bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BT24 Pseudonymization for artificial intelligence skin lesion datasets: a real-world feasibility study
Authors: Chin Trisha J M , Chin Gillian X M , Sutherland James , Coon Andrew , Morton Colin , Fleming Colin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The use of patient data for artificial intelligence (AI) research should be transparent, rigorous and accountable. In the UK, the General Data Protection Regulation, Data Protection Act 2018 and General Medical Council govern data handling and patients’ rights to privacy. We report on our multistep pseudonymization protocol for real-world skin lesion datasets, in preparation for research within a trusted research environment (TRE). Firstly, patients referred from primary care are triaged for community locality and imaging centre (CLIC) suitability. There, trained healthcare professionals capture lesion images (dermoscopic, macroscopic and regional) and patient information using a mobile application on trust-certified devices. Training is standardized across all CLIC sites, with specific anonymization training on removing in-frame clothing and jewellery, device positioning, and magnification to minimize identifiable features like eyes, nose and ears. Lesion datasets (paired images and clinical information) are subsequently transferred to an image management system (IMS) hosted on our trust-secured network. Within the IMS, images are manually inspected, and those with identifiable tattoos and piercings are excluded. All regional images are also excluded from transfer to the TRE. Before transfer to the TRE, images undergo a further round of review. Data fields are manually checked for identifiable patient information, patient names are removed, and dates of birth are rounded to 3-month granularity. The job ID, patient’s hospital number, date of clinical episode and responsible photographer are replaced with randomly generated project-specific identifiers. In an initial study period, 658 of 963 (68%) captured lesion datasets have undergone IMS manual inspection. Of these, 24 lesion datasets were excluded for identifiable features, 10 (41%) for more than one-third of the face being visible, 9 (38%) for full iris visibility, and 5 (21%) for tattoos. On breakdown by anatomical location these images were of the face (19, 80%), torso (2, 8%), limbs (2, 8%) and neck (1, 4%). The remaining 634 datasets (96%) were securely transferred to the TRE, where a further 5% were excluded due to potential identifiability. Although full anonymization is desirable, it is usually achieved by aggregating patient data. Pseudonymization, which allows for future reidentification in a secured fashion, strikes the balance between patient data privacy and clinical governance, while retaining a level of granularity sufficient for meaningful analysis. Currently, this protocol is manually intensive with room to partly automate. Use of common standardized protocols will strengthen the public trust in clinical AI.
BT30 Artificial intelligence triage is of greater benefit for screening suspected melanoma referrals than squamous cell carcinoma referrals
Authors: Ismail Nor , Barfei Maryam , McLaughlin Hannah , Roberts Elizabeth Jane 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
There has been a rapid expansion in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) models to aid in diagnosis and triage of skin cancer in the UK in the last few years. This has been driven by a need to manage an increasing number of urgent referrals for suspected skin cancer. Our service has been using one such platform to screen out benign lesions, thus reducing the number of patients subsequently requiring a face-to-face appointment with a trust dermatologist. The AI platform assesses the features of a single dermoscopic image to categorize the lesion into benign or malignant. Information from patient history and macroscopic images are not involved. As dermatologists, we recognize the importance of history (pain, rapid growth) and clinical examination (induration, tenderness) as well as dermoscopic assessment in reaching a diagnosis. We suspected that the use of dermoscopy in clinical practice is of greater value for distinguishing benign from malignant pigmented lesions compared with keratotic lesions. When a suspected skin cancer is referred into our service, the general practitioner is required to state whether they suspect melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). (Basal cell carcinomas are referred on a separate, routine pathway). We sought to use this information to assess for any differences in outcomes. A retrospective review of patients assessed by the AI platform was conducted between August 2023 and November 2023. In total 800 patients were included in the study (396 melanoma pathway, 404 squamous cell carcinoma pathway). In total 116 referrals were discharged by the AI platform on the melanoma pathway (29.2%) and 32 referrals were discharged by DERM on the SCC pathway (7.9%). These results support our hypothesis that AI is better at recognizing benign pigmented lesions, as 92% of patients referred on the SCC pathway required further assessment by a trust dermatologist compared with 70% of those referred on a melanoma pathway. This information is of importance to commissioners planning to implement skin cancer AI triage models.
