bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the sensitivity of anti‐acetylcholine receptor enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay in different treatment periods
Authors: Kawaguchi Naoki , Imafuku Asami , Fujii Satoshi , Tsuno Fumiko , Yamada Shinya , Kuwabara Etsuko , Saschenbrecker Sandra 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectivesRecently, the EUROIMMUN anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR Ab) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) became commercially available in Japan, but its clinical performance has not been comprehensively researched. This is the first diagnostic evaluation of the AChR Ab ELISA carried out in the Japanese population, including stratification of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients according to the length of treatment.MethodsConcentrations of AChR Ab in sera from clinically confirmed MG patients (n = 85) and non‐MG control participants (n = 52) were measured and compared between ELISA and radioimmunoassay (RIA). Sensitivity and concordance of the assays were further analyzed in a stratified manner according to the treatment period. AChR Ab concentration was monitored over the treatment periods (0–5 months, n = 7).ResultsThe concordance rate between ELISA and RIA was 87% (ĸ = 0.74). Specificity of ELISA and RIA were 96% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivity was lower in ELISA (62%) compared with RIA (76%). Subgroup analysis showed that the sensitivity of both assays was identical (90%) in the treatment‐naïve and short‐term medicated patients (≤3 years), but decreased in patients undergoing mid‐ and late‐stage treatment. The concentration of AChR Ab showed reducing trends over the treatment period in both ELISA and RIA (r = 0.915).ConclusionsIn addition to other considerable benefits of ELISA, such as automation and avoidance of radioisotope waste, its high overall concordance and equal sensitivity with RIA, especially in treatment‐naïve and early‐stage treatment patients, suggest that the ELISA can be a valuable option supporting MG diagnostics in Japan.
Predictive Potential of Retina‐Based Biological Age in Assessing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Risk
Authors: Peng Qingsheng , Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Soh Zhi Da , Chee Miao Li , Tham Yih‐Chung , Zhu Zhuoting , Nusinovici Simon , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Leem Ah. Young , Lee Chan Joo , Lee Byoung Kwon , Park Sungha , Kim Sung Soo , Kim Hyeon Chang , Yu Marco Chak Yan , Wong Tien Yin , Cheng Ching‐Yu 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundPreviously, based on retinal photographs, we developed a deep‐learning algorithm to predict biological age (termed, RetiAGE) that was associated with future risks of morbidity and mortality. This study specifically aimed to evaluate the performance of RetiAGE in predicting future risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsRetiAGE scores were generated from retinal images in the UK Biobank and stratified into tertiles. We used Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the longitudinal association between RetiAGE and incident COPD, adjusting for calendar age, gender, smoking, asthma history, and socio‐economic status. In addition, we performed a cross‐sectional analysis using generalised linear models to examine the association between RetiAGE and baseline respiratory function, specifically the forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF), adjusting for the same confounders.ResultsAmong 45 438 UK Biobank participants without a history of COPD at baseline, 448 (0.9%) developed COPD over a mean follow‐up period of 9.8 ± 0.7 years. Participants in the moderate‐risk and high‐risk tertiles of RetiAGE had significantly lower baseline respiratory function (all p < 0.05) and a higher risk of incident COPD (HR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.18–2.19) compared to the low‐risk tertile, after adjusting for confounders. Adding RetiAGE to the multivariable risk model improved predictive performance, as demonstrated by significant enhancements in C‐statistics (p < 0.001) and likelihood ratio tests (p = 0.002).ConclusionOur deep‐learning‐based retinal aging biomarker, RetiAGE, can potentially stratify the risk of developing COPD.
