bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the comparability of osteoporosis treatments using propensity score and negative control outcome methods in UK and Denmark electronic health record databases
Authors: Tan Eng Hooi , Rathod-Mistry Trishna , Strauss Victoria Y , O’Kelly James , Giorgianni Francesco , Baxter Richard , Brunetti Vanessa C , Pedersen Alma Becic , Ehrenstein Vera , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEvidence on the comparative effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments is heterogeneous. This may be attributed to different populations and clinical practice, but also to differing methodologies ensuring comparability of treatment groups before treatment effect estimation and the amount of residual confounding by indication. This study assessed the comparability of denosumab vs oral bisphosphonate (OBP) groups using propensity score (PS) methods and negative control outcome (NCO) analysis. A total of 280 288 women aged ≥50 yr initiating denosumab or OBP in 2011-2018 were included from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and the Danish National Registries (DNR). Balance of observed covariates was assessed using absolute standardized mean difference (ASMD) before and after PS weighting, matching, and stratification, with ASMD &gt;0.1 indicating imbalance. Residual confounding was assessed using NCOs with ≥100 events. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95%CI between treatment and NCO were estimated using Cox models. Presence of residual confounding was evaluated with 2 approaches (1) &gt;5% of NCOs with 95% CI excluding 1, (2) &gt;5% of NCOs with an upper CI &lt;0.75 or lower CI &gt;1.3. The number of imbalanced covariates before adjustment (CPRD 22/87; DNR 18/83) decreased, with 2%–11% imbalance remaining after weighting, matching, or stratification. Using approach 1, residual confounding was present for all PS methods in both databases (≥8% of NCOs), except for stratification in DNR (3.8%). Using approach 2, residual confounding was present in CPRD with PS matching (5.3%) and stratification (6.4%), but not with weighting (4.3%). Within DNR, no NCOs had HR estimates with upper or lower CI limits beyond the specified bounds indicating residual confounding for any PS method. Achievement of covariate balance and determination of residual bias were dependent upon several factors including the population under study, PS method, prevalence of NCO, and the threshold indicating residual confounding.
Projected distributions of Mongolian rangeland vegetation under future climate conditions
Authors: Suzuki Kohei , Tsuyama Ikutaro , Tungalag Radnaakhand , Narantsetseg Amartuvshin , Tsendeekhuu Tsagaanbandi , Shinoda Masato , Yamanaka Norikazu , Kamijo Takashi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Mongolian herder households maintain the health and condition of their livestock by adapting to the characteristics of the local vegetation distribution. Thus, predicting future vegetation changes is important for stable livestock grazing and sustainable rangeland use. We predicted the distributional extent of rangeland vegetation, specifically desert steppe, steppe and meadow steppe communities, for the period 2081–2100, based on vegetation data obtained from a previous study. Rangeland vegetation data collected in Mongolia (43–50° N, 87–119° E) between 2012 and 2016 (278 plots) were classified into community types. Species distribution modeling was conducted using a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. Distribution data for desert steppe, steppe and meadow steppe communities were used as objective variables, and bioclimatic data obtained from WorldClim were used as explanatory variables. CMIP6-downscaled future climate projections provided by WorldClim were used for future prediction. The area under the curve values for the desert steppe, steppe and meadow steppe models were 0.850, 0.847 and 0.873, respectively. Suitable habitat was projected to shrink under all scenarios and for all communities with climate change. The extent of reduction in potential suitable areas was greatest for meadow steppe communities. Our results indicate that meadow steppe communities will transition to steppe communities with future climate change.
Dogmatism and Inquiry
Authors: Carter Sam , Hawthorne John 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Inquiry aims at knowledge. Your inquiry into a question succeeds just in case you come to know the answer. However, combined with a common picture on which misleading evidence can lead knowledge to be lost, this view threatens to recommend a novel form of dogmatism. At least in some cases, individuals who know the answer to a question appear required to avoid evidence bearing on it. In this paper, we’ll aim to do two things. First, we’ll present an argument for this novel form of dogmatism and show that it presents a substantive challenge. Second, we’ll consider a way those who take knowledge to be the aim of inquiry can mount a response. In the course of doing so, we’ll try to get clearer on the normative connections between inquiry, knowledge and evidence gathering.
Algebraicity of L-values for GSp4 × GL2 and GSp4 × GL2 × GL2
Authors: Loeffler David , Rivero Óscar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We prove algebraicity results for critical L-values attached to the group ${\rm GSp}_4 \times {\rm GL}_2$, and for Gan–Gross–Prasad periods which are conjecturally related to central L-values for ${\rm GSp}_4 \times {\rm GL}_2 \times {\rm GL}_2$. Our result for ${\rm GSp}_4 \times {\rm GL}_2$ overlaps substantially with recent results of Morimoto, but our methods are very different; these results will be used in a sequel paper to construct a new p-adic L-function for ${\rm GSp}_4 \times {\rm GL}_2$. The results for Gan–Gross–Prasad periods appear to be new. A key aspect is the computation of certain Archimedean zeta integrals, whose p-adic counterparts are also studied in this note.
Assessing Trial-by-Trial Electrophysiological and Behavioral Markers of Attentional Control and Sensory Precision in Psychotic and Mood Disorders
Authors: Boudewyn Megan A , Erickson Molly A , Winsler Kurt , Barch Deanna M , Carter Cameron S , Frank Michael J , Gold James M , MacDonald Angus W , Ragland J Daniel , Silverstein Steven M , Yonelinas Andrew P  , Luck Steven J 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background and Hypothesis
The current study investigated the extent to which changes in attentional control contribute to performance on a visual perceptual discrimination task, on a trial-by-trial basis in a transdiagnostic clinical sample.