BT33 Ethical challenges with skin cancer and artificial intelligence integration
Authors: Chan Sut Mo Zachary , Dubash Faishal 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of dermatology promises a revolutionary transformation in our approach to this domain. However, the use of AI in dermatology is still in its early stages, and with limited scope of applications. While some of the existing research performed has highlighted the capabilities of AI in diagnosing lesions comparable with those of a dermatologist, the implementation of AI brings about its own ethical challenges that affect both the clinician and the patient. This article aims to explore the ethical issues and prospects surrounding AI implementation in dermatology by drawing insights from the current literature. A qualitative analysis was conducted on articles focusing on AI usage in medical care, with a specific emphasis on dermatology. The analysis unveils several ethical issues that emerge from the implementation of AI in dermatology: the obscure and subjective nature of AI leads to selective bias and unequal treatment based on skin tone differences. It also has the potential to erode patient autonomy by taking on a more paternalistic approach to medicine, increasing the risk of unwarranted harm to patients because of unnecessary biopsies, along with potential misalignment of treatment priorities between AI systems and patients. Issues of accountability arise as AI integration can challenge the epistemic authority and ownership of clinicians over their patients. Finally, the closed-loop system of training algorithms coupled with the lack of an open-access database due to privacy issues further increases the subjectiveness and inaccessibility of each algorithm. While AI’s integration in dermatology promises to streamline the diagnostic process, it also sparks ethical issues that affect the main stakeholders. These findings indicate the need for further development and enhancement of AI systems before they are capable of being implemented. Introduction of a transparent, explainable AI model would alleviate concerns regarding patient autonomy and treatment rationalization. Simultaneously, the establishment of a global open-access database will serve to mitigate selective bias. Furthermore, additional research comparing algorithms would be useful in establishing a standardized validation tool. As it stands, rather than replacing clinicians, AI should be used as a diagnostic adjunct in aiding clinical decisions.
Are Welsh primary schools Sunproofed? Results of a national survey, part 2: sun protection practices in primary schools in Wales
Authors: Abbott Rachel A , Tod Daniel , Lanyon Kirsty , Driscoll Timothy , Prathap Swetha , Watkins Alan , Peconi Julie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Skin cancer rates are on the rise globally. School sun safety programmes are recommended by the World Health Organization to reduce the risk of future skin cancer at the population level; however, these are encouraged but not mandated in Wales.

Objectives
To explore current sun protection practices and sun safety education in primary schools in Wales and whether these are linked to the existence of a formal sun safety policy.

Methods
An online survey to all 1241 Welsh primary schools asking about sun safety practices, education and formal policies was undertaken.

Results
In total, 471 (38.0%) schools responded. A minority (22/469, 4.7%) of responding schools reported they had sufficient shade for most activities. In the spring and summer terms, almost two-thirds of schools encourage hat wearing (304/469, 64.8%) and sunscreen (296/468, 63.2%). Although nearly all schools reported that parents were encouraged to apply sunscreen to students before school (449/469, 95.7%), there was wide variation in other sunscreen application practices. Less than one-third of schools (129/445, 29.0%) reported that they include sun protection education in the curriculum in every year group, with 11.7% (52/445) including this in certain years only. Schools with a formal policy were more likely to report more comprehensive sun protection practices, including having sufficient shade [odds ratio (OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–2.19; P = 0.03], having spare hats for pupils to wear (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.07–2.37; P = 0.02), providing guidance for staff (OR 5.87, 95% CI 3.05–11.28; P &lt; 0.001), encouraging them to model sun safe behaviours (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.18–2.80; P = 0.007) and teaching sun protection education as part of the curriculum in every year group (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.76–3.71; P &lt; 0.001). With respect to sunscreen, the existence of a formal policy did not seem to affect a school’s practice.

Conclusions
Although in most cases, the existence of a formal policy suggests more comprehensive sun protection practices and education in schools, sun protection measures and education need improvement across the primary school sector in Wales to reverse rising skin cancer rates.
Solvated Ba2+ with square antiprismatic and cubic coordination geometries
Authors: Umakoshi Ayano , Minato Takuo , Kanematsu Yusuke , Sadakane Masahiro 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Solvated metal cations represent fundamental and crucial mononuclear species in various research fields, including chemical, physical, and biochemical studies. However, controlling their coordination geometry poses a significant challenge. In this study, we successfully synthesized and structurally characterized solvated Ba2+ complexes. The coordination geometry of [Ba(CH3CN)8]2+ was a thermodynamically stable square antiprism, while that of [Ba{(CH3)2CO}8]2+ exhibited a rare cubic structure, demonstrating a unique approach to controlling coordination geometry solely by altering crystallization solvents.
