieved microbial reductions exceeding 15‐log cycles (15 D), surpassing regulatory requirements despite occasional core temperatures below standard thresholds. In both systems (natural and forced), the cold spot was found on the left side, at a lower height, and toward the front of the tank. After heat treatment, no microorganisms were detected in the ham cooked in natural or forced convection systems. Both systems (natural and forced convection) proved viable at an industrial scale, provided that appropriate cooking protocols are followed.Practical ApplicationsThe practical applications of this study are significant for the food industry and regulatory bodies involved in food safety. These include quality assurance in ham production, food safety compliance, process optimization, risk mitigation, and guidance for industrial practices. Overall, this study has practical implications for improving food safety, quality control, and production efficiency in the ham industry. It fills a gap in validation studies on industrial‐scale ham cooking, providing valuable information for industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies alike.