Legislation and Current Practices Concerning Risk Assessment of Skin Sensitizers in the European Union: A Comparative and Survey Study
Authors: Krogh Pedersen Mathias , Schwensen Jakob Ferløv Baselius , Alfonso Jose Hernán , Mollerup Steen , Selvestrel Gianluca , Rudén Christina , Wilks Martin F. , Johansen Jeanne Duus 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundDespite legislation aimed to protect the population against skin sensitization in the European Union (EU), over one quarter of the general population is sensitised to at least one chemical.ObjectivesTo provide an overview and comparison of European legislation concerning skin sensitization. In addition, we gathered the opinions of experts and stakeholders regarding improvements in the legislation and risk assessment process in the EU, to provide suggestions for improvement.MethodsLegislation was identified and compared. Four questionnaires were created towards industry, competent authorities and regulators, researchers/clinicians, and non‐governmental organisations. The questions concerned the legislation, the risk assessment process, data collection and potential improvements.ResultsSeven areas of legislation were analysed. The legislation was found to be unharmonised, for example, differing modes of restriction and accepted tests for skin sensitization. Approximately 40% of the questionnaire respondents found that the EU legislation and tools were not sufficiently protective. To improve the legislation 83% suggested harmonisation and 68% suggested better data sharing. Other areas were: improved exposure data (78%), better understanding of the skin sensitization mechanism (67%) and non‐animal tests (66%).ConclusionsStakeholders had varying confidence towards the protection of European citizens against skin sensitization. Multiple areas for improvement regarding the legislations and the risk assessment process were identified.
Chronic Prurigo Associated With Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A Case Series Highlighting Textile Dyes and Fragrance Allergens
Authors: Ruiz Sánchez Juan , Espiñeira Sicre Joaquín , Cristóbal Redondo Víctor , Albert Cobo Irene , Al‐Wattar Ceballos Omar , Silvestre Salvador Juan Francisco 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundChronic prurigo (CP) is a condition characterised by chronic pruritus and pruriginous lesions. While frequently associated with atopic dermatitis (AD), its link with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is less understood.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical features, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic outcomes of CP associated with ACD.Patients/Materials/MethodsThis case series included patients diagnosed with CP or prurigo nodularis, identified through medical records from a specialised ACD clinic. Inclusion criteria were positive patch tests identifying relevant allergens, complete medical histories, and resolution or improvement of CP lesions after allergen avoidance. Patch testing was performed using the Spanish Extended Baseline Series and additional allergen panels as needed, following International Contact Dermatitis Research Group guidelines.ResultsSix patients were identified: four cases of CP associated with fragrances and two with textile dyes. All patients improved significantly with allergen avoidance; two required dupilumab. Histological findings and clinical responses suggested a Th2‐driven immune response in fragrance‐induced ACD and a Th2/Th17 involvement in azo dye‐related cases.ConclusionsACD caused by textile dyes and fragrances may manifest as papular dermatitis with features consistent with CP. Patch testing should be considered for idiopathic CP or cases associated with AD. Further studies are needed to clarify the immune mechanisms underlying this association.
Automated Description Generation of Cytologic Findings for Lung Cytological Images Using a Pretrained Vision Model and Dual Text Decoders: Preliminary Study
Authors: Teramoto Atsushi , Michiba Ayano , Kiriyama Yuka , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Imaizumi Kazuyoshi , Fujita Hiroshi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveCytology plays a crucial role in lung cancer diagnosis. Pulmonary cytology involves cell morphological characterisation in the specimen and reporting the corresponding findings, which are extremely burdensome tasks. In this study, we propose a technique to generate cytologic findings from for cytologic images to assist in the reporting of pulmonary cytology.MethodsFor this study, 801 patch images were retrieved using cytology specimens collected from 206 patients; the findings were assigned to each image as a dataset for generating cytologic findings. The proposed method consists of a vision model and dual text decoders. In the former, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to classify a given image as benign or malignant, and the features related to the image are extracted from the intermediate layer. Independent text decoders for benign and malignant cells are prepared for text generation, and the text decoder switches according to the CNN classification results. The text decoder is configured using a transformer that uses the features obtained from the CNN for generating findings.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 96.4%, respectively, for automated benign and malignant case classification, and the saliency map indicated characteristic benign and malignant areas. The grammar and style of the generated texts were confirmed correct, achieving a BLEU‐4 score of 0.828, reflecting high degree of agreement with the gold standard, outperforming existing LLM‐based image‐captioning methods and single‐text‐decoder ablation model.ConclusionExperimental results indicate that the proposed method is useful for pulmonary cytology classification and generation of cytologic findings.