The Role of N6-methyladenosine Modification in Gametogenesis and Embryogenesis: Impact on Fertility
Authors: Wang Yujie , Yang Chen , Sun Hanxiao , Jiang Hui , Zhang Pin , Huang Yue , Liu Zhenran , Yu Yaru , Xu Zuying , Xiang Huifen , Yi Chengqi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The most common epigenetic modification of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) is N6-methyladenosine (m6A), which is mainly located near the 3′ untranslated region of mRNAs, near the stop codons, and within internal exons. The biological effect of m6A is dynamically modulated by methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and m6A-binding proteins (readers). By controlling post-transcriptional gene expression, m6A has a significant impact on numerous biological functions, including RNA transcription, translation, splicing, transport, and degradation. Hence, m6A influences various physiological and pathological processes, such as spermatogenesis, oogenesis, embryogenesis, placental function, and human reproductive system diseases. During gametogenesis and embryogenesis, genetic material undergoes significant changes, including epigenomic modifications such as m6A. From spermatogenesis and oogenesis to the formation of an oosperm and early embryogenesis, m6A changes occur at every step. m6A abnormalities can lead to gamete abnormalities, developmental delays, impaired fertilization, and maternal-to-zygotic transition blockage. Both mice and humans with abnormal m6A modifications exhibit impaired fertility. In this review, we discuss the dynamic biological effects of m6A and its regulators on gamete and embryonic development and review the possible mechanisms of infertility caused by m6A changes. We also discuss the drugs currently used to manipulate m6A and provide prospects for the prevention and treatment of infertility at the epigenetic level.
Individuals, Disaggregation of the State, and Negotiation Tactics: Evidence from the European Union
Authors: Chelotti Nicola 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This article intends to investigate to what extent, how, and when individuals who are below the leader’s level affect the processes and outputs of international politics. It does so by analyzing one group of below-leader actors—diplomatic negotiators in EU foreign policy. It first shows how, despite all the bureaucratic layers they are embedded in, individual negotiators have de facto acquired ultimate policymaking responsibilities, most prominently in the selection of tactics. This empowerment of individual diplomats occurs through a process of double state disaggregation: Policymaking responsibilities have shifted from the political to the bureaucratic level; then, within the latter, from the capital-based administration to the officials involved, often in single capacity, in negotiations. Next, it tests three individual characteristics (experience, style, and identity) against an original dataset of 138 questionnaires completed by EU diplomats and 17 interviews. It shows that negotiators’ personal traits explain the use of some, but not all, tactics. Specifically, they are less likely to matter when negotiators have to commit the state in significant and explicit ways, e.g., when threatening/exercising veto. When this does not happen (e.g., showing flexibility in the delegation’s position or using persuasion), the influence of individual characteristics is instead strong.
Organizational Bricolage and Insurgent Group Effectiveness in Cities: The Formation and Initial Urban Campaign of the Movement of the 19th of April in Colombia (1973–1980)
Authors: Boulanger Martel Simon Pierre 
Published: June 2024

Abstracts
How do rebel groups form in cities? What makes urban-based insurgent organizations effective? Urban armed conflicts have become an important subject of research due to the political, economic, and demographic significance of cities. Yet, we know little about the mechanisms of insurgent group formation and effectiveness in urban contexts. Building on the case of the formation and initial urban campaign of M-19 in Colombia (1973–1980), this article argues that rebel leaders originating from multiple organizations and confronted with intramovement competition have strong motives to employ organizational bricolage to form their organization. Organizational bricolage shapes insurgent effectiveness by producing structures that are fit for achieving certain objectives but not others. M-19’s organizational bricolage combined the armed vanguard, intellectual collective, and populist party forms. This structure was effective to foster public support but ineffective to establish a robust social base and maintain urban operations under repression. The research employs the analysis of organizational repertoires and process tracing to retrace M-19’s formation and initial urban campaign. Empirical material includes an original dataset comprising M-19 founders’ biographical data, archival documents, and interviews with ex-combatants. Studying how rebel leaders employ organizational bricolage sheds light on how insurgent organizations form, behave, and transform after war.
Morphological and biological characteristics of Eriborus sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a parasitoid wasp of Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Kim Byung-Chan , Sul Sung-Gum , Park Il-Kwon 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The box tree moth (BTM), Cydalima perspectalis Walker, is a pest that infests various plants within the Buxus genus. Although a specific parasitoid wasp species associated with the BTM has been observed in the Republic of Korea, no research on this species has been published. Here, we describe the fundamental morphological and biological characteristics of this parasitoid. We have identified the wasp as belonging to the genus Eriborus (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae). Eriborus sp. parasitizes within the living host body, with 1 wasp emerging from each host. The parasitism rate observed in collected BTM populations was 33.1%. The emergence rate was 87.1%, with all emerging adults being females, resulting in a sex ratio of 0. The pupal period avg 9.5 days, and the adult lifespan avg 10.5 days. Eriborus sp. parasitized BTM larvae from the first to the fourth instar and reproduced by thelytokous parthenogenesis. Eriborus sp. exhibited morphological differences compared with previously reported Eriborus species in Korea, particularly in the length of the ovipositor sheath. Additionally, the proportion of the highest similarity in nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I DNA was only 94.53%, rendering species identification using GenBank’s mt cytochrome c oxidase 1 DNA sequences unfeasible. These data suggest that Eriborus sp. could be used as a biological control agent for managing BTM infestations.
