bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The socio‐spatial ecology of giant anteaters in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Chhen A. , Bertassoni A. , Desbiez A. L. J. , Noonan M. J 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMovement is a key component of an animal's life history. While there are numerous factors that influence movement, there is an inherent link between a species' social ecology and its movement ecology. Despite this inherent relationship, the socio‐spatial ecology of many species remains unknown, hampering ecological theory and conservation alike. Here, we use fine‐scale GPS location data and continuous‐time stochastic processes to study the socio‐spatial ecology of 23 giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in the Brazilian Cerrado. We found that individuals occupied stable home ranges with a mean area of 5.45 km2 with males having significantly larger home ranges than females. The average amount of home‐range overlap was low (0.20, n = 121 dyads), with no evidence that giant anteater home ranges were structured based on territorial, mate‐guarding, or other social behaviour. We also identified a total of 2774 encounter events. Interestingly, both female–male and male–male dyads had significantly more encounters than female–female dyads, with two pronounced seasonal peaks in female–male encounters. Though encounters occurred frequently, associations between dyads were generally weak and there was little evidence of any correlated movement (mean amount of total correlation = 0.01). Collectively, these findings suggest giant anteaters are a solitary and largely asocial species that readily share space with conspecifics. Despite their present capacity to share space, the combined pressures of being condensed into smaller areas and decreased food availability due to increased pesticide use may cause behavioural changes radiating throughout the population. Our study provides insight into heretofore unknown aspects of the socio‐spatial ecology of this iconic, but understudied species, as well as crucial information for proactive area‐based management. Ultimately, these findings contribute towards sustainable development while potentially maintaining the ecological integrity of giant anteaters and their habitats.
Enhancing Chicago Classification diagnoses with functional lumen imaging probe—mechanics (FLIP‐MECH)
Authors: Halder Sourav , Yamasaki Jun , Liu Xinyi , Carlson Dustin A. , Kou Wenjun , Kahrilas Peter J. , Pandolfino John E. , Patankar Neelesh A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundEsophageal motility disorders can be diagnosed by either high‐resolution manometry (HRM) or the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) but there is no systematic approach to synergize the measurements of these modalities or to improve the diagnostic metrics that have been developed to analyze them. This work aimed to devise a formal approach to bridge the gap between diagnoses inferred from HRM and FLIP measurements using deep learning and mechanics.MethodsThe “mechanical health” of the esophagus was analyzed in 740 subjects including a spectrum of motility disorder patients and normal subjects. The mechanical health was quantified through a set of parameters including wall stiffness, active relaxation, and contraction pattern. These parameters were used by a variational autoencoder to generate a parameter space called virtual disease landscape (VDL). Finally, probabilities were assigned to each point (subject) on the VDL through linear discriminant analysis (LDA), which in turn was used to compare with FLIP and HRM diagnoses.ResultsSubjects clustered into different regions of the VDL with their location relative to each other (and normal) defined by the type and severity of dysfunction. The two major categories that separated best on the VDL were subjects with normal esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening and those with EGJ obstruction. Both HRM and FLIP diagnoses correlated well within these two groups.ConclusionMechanics‐based parameters effectively estimated esophageal health using FLIP measurements to position subjects in a 3‐D VDL that segregated subjects in good alignment with motility diagnoses gleaned from HRM and FLIP studies.