What influences Australian pharmacists' decisions to supply opioids? Results from a survey and randomised controlled factorial experiment
Authors: Picco Louisa , Xia Ting , Laing Rose , Grist Elizabeth , Dostal Jana , Nielsen Suzanne 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIntroductionPrescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP) identify medication‐related risks to support clinical decision‐making. This study aims to report prescription medication refusal rates based on PDMP alerts and determine how PDMP alerts and other characteristics influence pharmacists' decisions to supply opioids.MethodsPharmacists completed an online survey and randomised controlled factorial experiment. Generalised linear models explored differences in the proportion of refusals by state. Pharmacists indicated their likelihood to supply opioids based on six clinical vignettes. Mixed‐effect linear regression models explored the association between vignette and pharmacy‐related characteristics and the likelihood to supply opioids.ResultsData related to 598 pharmacists (n = 3370 vignettes). Jurisdiction was associated with refusals; Western Australian pharmacists had significantly lower odds of refusing supply compared with Victorian pharmacists (odds ratio = 0.186, 95% confidence interval 0.104–0.331). The factorial experiment revealed the strongest predictors of reduced likelihood to supply were the PDMP high dose (β = −2.76, p < 0.001) and multiple prescriber (β = −3.79, p < 0.001) alerts. Unemployment (β = −0.0421, p < 0.001), hepatitis C (β = −0.260, p = 0.009), depression (β = −0.301, p = 0.003), high opioid dose (β = −0.259, p = 0.002) and co‐prescribed opioids with benzodiazepines (β = −0.478, p = 0.001) resulted in smaller reductions in the likelihood to supply. Older patient age, patient familiarity and rural/remote pharmacies were associated with significant, albeit small increases in the likelihood to supply with respective 0.293‐, 0.250‐ and 0.339‐unit increases.Discussion and ConclusionsJurisdictional differences in refusal to supply were observed, while PDMP alerts were the strongest predictor of reduced likelihood to supply opioids in the factorial experiment. Unintended consequences of PDMPs including abrupt opioid discontinuation observed elsewhere, should be avoided following the implementation of this supply‐side policy in Australia.
New tools to monitor Scaphoideus titanus, the main vector of phytoplasmas associated with Flavescence dorée in vineyards
Authors: Ortis Giacomo , Duso Carlo , Mori Nicola 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe current approach to pest monitoring in vineyards relies on deploying chromotropic or pitfall traps baited with pheromones and lures, which attract insects that are identified and counted by a human operator during many field visits. In particular, insects belonging the suborder Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) are monitored with yellow sticky traps that should be replaced every 1 or 2 weeks during the growing season. In this study, we tested two types of electronic traps to monitor Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), the main vector of phytoplasmas associated with Flavescence dorée in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L., Vitaceae). The results showed that the Trapview prototype trap design allowed for the catch of individuals throughout the summer sampling period, enabling pest detection and identification through photographs taken by the system, which were sent to an online repository, with efficacy comparable of those of commercially available yellow sticky traps.
Self‐Knowledge and History: Gadamer and Collingwood
Authors: Fristedt Peter 
Published: February 2025

AbstractQuassim Cassam argues that contemporary philosophers largely neglect the kind of “substantial” self‐knowledge most people care about – knowledge of my character, beliefs, and desires – in favor of “trivial” forms of it that are nevertheless philosophically illuminating. This article takes up Cassam's challenge to turn toward accounts of substantial self‐knowledge, and, building on the work of Gadamer, makes the case that any such account has to address the question of the historical formation of the knowing subject. That historical formation – our ‘historicity’ – both erects barriers to self‐knowledge and serves as a source of it, and raises the question of how much self‐knowledge is even possible for historically situated knowers. To answer that, I take up Collingwood's claim that the aim of historical research is self‐knowledge, and his view that, since its scientific turn in the nineteenth century, history has enabled self‐knowledge of an especially significant sort. Developing these and other ideas in Collingwood, I draw a distinction between what I call “historico‐philosophical” self‐knowledge, which includes knowledge of our historicity, and “garden‐variety historical” self‐knowledge, which is focused on the particular historical formations in which we find ourselves. I argue that both count as substantial self‐knowledge and round out an understanding of myself that includes any grasp I might have of my character, beliefs, and desires.