Study Design
Participants with schizophrenia (SZ; N = 58), bipolar disorder (N = 42), major depression disorder (N = 51), and psychiatrically healthy controls (N = 92) completed a visual perception task in which stimuli appeared briefly. The design allowed us to estimate the lapse rate and the precision of perceptual representations of the stimuli. Electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded to examine pre-stimulus activity in the alpha band (8–13 Hz), overall and in relation to behavior performance on the task.

Study Results
We found that the attention lapse rate was elevated in the SZ group compared with all other groups. We also observed group differences in pre-stimulus alpha activity, with control participants showing the highest levels of pre-stimulus alpha when averaging across trials. However, trial-by-trial analyses showed within-participant fluctuations in pre-stimulus alpha activity significantly predicted the likelihood of making an error, in all groups. Interestingly, our analysis demonstrated that aperiodic contributions to the EEG signal (which affect power estimates across frequency bands) serve as a significant predictor of behavior as well.

Conclusions
These results confirm the elevated attention lapse rate that has been observed in SZ, validate pre-stimulus EEG markers of attentional control and their use as a predictor of behavior on a trial-by-trial basis, and suggest that aperiodic contributions to the EEG signal are an important target for further research in this area, in addition to alpha-band activity.
PCR-Based Detection for the Quarantine Fungus Colletotrichum kahawae, a Biosecurity Threat to the Coffee (Coffea arabica) Industry Worldwide
Authors: Ferrucho Rosa Lilia , Marín-Ramírez Gustavo Adolfo , Ochoa-Corona Francisco , Ángel C. Carlos Ariel 
Published: April 2024

Coffee berry disease is caused by Colletotrichum kahawae, a quarantine fungus still absent from most coffee-producing countries. Given the potential adverse effects on coffee berry production, it is a severe worldwide threat to farmers and industry. Current biosecurity management focuses on exclusion by applying quarantine measures, including the certification of coffee plants and their products. However, methods for detecting C. kahawae by National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) laboratories still need approval. This research aims to functionally demonstrate, standardize, and validate a method for detecting and discriminating C. kahawae from other Colletotrichum species that may be present in coffee plant samples. The method proposes to use an end-point PCR marker for the mating type gene (MAT1-2-1) and a confirmatory test with a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) marker developed on the glutamine synthetase gene. The C. kahawae amplicons for the Cen-CkM10 qPCR marker exhibited specific melting temperature values and high-resolution melt profiles that could be readily differentiated from other tested species, including their relatives. Given the fungus’s quarantine status, specificity was tested using artificial mixtures of DNA of C. kahawae with other Colletotrichum species and coffee plant DNA. The described method will enable NPPOs in coffee-producing and exporting countries, especially Colombia, to prevent this pathogen's entry, establishment, and spread. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Global Spread, Genetic Differentiation, and Selection of Barley Spot Form Net Blotch Isolates
Authors: Hassett Kealan , Muria-Gonzalez Mariano Jordi , Martin Anke , Karakaya Aziz , Çelik Oğuz Arzu , Bakonyi Jószef , Knight Noel L. , Prins Renée , Ellwood Simon R. 
Published: April 2024