Chronic oral disease burden at the first 1000 days: Intergenerational risk factors, BRISA cohort
Authors: Araújo Sângela Maria Pereira , Nascimento Gustavo G. , Ladeira Lorena Lucia Costa , Alves‐Costa Silas , Saraiva Maria Conceição , Alves Claudia Maria Coelho , Thomaz Erika Bárbara Abreu Fonseca , Ribeiro Cecilia Claudia Costa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze multiple‐causal models, including socioeconomic, obesity, sugar consumption, alcohol smoking, caries, and periodontitis variables in pregnant women with early sugar exposure, obesity, and the Chronic Oral Disease Burden in their offspring around the first 1000 days of life.MethodsThe BRISA cohort study, Brazil, had two assessments: at the 22nd–25th gestational weeks and during the child's second year (n = 1141). We proposed a theoretical model exploring the association between socioeconomic and pregnancy factors (age, smoking, alcohol, sugars, obesity, periodontitis, and caries) and child's variables (sugars and overweight) with the outcome, Chronic Oral Disease Burden (latent variable deduced from visible plaque, gingivitis, and tooth decay), using structural equation modeling.ResultsCaries and periodontitis were correlated in pregnant women. Addictive behaviors in the gestational period were correlated. Obesity (Standardized coefficient ‐ SC = 0.081; p = 0.047) and added sugar consumption (SC = 0.142; p = 0.041) were observed intergenerationally in the pregnant woman‐child dyads. Sugar consumption by the children (SC = 0.210; p = 0.041) increased the Chronic Oral Disease Burden.ConclusionsPoor caries and periodontal indicators were correlated in pregnant women and their offspring. Obesity and sugar consumption act intergenerationally. Oral health in early life may change life trajectory since the worst oral conditions predict main NCDs.
Association between metabolic syndrome and salivary MMP‐8, myeloperoxidase in periodontitis
Authors: Thomas Julie Toby , Joseph Betsy , Varghese Sajit , Thomas Nebu George , Kamalasanan Vijayakumary Baiju , Sorsa Timo , Anil Sukumaran , Waltimo Tuomas 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on periodontal clinical parameters and salivary biomarkers' matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in patients with periodontitis.MethodsA total of 120 participants aged 25–55 were categorized into three groups: MetS with periodontitis (n = 40); systemically healthy with periodontitis (n = 40); and systemically and periodontally healthy controls (n = 40). Data collected included systemic parameters like waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), high‐ and low‐density lipoproteins, triglycerides (TG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Periodontal parameters estimated included bleeding on probing score (BoP), full‐mouth plaque score (FMPS), periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and the number of missing teeth. Unstimulated whole saliva was analyzed via ELISA for active MMP‐8 (aMMP‐8), total MMP‐8 (tMMP‐8), and MPO.ResultsParticipants with MetS and periodontitis exhibited significantly higher periodontal parameters, salivary aMMP‐8, and MPO (26.26 vs. 24.1 ng/mL and 13.53 vs. 11.55 ng/mL compared to systemically healthy periodontitis patients) (all p < 0.01). Positive correlations occurred between aMMP‐8 and WC, TG, and FBS (p < 0.01), and between MPO and WC, BP, and TG (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe positive associations between these biomarkers and metabolic parameters indicate their potential utility for monitoring cardiovascular and glycemic risk in patients with periodontal disease.
A novel WNT10A variant impairs the homeostasis of alveolar bone mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lin Bichen , Liu Haochen , Liu Hangbo , Su Lanxin , Sun Kai , Feng Hailan , Liu Yang , Yu Miao , Han Dong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo explore the influence of a novel WNT10A variant on bone mineral density, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation capacities of alveolar bone mesenchymal stem cells in humans.Subjects and MethodsWhole‐exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were utilized to detect gene variants in a family with non‐syndromic tooth agenesis (NSTA). The panoramic mandibular index was calculated on the proband with WNT10A variant and normal controls to evaluate bone mineral density. Alveolar bone mesenchymal stem cells from the proband with a novel WNT10A variant and normal controls were isolated and cultured, then proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capacities were evaluated and compared.ResultsWe identified a novel WNT10A pathogenic missense variant (c.353A > G/p. Tyr118Cys) in a family with NSTA. The panoramic mandibular index of the proband implied a reduction in bone mineral density. Moreover, the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capacities of alveolar bone mesenchymal stem cells from the proband with WNT10A Tyr118Cys variant were significantly decreased.ConclusionsOur findings broaden the spectrum of WNT10A variants in patients with non‐syndromic oligodontia, suggest an association between WNT10A and the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of alveolar bone mesenchymal stem cells, and demonstrate that WNT10A is involved in maintaining jaw bone homeostasis.
