bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microsite preferences of three conifers in calcareous and siliceous treeline ecotones in the French alps
Authors: Ramírez Lirey A. , Flinspach Lukas , Nikolić Nada , Toivonen Johanna , Bader Maaike Y. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSeedling establishment is crucial for elevational advance of tree species above the treeline ecotone, but the characteristics and availability of safe sites for tree regeneration in alpine ecosystems are not well understood. To better understand the potential of treeline ecotones to show infilling or upward shifts, we assessed microsite preferences of the conifers Larix decidua, Pinus uncinata, and Pinus cembra in upper treeline ecotones with different bedrock chemistry in the French Alps. At each of two sites on calcareous and two on siliceous bedrock, we compared microsites of 50 tree individuals to 50 randomly-selected reference microsites, considering substrate, ground cover, topography, and shelter proximity. In addition, we related these characteristics with the health of the individuals. We found that the three species were established in similar microsites, usually with some shelter. The occupied microsites reflected the available microsites in the area, but certain extreme microsite types remained unoccupied. Most individuals had a krummholz form or were bent, while only a small proportion presented signs of recent mechanical damage, desiccation, snow mold or herbivory, independent of microsite characteristics. Our study shows that the availability of safe sites unlikely limits the establishment of these conifers in the studied sites, suggesting that, instead, seed availability may be a major limitation for tree establishment in these alpine-treeline ecotones. Even in safe sites, the harsh alpine conditions limit the development of tree-species individuals into tree stature, but the strong recent length growth observed suggests favorable conditions for eventual tree expansion in and above current treeline ecotones.
Benthic Incubation Chamber (BIC) for in-situ assessment of primary productivity in different canopy-forming communities
Authors: Reis Bianca , Franco João N. , Peiffer Friederike , Gómez Oscar Babé , Meyer Hugo Sainz , Sousa-Pinto Isabel , Arenas Francisco 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAccurately quantifying primary productivity in highly dynamic subtidal rocky habitats, particularly those with high canopy-forming macroalgae, is inherently challenging, leading to a scarcity of information. Kelp primary productivity has primarily been assessed through (1) quantification of carbon standing stock and biomass, which provides limited information on rates of primary productivity; (2) ex-situ incubations in the laboratory, in which the obtained values may not represent the actual productivity of a community; and (3) in-situ incubations in detached plants or including only the fronds. To address this issue, we describe a versatile methodology—the Benthic Incubation Chamber (BIC); and tested it along the morphologically diverse Portuguese continental coast. BIC is designed to assess in-situ primary productivity in a variety of benthic communities (high and low canopy), fulfilling the existing need to measure productivity in highly dynamic, shallow subtidal habitats. The method involves incubation chambers where total oxygen flux, temperature, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) are simultaneously recorded. From those measurements, Net Community Productivity (NCP) and community respiration (CR) for a given biomass and water volume were derived for each chamber. Incubations performed in the Portuguese continental coast demonstrated the feasibility of this technique to obtain reliable in-situ net primary productivity values in a range of subtidal habitats. This method contributes to a comprehensive approach to sustaining and protecting vital marine ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and addressing environmental issues.
Analysis of the shorter drug survival times for Janus kinase inhibitors and interleukin-17 inhibitors compared with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in a real-world cohort of axial spondyloarthritis patients - a retrospective analysis from the RHADAR network
Authors: Strunz Patrick-Pascal , Englbrecht Matthias , Risser Linus Maximilian , Witte Torsten , Froehlich Matthias , Schmalzing Marc , Gernert Michael , Schmieder Astrid , Bartz-Bazzanella Peter , von der Decken Cay , Karberg Kirsten , Gauler Georg , Wurth Patrick , Späthling-Mestekemper Susanna , Kuhn Christoph , Vorbrüggen Wolfgang , Heck Johannes , Welcker Martin , Kleinert Stefan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn recent years Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) have joined tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors (IL-17i) as approved disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) for moderate to severe forms of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Drug survival in axSpA patients has not been well studied in a real-world outpatient scenario since the approval of JAKi. We aimed to analyze the three drug classes based on modes of actions (MoA) for their persistence rates among German axSpA outpatients. A retrospective analysis of the RHADAR database for axSpA patients with a new initiation of TNFi, IL-17i, or JAKi treatment between January 2015 and October 2023 was conducted. Analyses included Kaplan-Meier curves and adjusted Cox regressions for drug discontinuation. 1222 new biological DMARD (TNFi [n = 954], IL-17i [n = 190]) or JAKi (n = 78) treatments were reported. The median drug survival was 31 months for TNFi, 25 for IL-17i, and 18 for JAKi. The corresponding 2-year drug survival rate was 79.6%, 72.6%, and 62.8% for TNFi, IL-17i, and JAKi, respectively. The probability for discontinuation for JAKi was significantly higher compared with TNFi (HR 1.91 [95% CI 1.22–2.99]) as well as for IL-17i compared with TNFi (HR 1.43 [95% CI 1.02–2.01]), possibly related to more frequent use of TNFis as first-line therapy. IL-17i and JAKi discontinuation probabilities were similar. Primary non-response was the reason for drug discontinuation in most cases across all MoA. TNFi treatment might persist longer than JAKi and IL-17i in German axSpA outpatients, possibly related to more severe or refractory disease in patients with JAKi-treated or IL-17i-treated axSpA.
Epidemiologic and clinical features of multisystem atrophy: a population-based study in Navarre, Spain
Authors: Erro M. E. , Arrondo P. , Gastón I. , Clavero P. , de Gordoa J. Sánchez Ruiz , Martí Andrés G. , Valentí R. , Delfrade J. , Vicente E. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Epidemiological studies on multisystem atrophy (MSA) are scarce. Our aim has been to analyse 10-year incidence, point prevalence, survival, and the time to diagnosis of MSA in Navarre, a northern Spanish region.