Spot form net blotch, caused by Pyrenophora teres f. maculata, is a significant necrotrophic disease of barley that spread worldwide in the twentieth century. Genetic relationships were analyzed to determine the diversity, survival, and dispersal of a diverse collection of 346 isolates from Australia, Southern Africa, North America, Asia Minor, and Europe. The results, based on genome-wide DArTseq data, indicated that isolates from Turkey were the most differentiated with regional sub-structuring, together with individuals closely related to geographically distant genotypes. Elsewhere, population subdivision related to country of origin was evident, although low levels of admixturing was found that may represent rare genotypes or migration from unsampled populations. Canadian isolates were the next most diverged, and Australian and South African the most closely related. With the exception of Turkish isolates, multiple independent Cyp51A mutation events (which confer insensitivity to demethylation inhibitor fungicides) between countries and within regions was evident, with strong selection for a transposable element insertion at the 3' end of the promoter and counterselection elsewhere. Individuals from Western Australia shared genomic regions and Cyp51A haplotypes with South African isolates, suggesting a recent common origin. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Fine Motor Skills, a Surrogate of Motor Planning Ability, at Age 2 Predict Social Skills at Age 6
Authors: Goto Satoko , Nishimura Tomoko , Okumura Akemi , Harada Taeko , Rahman Mohammad Shafiur , Iwabuchi Toshiki , Sumiya Motofumi , Senju Atsushi , Tsuchiya Kenji J. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT:

Objectives:
Motor planning is the cognitive process of planning necessary steps for achieving a purposeful movement and is specifically reflected through object manipulation. This study aimed to investigate whether fine motor skills, a surrogate of the motor planning ability of object manipulation, in early childhood are associated with later social skills, in a general-population birth cohort.

Methods:
A total of 913 children, participating in the Hamamatsu Birth Cohort for Mothers and Children, were enrolled. Social skills were measured using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II, Socialization domain, at age 6 years. Fine motor skills were measured using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning at 14, 24, and 32 months. The associations between fine motor skills at ages 14, 24, and 32 months and social skills at age 6 years were tested separately through multivariable linear regression after adjusting for covariates, including gross motor and language skills at the contemporaneous age, autistic symptoms at age 6 years, and demographic factors.

Results:
Fine motor skills at 24 and 32 months were significantly associated with social skills at age 6 years (at 24 months: nonstandardized regression coefficient = 1.38 [95% CI, 0.50–2.26], p = 0.002; at 32 months: 1.47 [0.56–2.38], p = 0.001).

Conclusion:
Fine motor skills in early childhood predicted social skills at age 6 years, indicating an association between the complex motor planning ability of object manipulation and later social skills. Children who demonstrate fine motor delay at as early an age as 2 years should be closely monitored by child professionals.
Impact of Gabapentin on Postoperative Hypotension in Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocols for Microvascular Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Muetterties Corbin E. , Taylor Jeremiah M. , Kaeding Diana E. , Rosales Morales Ricardo , Nguyen Anissa V. , Kwan Lorna , Tseng Charles Y. , Delong Michael R. , Festekjian Jaco H. 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been associated with hypotensive episodes after autologous breast reconstruction. Gabapentin (Gaba), a nonopioid analgesic used in ERAS, has been shown to attenuate postoperative hemodynamic responses. This study assesses ERAS’s impact, with and without Gaba, on postoperative hypotension after microvascular breast reconstruction.

Methods:
Three cohorts were studied: traditional pathway, ERAS + Gaba, and ERAS no-Gaba. We evaluated length of stay, inpatient narcotic use [morphine milligram equivalents (MME)], mean systolic blood pressure, hypotension incidence, and complications. The traditional cohort was retrospectively reviewed, whereas the ERAS groups were enrolled prospectively after the initiation of the protocol in April 2019 (inclusive of Gaba until October 2022).