Long intergenic non‐coding RNA 01126 activates IL‐6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway to promote periodontitis pathogenesis
Authors: Tang Song , Zhong Yi , Li Jie , Ji Ping , Zhang Xiaonan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesPeriodontitis seriously affects oral‐related quality of life and overall health. Long intergenic non‐coding RNA 01126 (LINC01126) is aberrantly expressed in periodontitis tissues. This study aimed to explore the possible pathogenesis of LINC01126 in periodontitis.MethodsInflammatory model of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) was established. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), wound healing assay, and flow cytometry were utilized to detect biological roles of LINC01126. Binding site of miR‐655‐3p to LINC01126 and IL‐6 was predicted. Then, subcellular localization of LINC01126 and the binding ability of miR‐655‐3p to LINC01126 and IL‐6 in HGFs were verified. Hematoxylin–Eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were utilized to detect tissue morphology and proteins expression of clinical samples.ResultsLINC01126 silencing can alleviate cell inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis, reduce cell apoptosis, and promote cell migration. As a “sponge” for miR‐655‐3p, LINC01126 inhibits its binding to mRNA of IL‐6, thereby promoting inflammation progression and JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation. Quantitative real‐time PCR, Western Blot, and IHC results of clinical tissue samples further confirmed that miR‐655‐3p expression was down‐regulated and IL‐6/JAK2/STAT3 was abnormally activated in periodontitis tissues.ConclusionsIn summary, serving as an endogenous competitive RNA of miR‐655‐3p, LINC01126 promotes IL‐6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation, thereby promoting periodontitis pathogenesis.
Salivary calprotectin and neutrophils in inflammatory bowel disease in relation to oral diseases
Authors: Majster Mirjam , Almer Sven , Malmqvist Sebastian , Johannsen Annsofi , Lira‐Junior Ronaldo , Boström Elisabeth Almer 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveCalprotectin is elevated in saliva from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, but it is also affected by oral disease. We assessed the salivary concentration of calprotectin in IBD patients, in relation to intestinal and oral diseases. Furthermore, we investigated the phenotype of salivary neutrophils from IBD patients, and their ability to secrete calprotectin.Materials and MethodsThirty IBD patients and 26 controls were orally examined and sampled for stimulated saliva. Twenty‐five IBD patients provided fresh fecal samples. Calprotectin concentrations in saliva and feces were determined by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of CD11b, CD15, and CD16 on oral neutrophils was assessed by flow cytometry. Secretion of calprotectin was evaluated in cultured oral neutrophils.ResultsCalprotectin was significantly elevated in saliva of IBD patients compared to controls, particularly in Crohn's disease, irrespective of caries or periodontitis. Salivary calprotectin did not correlate to fecal calprotectin. CD11b expression was significantly reduced in salivary neutrophils from IBD patients. Salivary neutrophils from IBD patients tended to secrete more calprotectin than controls.ConclusionsSalivary calprotectin is elevated in IBD regardless of oral diseases. Furthermore, salivary neutrophils secrete calprotectin, and display lower CD11b expression in IBD.
Exercise‐induced type 1 Brugada pattern in a child
Authors: Ciriello Giovanni Domenico , Romeo Emanuele , Colonna Diego , Correra Anna , Russo Maria Giovanna , Sarubbi Berardo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe exercise stress testing may unmask the type 1 Brugada pattern on the surface electrocardiogram in a portion of patients with Brugada syndrome. The occurrence of the type 1 Brugada pattern during an exercise test in pediatric patients is not common. Consequently, the diagnostic yield of the exercise test in this population is still to be explored. We present a case of exercise‐induced type 1 Brugada pattern in a 12‐year‐old child with episodes of palpitations and discuss the available evidence on the role of the exercise stress test in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with Brugada syndrome.