Predicting the potential distribution and coexistence of Chagas disease vectors in the Americas
Authors: Altamiranda-Saavedra Mariano , Montaño Contreras Sandra Carolina , Rivera Pacheco Juan Camilo , Bernal Contreras Karen Andrea , López Clara Roció Galvis , Vasquez Trujillo Adolfo , Moo-Llanes David A 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Predicting the potential distribution and coexistence of suitable geographic areas for Chagas disease vectors in the Americas is a crucial task for understanding the eco-epidemiological dynamics of this disease. The potential distribution and coexistence of 3 species—Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), Cavernicola pilosa (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), and Rhodnius pictipes (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) were modeled. Presence records were obtained and environmental variables were selected based on correlation analysis, Jackknife analysis and knowledge of the biology and natural history of the species. The MaxEnt algorithm included in the kuenm package of R software was used for modeling the potential distribution, and various scenarios of the BAM diagram (Biotic, Abiotic, and Movement variables) were evaluated. The variables contributing to the final models were different for each species. Rhodnius pictipes showed a potential distribution in South America, particularly in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. Areas with environmentally suitable conditions for R. prolixus were located in southern Brazil, Peru, Colombia, southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, whereas for C. pilosa they were in southeastern Brazil, southeastern Central America, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Co-occurrence analysis revealed distinct patterns in the neotropical region, with some areas indicating the potential distribution of 1 or more species. In Brazil, occurrence and co-occurrence areas were concentrated in the northwest and southeast regions. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the potential distribution and coexistence of vectors, which can inform targeted vector control strategies and contribute to global efforts in combating Chagas disease.
Enhanced axon guidance and synaptic markers in rat brains using ferric–tannic nanoparticles
Authors: Sanit Jantira , Intakhad Jannarong , Kittilukkana Aiyarin , Vachiraarunwong Arpamas , Wongpoomchai Rawiwan , Pilapong Chalermchai 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Ferric–tannic nanoparticles (FTs) are now considered to be new pharmaceuticals appropriate for the prevention of brain aging and related diseases. We have previously shown that FTs could activate axon guidance pathways and cellular clearance functioning in neuronal cell lines. Herein, we further investigated whether FTs could activate the two coordinated neuronal functions of axon guidance and synaptic function in rat brains and neuronal cell lines. A single intravenous injection of a safe dose of FTs has been shown to activate a protein expression of axon attractant Netrin-1 and neurotransmitter receptor GABRA4 in the cerebral cortexes of male Wistar rats. According to RNA-seq with targeted analysis, axon guidance and synapses have been enriched and Ephrin membered genes have been identified as coordinating a network of genes for such processes. In vitro, as expected, FTs are also found to activate axon guidance markers and promote neuronal tubes in neuronal cell lines. At the same time, pre-synaptic markers (synaptophysin), post-synaptic markers (synapsin), and GABRA4 neurotransmitter receptors have been found to be activated by FTs. Interestingly, synaptophysin has been found to localize along the promoted neuronal tubes, suggesting that enhanced axon guidance is associated with the formation and transportation of pre-synaptic vesicles. Preliminarily, repeated injection of FTs into adult rats every 3 days for 10 times could enhance an expression of synaptophysin in the cerebral cortex, as compared to control rats. This work demonstrates that FTs can be used for activating brain function associated with axon guidance and synaptic function.
PCAF promotes R-loop resolution via histone acetylation
Authors: Lee Seo Yun , Lee Soo Hyeon , Choi Nak Hun , Kim Ja Young , Kweon Jun Hee , Miller Kyle M , Kim Jae Jin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
R-loops cause genome instability, disrupting normal cellular functions. Histone acetylation, particularly by p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF), is essential for maintaining genome stability and regulating cellular processes. Understanding how R-loop formation and resolution are regulated is important because dysregulation of these processes can lead to multiple diseases, including cancer. This study explores the role of PCAF in maintaining genome stability, specifically for R-loop resolution. We found that PCAF depletion promotes the generation of R-loop structures, especially during ongoing transcription, thereby compromising genome stability. Mechanistically, we found that PCAF facilitates histone H4K8 acetylation, leading to recruitment of the a double-strand break repair protein (MRE11) and exonuclease 1 (EXO1) to R-loop sites. These in turn recruit Fanconi anemia (FA) proteins, including FANCM and BLM, to resolve the R-loop structure. Our findings suggest that PCAF, histone acetylation, and FA proteins collaborate to resolve R-loops and ensure genome stability. This study therefore provides novel mechanistic insights into the dynamics of R-loops as well as the role of PCAF in preserving genome stability. These results may help develop therapeutic strategies to target diseases associated with genome instability.