Results:
In total, 441 patients were analyzed. The three cohorts, in the order mentioned above, were similar in age and bilateral reconstruction rates (57% versus 61% versus 60%). The ERAS cohorts, both with and without Gaba, had shorter stays (P < 0.01). Inpatient MME was significantly less in the ERAS + Gaba cohort than the traditional or ERAS no-Gaba cohorts (medians: 112 versus 178 versus 158 MME, P < 0.01). ERAS + Gaba significantly increased postoperative hypotensive events on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 2, with notable reduction after Gaba removal (P < 0.05). Across PODs 0–2, mean systolic blood pressure was highest in the traditional cohort, followed by ERAS no-Gaba, then the ERAS + Gaba cohort (P < 0.05). Complication rates were similar across all cohorts.

Conclusions:
Postmicrovascular breast reconstruction, ERAS + Gaba reduced overall inpatient narcotic usage, but increased hypotension incidence. Gaba removal from the ERAS protocol reduced postoperative hypotension incidence while maintaining similar stay lengths and complication rates.
The Tree Flap: A Novel Modification of the Hatchet Flap for Lower One-third Nasal Reconstruction
Authors: Chia Jake , Reddy Chaithanya 
Published: April 2024

Summary:
Nasal reconstruction after skin cancer excision has routinely been challenging without any aesthetic sequelae, and any defects on the nose are readily noticeable. To circumvent this problem, surgeons have developed different flap techniques to mobilize adjacent tissue to repair aesthetically sensitive defects. We describe our experience, outcomes, and valuable tips for using the “tree flap,” a novel modification of the hatchet flap that extends the back cut to significantly increase mobility, leaving only a small skin paddle to maintain perfusion to the flap. The combination of undermining, a rotatory component, and minimal skin attachment allows radical mobility without compromising blood supply. Thus, the tree flap allows for reconstruction of defects of the dorsum of the nose and defects near the nasal tip with ease, given both advancement and rotational movements. Compared with other local flaps such as the shark pedicle flap or bilobed flap, the tree flap has a similar learning curve, minimal donor site morbidity, and equivalent aesthetic outcome. It may be used to repair larger defects that may not be amenable to the bilobed flap as an alternative to a full-thickness skin graft. In our experience, the tree flap also has the advantage of a lower rate of pin cushioning when compared with other options such as the bilobed flap. The tree flap has great mobility and is a reliable option for reconstruction of the lower one-third of the nose with excellent aesthetic results and minimal complications.
Potential utility of l-carnitine for preventing liver tumors derived from metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis
Authors: Lyu Junyan , Okada Hikari , Sunagozaka Hajime , Kawaguchi Kazunori , Shimakami Tetsuro , Nio Kouki , Murai Kazuhisa , Shirasaki Takayoshi , Yoshida Mika , Arai Kuniaki , Yamashita Tatsuya , Tanaka Takuji , Harada Kenichi , Takamura Toshinari , Kaneko Shuichi , Yamashita Taro , Honda Masao 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Recent reports have unveiled the potential utility of l-carnitine to alleviate metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) by enhancing mitochondrial metabolic function. However, its efficacy at preventing the development of HCC has not been assessed fully.

Methods:

l-carnitine (2 g/d) was administered to 11 patients with MASH for 10 weeks, and blood liver function tests were performed. Five patients received a serial liver biopsy, and liver histology and hepatic gene expression were evaluated using this tissue. An atherogenic plus high-fat diet MASH mouse model received long-term l-carnitine administration, and liver histology and liver tumor development were evaluated.

Results:
Ten-week l-carnitine administration significantly improved serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels along with a histological improvement in the NAFLD activity score, while steatosis and fibrosis were not improved. Gene expression profiling revealed a significant improvement in the inflammation and profibrotic gene signature as well as the recovery of lipid metabolism. Long-term l-carnitine administration to atherogenic plus high-fat diet MASH mice substantially improved liver histology (inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis) and significantly reduced the incidence of liver tumors. l-carnitine directly reduced the expression of the MASH-associated and stress-induced transcriptional factor early growth response 1. Early growth response 1 activated the promoter activity of neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated protein 9 (NEDD9), an oncogenic protein. Thus, l-carnitine reduced the activation of the NEDD9, focal adhesion kinase 1, and AKT oncogenic signaling pathway.