The miR7125‐MdARF1 module enhances the resistance of apple to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides by promoting lignin synthesis in response to salicylic acid signalling
Authors: Liu Xinmei , Dai Hongyan , Zhang Feng , Wang Jun , Shi Jiajun , Chen Junqin , He Ping , Wang Feng , Ma Yue 
Published: June 2024

SummaryApple is an important cash crop in China, and it is susceptible to fungal infections that have deleterious effects on its yield. Apple bitter rot caused by Colletorichum gloeosporioides is one of the most severe fungal diseases of apple. Salicylic acid (SA) is a key signalling molecule in the plant disease resistance signalling pathways. Lignin synthesis also plays a key role in conferring disease resistance. However, few studies have clarified the relationship between the SA disease resistance signalling pathway and the lignin disease resistance pathway in apple. MdMYB46 has previously been shown to promote lignin accumulation in apple and enhance salt and osmotic stress tolerance. Here, we investigated the relationship between MdMYB46 and biological stress; we found that MdMYB46 overexpression enhances the resistance of apple to C. gloeosporioides. We also identified MdARF1, a transcription factor upstream of MdMYB46, via yeast library screening and determined that MdARF1 was regulated by miR7125 through psRNATarget prediction. This regulatory relationship was confirmed through LUC and qRT‐PCR experiments, demonstrating that miR7125 negatively regulates MdARF1. Analysis of the miR7125 promoter revealed that miR7125 responds to SA signals. The accumulation of SA level will result in the decrease of miR7125 expression level. In sum, the results of our study provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the resistance of apple to C. gloeosporioides and reveal a new pathway that enhances lignin accumulation in apple in response to SA signals. These findings provide valuable information for future studies aimed at breeding apple for disease resistance.
ROTEM could be useful for lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome
Authors: Yamada Koyo , Nakajima Yuto , Ogiwara Kenichi , Sakai Toshiyuki , Fukuda Kazuyoshi , Nogami Keiji 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundLupus anticoagulant‐hypoprothrombinemia syndrome (LAHPS) is a rare disease caused by acquired factor II (FII) deficiency and lupus anticoagulant. Patients with LAHPS typically present with thrombosis and bleeding. However, little information is available on the evaluation of coagulation potential in patients with LAHPS. We examined global coagulation potentials in patients with LAHPS during the clinical course in this study.MethodsCoagulation potentials in two pediatric patients with LAHPS were assessed by measuring clotting time (CT) and clot formation time using Ca2+‐triggered rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), CT and maximum coagulation velocity using clot waveform analysis (CWA), and lag time and peak thrombin using the thrombin generation assay (TGA). The day of admission was defined as day 0.ResultsIn case 1, the bleeding symptoms disappeared by day 5. However, the TGA and CWA results were markedly lower than normal, although FII activity (FII:C) returned to within the normal range by day 14. In contrast, ROTEM revealed a recovery to near‐normal levels (day 14). All coagulation parameters (day 80) were within normal ranges. In case 2, coagulation potential was severely depressed until day 12, although FII:C returned to normal levels. Bleeding symptoms disappeared on day 19, and the ROTEM data revealed that the parameters were close to the normal range. The coagulation parameters in all assays were normalized on day 75.ConclusionsRecovery of coagulation potential in patients with LAHPS was slower than the recovery of FII:C. Moreover, ROTEM appeared to be clinically useful for assessing coagulation potential in patients with LAHPS.
A generic causality‐informed neural network (CINN) methodology for quantitative risk analytics and decision support
Authors: Zhang Xiaoge , Long Xiangyun , Liu Yu , Zhou Kai , Li Jinwu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we develop a generic framework for systemically encoding causal knowledge manifested in the form of hierarchical causality structure and qualitative (or quantitative) causal relationships into neural networks to facilitate sound risk analytics and decision support via causally‐aware intervention reasoning. The proposed methodology for establishing causality‐informed neural network (CINN) follows a four‐step procedure. In the first step, we explicate how causal knowledge in the form of directed acyclic graph (DAG) can be discovered from observation data or elicited from domain experts. Next, we categorize nodes in the constructed DAG representing causal relationships among observed variables into several groups (e.g., root nodes, intermediate nodes, and leaf nodes), and align the architecture of CINN with causal relationships specified in the DAG while preserving the orientation of each existing causal relationship. In addition to a dedicated architecture design, CINN also gets embodied in the design of loss function, where both intermediate and leaf nodes are treated as target outputs to be predicted by CINN. In the third step, we propose to incorporate domain knowledge on stable causal relationships into CINN, and the injected constraints on causal relationships act as guardrails to prevent unexpected behaviors of CINN. Finally, the trained CINN is exploited to perform intervention reasoning with emphasis on estimating the effect that policies and actions can have on the system behavior, thus facilitating risk‐informed decision making through comprehensive “what‐if” analysis. Two case studies are used to demonstrate the substantial benefits enabled by CINN in risk analytics and decision support.