Methods
This is a population-based observational retrospective study, from 2012 to 2021, which covered the population of Navarre (followed until 31 December 2021). Data from various sources of health information were reviewed in order to identify all potential diagnoses of MSA, that were validated from medical records. Patients were included if they fulfilled the new Movement Disorder Society criteria.

Results
We observed a crude average annual incidence rate (IR) of 0.49/100,000 person-years, with the highest occurring in the age group of 60–69 years. No significant IR differences by sex or subtype were observed. Point prevalence in December 2021 was 2.43/100,000 inhabitants. Joinpoint analysis for global incidence and prevalence experienced stable annual rates during the whole period, showing an upward trend for prevalence without a statistically significant slop. The median age at symptom onset was 65 years (range 47–76). The median time to diagnosis was 36 months, without statistically significant differences between sex, age at diagnosis or subtypes. Median time of survival from clinical onset was 7 years. Age of onset above 70 years and autonomic onset were associated with reduced survival.

Conclusions
This is the first population-based epidemiological study on MSA in Spain. It provides detailed incidence and prevalence data for MSA that may be useful for appropriate management of health resources.
Responsiveness of the Oswestry Disability Index and Zurich Claudication Questionnaire in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: evaluation of surgically treated patients from the NORDSTEN study
Authors: Indrekvam Kari , Myklebust Tor Åge , Austevoll Ivar Magne , Hermansen Erland , Banitalebi Hasan , Bånerud Ingrid Fjeldheim , Weber Clemens , Brisby Helena , Brox Jens Ivar , Hellum Christian , Storheim Kjersti 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the responsiveness of the original low back pain specific Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the spinal stenosis specific Zürich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), and to investigate cut-off values for clinical “success” for ODI and ZCQ in surgically treated patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Methods
We included 601 LSS patients (218 with, 383 without degenerative spondylolisthesis) from the NORDSTEN trials. Outcome measures included ODI and ZCQ (symptom severity and physical function scales) with three alternative response parameters: scores at follow-up, absolute and relative changes from baseline to two-year follow-up. Effect size and standardised response mean evaluated internal responsiveness. External responsiveness was assessed by the Spearman rank correlation between patient-reported global perceived effect scale (GPE) and ODI and ZCQ, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC). We evaluated which cut-off values could maximise the percentage of correctly classified patients according to the GPE-anchor “completely recovered” / “much improved” for each parameter.