Conclusions:
Short-term l-carnitine administration ameliorated MASH through its anti-inflammatory effects. Long-term l-carnitine administration potentially improved the steatosis and fibrosis of MASH and may eventually reduce the risk of HCC.
Real-world experience quantifying access to JAK inhibitor care for alopecia areata patients: a patient-centered survey study
Authors: Nohria Ambika , Zhang Ya-Han (Crystal) , Desai Deesha , Lee Alison , Anderson Lisa , Shapiro Jerry , Senna Maryanne , Lo Sicco Kristen 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) therapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape for alopecia areata (AA); however, access may be limited by a lack of insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket costs.

Objective:
We aimed to evaluate real-world patient experiences regarding access to JAKi therapy.

Methods:
We conducted an online patient-centered survey using the National Alopecia Areata Foundation listserv.

Results:
In total 784 individuals initiated our survey, and 600 completed it in full (76.5%). While more non-White patients considered obtaining JAKi therapy, more White patients reported the use of this medication class. In total, 74.2% lacked insurance coverage or had partial coverage for JAKi, and 52% expressed dissatisfaction with available coverage. However, 52.9% reported delays in starting medication due to insurance approval processes, contributing to worsened AA and related stress. In total, 35% of patients did not try to obtain JAKi therapy due to concerns about costs, and 18.2% discontinued therapy due to financial barriers. Also, 19.8% of patients reported utilizing financial savings to pay for medication, and 55.2% reported using a copay assistance card. Further, 12.2% reported forgoing other necessities to pay for AA expenses.

Limitations:
Our results are limited by the subjective nature of survey studies. The recency of FDA approval for JAKi therapy may also influence patients’ perceptions of access to care.

Conclusion:
Patients with AA face significant barriers when trying to obtain JAKi therapy, and existing racial inequities may be exacerbated by these barriers. Further advocacy work is needed to improve access to care.
Fasciotomy and rate of amputation after tibial fracture in adults: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Bihari Aurelia , McClure J. Andrew , Inculet Clayton , Del Balso Christopher , Vinden Christopher , Schemitsch Emil , Sanders David , Lawendy Abdel-Rahman 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
Limb amputation is a possible outcome of acute compartment syndrome. We undertook this study to investigate the occurrence of fasciotomy and amputation in patients with tibial fractures in the Ontario adult population, aiming to evaluate variables that may be associated with each of these outcomes.

Design:
Retrospective, population-based cohort study (April 1, 2003–March 31, 2016).

Setting:
Canadian province of Ontario.

Participants:
Patients with tibial fracture, aged 14 years and older.

Intervention(s):
Fasciotomy after tibial fracture.

Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s):
The primary outcomes were fasciotomy and amputation within 1 year of fasciotomy. Secondary outcomes included repeat surgery, new-onset renal failure, and mortality, all within 30 days of fasciotomy.

Results:
We identified 76,299 patients with tibial fracture; the mean (SD) age was 47 (21) years. Fasciotomy was performed in 1303 patients (1.7%); of these, 76% were male and 24% female. Patients who were younger, male, or experienced polytrauma were significantly more likely to undergo fasciotomy. Limb amputation occurred in 4.3% of patients undergoing fasciotomy, as compared with 0.5% in those without fasciotomy; older age, male sex, presence of polytrauma, and fasciotomy were associated with an increased risk of amputation (age odds ratio [OR] of 1.03 [95% CI, 1.02–1.03], P < 0.0001; sex OR of 2.04 [95% CI, 1.63–2.55], P < 0.0001; polytrauma OR of 9.37 [95% CI, 7.64–11.50], P < 0.0001; fasciotomy OR of 4.35 [95% CI, 3.21–5.90], P < 0.0001), as well as repeat surgery within 30 days (sex OR of 1.54 [95% CI, 1.14–2.07], P = 0.0053; polytrauma OR of 4.24 [95% CI, 3.33–5.38], P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:
Among tibial fracture patients, those who were male and who experienced polytrauma were at significantly higher risk of undergoing fasciotomy and subsequent amputation. Fasciotomy was also significantly associated with risk of amputation, a finding that is likely reflective of the severity of the initial injury.