There's an App for That: Exploring the Market for Contraceptive Fertility Tracking Apps in the Philippines
Authors: Danna Kendal , Harris Danielle M. , Rothschild Claire W. , Brogaard Beth , LaCroix Elizabeth , Paudel Mahesh 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFor generations, women have relied on fertility awareness methods to plan and prevent pregnancy, for over a decade, many have been aided by digital tools to do so. New contraceptive fertility tracking apps (CFTAs)—that are backed by clinical efficacy trials to support their effectiveness as contraception—have the potential to enhance method choice and offer users a unique contraceptive option, but there is little evidence to inform the decisions around expanding access, particularly in low‐and middle‐income countries. We conducted a mixed methods study with quantitative online surveys (n = 1600) and qualitative interviews (n = 36) to explore the potential appeal of and demand for a hypothetical CFTA in one such market, the Philippines. Interest in using a CFTA was high among our Internet‐engaged, urban study population, with 83.9% “definitely” or “probably” interested in using it. Across demographic profiles, respondents perceived the appeal of the method as “natural” and “convenient.” A majority were willing to pay for the method, though notably at a price (5.20 USD) below that of currently available CFTAs. We discuss various important factors to be considered before bringing a method like this to new markets, including the potential implications of equity constraints in reaching a wider market and the unexpected prevalence of other period‐tracking apps not intended as contraception being used in this market that could complicate any future roll‐out. These issues could be explored further with additional research.
Quantitative skin surface hydration measurement by visible optical image processing: A pilot study
Authors: Wu Yue , Ran Jianghong , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Liu Qi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundSkin barrier function is significantly impacted by skin moisture. Most non‐invasive evaluation techniques to measure skin surface hydration relying on its electrical properties, which are limited in scope and have unstable operations. Applying image processing for skin hydration assessment is uncommon, with an emphasis on skin‐capacitive pictures and near‐infrared images in general, which demand a certain spectrum. As a result, there is an increasing need for wide‐area skin hydration evaluation and mapping.ObjectiveThe study aims to propose a quantitative evaluation algorithm for skin surface hydration from visible‐light images.Materials and methodsThree devices were applied to measure skin hydration: skin image capture device and two recognized commercial skin devices. A digital image processing system creates a new index, called GVR, to symbolize skin surface moisture. The CLAHE algorithm was applied to enhance the contrast of skin image, and after calculating it with the monochrome image, the skin reflectance image was segmented. The GVR was estimated using the values of the individual sites and the entire skin. The correlation coefficient between the three methods was examined using statistical analysis to assess the performance of GVR.ResultsSkin hydration estimated from visible‐light images is influenced by the entire facial structure in addition to specific areas. The electrical and visible image evaluations showed a strong association with a significant difference.ConclusionIt was discovered that reflecting measures from visible images provide a quick and efficient way to quantify the moisture of the skin's surface.
Donor‐derived infections: The Swiss perspective
Authors: Mueller Nicolas J. , Manuel Oriol , Hirzel Cédric ,   the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS)
Published: June 2024

AbstractWhile Switzerland has not yet established a systematic approach, the small size of the country and the intensive collaboration between the transplant infectious disease teams facilitate a rapid communication once a donor‐derived infection is suspected. Critical information regarding donor infections is shared rapidly, and appropriate measures are discussed. The long‐term observational Swiss Transplant Cohort Study, which includes >92% of all solid organ recipients collects all relevant infectious disease episodes and facilitates detection of patterns of potential donor‐derived infection.