Results
Internal and external responsiveness were high for all three indices with effect sizes, standardized response means, ROC and corresponding area under the curve > 0.8. Correlations with GPE responses were moderate (> 0.50) for absolute change and strong (> 0.67) for relative change and follow-up scores. The 30% ODI relative change cut-off correctly classified 81% of patients to “success”, within a range of accurate cut-offs according to the GPE-anchor.

Conclusion
ODI and ZCQ demonstrate comparable responsiveness in evaluating outcomes for surgically treated LSS patients. The 30% ODI threshold was consistent with treatment “success” in NORDSTEN trials.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02007083 10/12/2013, NCT02051374 31/01/2014 and NCT03562936 20/06/2018.
Comprehensive analysis of bone tissue in extraction sockets of third molars after leukocyte and platelet rich fibrin and photobiomodulation applications
Authors: Demirok Sevgi Ozan , Eroglu Cennet Neslihan , Koc Alaettin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to compare leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and photobiomodulation (PBM) applications, which have been repeatedly reported to be superior to control groups, in terms of pain, soft tissue and bone healing in tooth extraction sockets.

Materials and methods
This double-blind, randomized clinical study was completed with 34 patients, who had an indication for extraction of their bilaterally impacted teeth. The right and left teeth of the patients were randomly divided into L-PRF and PBM groups. L-PRF group was treated with the blood product centrifuged for 12 min at 2700 rpm, and the PBM group was treated with a diode laser at different points for 60 s with a wavelength of 940 nm in repeated sessions. Postoperative pain was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), soft tissue healing with Landry Index (LI), tissue healing in the distal region of mandibular second molar by probing depth measurement, and bone healing via panoramic x-ray using the Image J program.

Results
No statistically significant difference was found for any variable compared between the groups.

Conclusion
L-PRF and PBM applications provide similar support in the healing of extraction sockets. Nevertheless, the advantages and disadvantages of both methods determine their usage areas.

Clinical relevance
While L-PRF is advantageous in the early healing of extraction sockets, PBM may be preferred in terms of bone trabeculation in the long term.
Removal of black tattoos by Picosecond Q-switched Nd-YAG laser in the middle eastern skin type IV: prospective study
Authors: Ismail Mayada A. , Elgarhy Lamiaa H. , Hassan Ghada F. R. , Hawwam Soha Abdallah 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Tattoo removal is considered a challenging field in cosmetic dermatology. Picosecond Q-switched Nd-YAG lasers targeting unique chromophores effectively manage this condition without serious complications. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Picosecond Q-switched Nd-YAG laser in the treatment of black tattoos in the skin of middle eastern mostly skin type IV. The study was carried out on 20 patients with skin type IV the most common in middle eastern area with professional black tattoos. They were treated by Picosecond Nd-YAG laser (2 sessions 8 weeks apart). The percentage of improvement ranged from 20.0 to 95.0 (with a mean of 61 ± 24.6). 8 patients (40%) showed excellent improvement, 4 patients (20%) showed marked improvement, 4 patients (20%) showed moderate improvement, and 4 patients (20%) showed mild improvement. No severe side effects were detected. Picosecond Nd-YAG laser was an effective and safe technique in the treatment of professional black tattoos; with only 2 sessions most patients reached excellent to moderate response with minimal side effects.
Usefulness of color Doppler and strain elastography adjunctive to B-mode ultrasonography in the diagnosis of non-mass abnormalities of the breast: results of the BC-07 multicenter study of 385 cases
Authors: Okuno Toshitaka , Watanabe Takanori , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Konno Sachiyo , Takaki Rie , Watanabe Ryoji , Ban Kanako , Hirokaga Koichi , Tsuruoka Masahiko , Morita Takako 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The concept of non-mass abnormalities of the breast has been employed in Japan for approximately 20 years. Although B-mode findings are classified as non-mass abnormalities, the usefulness of adding color Doppler ultrasonography (US) and strain elastography to B-mode US is unclear. Therefore, we conducted a multicenter study (JABTS BC-07) to establish the diagnostic criteria for breast US, including color Doppler and elastography, for non-mass abnormalities of the breast and verify their diagnostic usefulness.

Methods
We registered US images of non-mass abnormalities of the breast and their clinical and histopathological data from 13 institutions (202 malignant and 183 benign non-mass lesions). Furthermore, we evaluated the centralized image interpretation usefulness of the diagnostic criteria for B-mode and color Doppler US, as well as the sensitivity and specificity when color Doppler US and elastography were added to B-mode US.

Results
Echogenic foci in the mammary gland (odds ratio 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92–6.19, p < 0.0001) and the configuration of internal solid components of the ducts (odds ratio 0.056, 95% CI 0.005–0.591, p < 0.0165) significantly differentiated benign and malignant non-mass abnormalities. The sensitivity of B-mode alone (83.7%) was significantly improved by adding color Doppler US (93.1%) (p = 0.0004); however, adding color Doppler US and elastography to B-mode US made no significant difference in either sensitivity or specificity.

Conclusion
Although adding color Doppler US and elastography to B-mode US improved sensitivity, the diagnostic significance was limited. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnostic method comprising mammography and magnetic resonance imaging is warranted.
Deciphering Arabic question: a dedicated survey on Arabic question analysis methods, challenges, limitations and future pathways
Authors: Essam Mariam , Deif Mohanad A. , Elgohary Rania 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis survey reviews different research on question analysis, including other comparative studies of question analysis approaches and an evaluation of the questions by different NLP techniques that are used in question interpretation and categorization. Among these key findings noted includes the assessment of deep learning models such as M-BiGRU-CNN and M-TF-IDF, which come with high precision and accuracy when applied with the effectiveness of use in dealing with the complexities involved in a language. Some of the most mature machine learning algorithms, for example, SVM or logistic regression, remain powerful models, especially on the classification task, meaning that the latter continues to be relevant. This study further underlines the applicability of rule-based or hybrid methodologies in certain linguistic situations, and it must be said that custom design solutions are required. We could recommend, on this basis, directing future work towards the integration of these hybrid systems and towards the definition of more general methodologies of evaluation that are in line with the constant evolution of NLP technologies. It revealed that the underlying challenges and barriers in the domain are very complex syntactic and dialectic variations, unavailability of software tools, very critical standardization in Arabic datasets, benchmark creation, handling of translated data, and the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs). The paper discusses the lack of identity and processing of such structures through online systems for comparison. This comprehensive review highlights not only the diversified potential for the capabilities of NLP techniques in refining question analysis but also the potential way of great promises for further enhancements and improvements in this progressive domain.
CD24 flags anastasis in melanoma cells
Authors: Vasileva Martina H. , Bennemann Anette , Zachmann Karolin , Schön Michael P. , Frank Jorge , Ulaganathan Vijay Kumar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Anastasis is a phenomenon observed in cancer cells, where cells that have initiated apoptosis are able to recover and survive. This molecular event is increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to cancer metastasis, facilitating the survival and migration of tumor cells. Nevertheless, the identification of a specific surface marker for detecting cancer cells in anastasis remained elusive. Here we report our observation that the cell surface expression of CD24 is preferentially enriched in a non-adherent FSClowSSChigh melanoma subpopulation, which is generally considered a non-viable population in cultivated melanoma cell lines. More than 90% of non-adherent FSClowSSChighCD24+ve metastatic melanoma cells exhibited bonafide features of apoptosis on the cell surface and in the nucleus, marking apoptotic or seemingly apoptotic subpopulations of the in vitro cultivated metastatic melanoma cell lines. Unexpectedly, however, the CD24+ve subpopulation, despite being apoptotic, showed evidence of metabolic activity and exhibited proliferative capacities, including anchorage-independent growth, when inoculated in soft agarose growth medium. These findings indicate that apoptotic FSClowSSChighCD24+ve melanoma subpopulations are capable of reversing the progression of apoptosis. We report CD24 as the first novel cell surface marker for anastasis in melanoma cells.
The Effects of Moral Intensity and Moral Disengagement on Rule Violations: Occupational Safety in UK-based Construction Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mann Claire , Clarke Sharon , Johnson Sheena 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe take an ethics theory perspective to examine rule violations and workarounds in the UK construction industry in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK construction sector remained largely operational during lockdowns in the UK, providing an opportunity to explore the ways in which construction workers made ethical decisions in situ, related to health and safety at work, and COVID-19 rules. We conducted 22 semi-structured interviews with participants from 11 organisations (3 major construction companies and 8 subcontractors) during November 2021 to January 2022. Our qualitative analysis focused on coding responses based on the use of moral disengagement tactics, and the dimensions of moral intensity (magnitude of consequences, social consensus, probability of effect, temporal immediacy, proximity and, concentration of effect). We found instances of ethical dilemmas, including conflicts between compliance with organisational health and safety rules, and following COVID-19 rules. Our analysis showed that rule violations were often justified based on moral disengagement tactics, particularly cognitive reconstrual, obscuring personal agency, disregarding consequences and vilification of the victims. Furthermore, moral intensity played a significant role in making ethical decisions about violating rules. Moral intensity was most influential (across dimensions) for moral disengagement based on cognitive reconstrual (e.g., justifications for choosing to follow one set of rules over another). Social context was highly influential in workers’ ethical decisions, including organisational and group social norms, but wider societal attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic, also played a significant role. We discuss the implications for business ethics theory, policy and practice, including recommendations for businesses and policymakers.
Rapidly progressive coronary atherosclerosis in a young male: a retrospective advanced CCT phenotype analysis
Authors: Lorenzatti Daniel , Filtz Annalisa , Latib Azeem , DeRose Joseph , Dey Damini , Berman Daniel S. , Garcia Mario J. , Slipczuk Leandro 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe present a real-life case of a very young man with multiple risk factors who progressed rapidly from minimally obstructive non-calcified plaque on computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to severe three-vessel coronary disease presenting with STEMI. It questions the reliability of zero coronary calcium in high-risk subgroups like familial hypercholesterolemia, high Lp(a), and the young. While CCTA can accurately visualize non-calcified plaque, its interpretation requires expertise and clinical judgment should consider both imaging and clinical risk factors for management. Advanced plaque quantification, peri-coronary (PCAT), and epicardial (EAT) adipose tissue could help better-stratified patients but the evidence-based clinical application remains unknown.
A values-based approach to designing military autonomous systems
Authors: Boshuijzen-van Burken Christine , Spruit Shannon , Geijsen Tom , Fillerup Lotte 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOur research is a value sensitive based approach to designing autonomous systems in a military context. Value sensitive design is an iterative process of conceptual, empirical and technical considerations. We enhance value sensitive design with Participatory Value Evaluation. This allows us to mine values of a large unorganized stakeholder group relevant to our context of research, namely Australian citizens. We found that value prioritizations differ depending on the context of use and that no one value fits all autonomous systems. General ethical frameworks can serve as high level guiding principles, but when it comes to actual technologies, a more nuanced and granulated approach to selecting and incorporating values is needed. Our research contributes to a greater awareness of the importance of inclusion of values in autonomous systems design in the context of defence. We suggest relevant frameworks and methods for values-based autonomous military systems design in the context of Australia, which may serve as a blueprint for other countries. Finally, we provide suggestions on how to operationalise values in systems design, as this is underrepresented in the current literature.