MEPs and MRI Motor Band Sign as Potential Complementary Markers of Upper Motor Neuron Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Calvi Francesca , Fortuna Andrea , Bello Luca , Anglani Mariagiulia , Cecchin Diego , Sabbatini Daniele , Andrigo Cinzia , Ferullo Marcello , Ruggero Susanna , Falda Marco , Pegoraro Elena , Sorarù Gianni 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons (UMNs and LMNs). Recognizing the involvement of UMNs is challenging because of the absence of reliable biomarkers beyond clinical evaluation.AimTo identify a reliable marker of UMN damage in a cohort of patients with ALS referring to the Motor Neuron Disease Clinic of the University Hospital of Padova.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the clinical records of 79 patients with ALS and compared the results of various investigations, including the motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs), positron emission tomography–magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and light neurofilaments (NfLs), with the degree of UMN clinical involvement, as assessed by the Penn Upper Motor Neuron Score (PUMNS).ResultsMEPs, considering the central motor conduction time (CMCT) values in both the upper and lower limbs, showed a significant correlation with the relative PUMNS subscores (p = 0.01, ρ = 0.4; and p = 0.005, ρ = 0.45, respectively). Additionally, there was a positive correlation between NfLs and PUMNS values (p = 0.04, ρ = 0.33). The presence of the motor band sign on MRI was associated with higher PUMNS values. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that PUMNS accurately predicted abnormalities in CMCT values (specificity 86%, sensitivity 62%) and the presence of the motor band sign (specificity 58%, sensitivity 80%).InterpretationIn our cohort of patients with ALS, CMCT values proved to be the most reliable test for assessing UMN involvement, albeit the presence of the motor band sign on MRI showed higher sensitivity.
Neural mass modeling reveals that hyperexcitability underpins slow‐wave sleep changes in children with epilepsy
Authors: Dunstan Dominic M. , Chan Samantha Y. S. , Goodfellow Marc 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveThe relationship between sleep and epilepsy is important but imperfectly understood. We sought to understand the mechanisms that explain the differences in sleep homeostasis observed in children with epilepsy.MethodsWe used a neural mass model to replicate sleep electroencephalography (EEG) recorded from 15 children with focal lesional epilepsies and 16 healthy age‐matched controls. Different parameter sets were recovered in the model for each subject.ResultsThe model revealed that sleep EEG differences are driven by enhanced firing rates in the neuronal populations of patients, which arise predominantly due to enhanced excitatory synaptic currents. These differences were more marked in patients who had seizures within 72 h after the sleep recording. Furthermore, model parameters inferred from patients resided closer to model parameters inferred from a typical seizure rhythm.SignificanceThese results demonstrate that brain mechanisms relating to epilepsy manifest in the interictal EEG in slow‐wave sleep, and that EEG recorded from patients can be mapped to synaptic deficits that may explain their predisposition to seizures. Neural mass models inferred from sleep EEG data have the potential to generate new biomarkers to predict seizure occurrence and inform treatment decisions.
Fine‐Scale Variation in Soil Properties Promotes Local Taxonomic Diversity of Hybridizing Oak Species (Quercus spp.)
Authors: Zimmermann Felix , Reutimann Oliver , Baltensweiler Andri , Walthert Lorenz , Olofsson Jill K. , Rellstab Christian 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAlthough many tree species frequently hybridize and backcross, management decisions in forestry and nature conservation are usually concentrated on pure species. Therefore, understanding which environmental factors drive the distribution and admixture of tree species on a local stand scale is of great interest to support decision‐making in the establishment and management of resilient forests. Here, we extensively sampled a mixed stand of hybridizing white oaks (Quercus petraea and Q. pubescens) near Lake Neuchâtel (Switzerland), where limestone and glacier moraine geologies coexist in proximity, to test whether micro‐environmental conditions can predict taxonomic distribution and genetic admixture. We collected DNA from bud tissue, individual soil samples, and extracted high‐resolution topographic data for 385 oak trees. We used 50 species‐discriminatory single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to determine the taxonomic composition and admixture levels of individual trees and tested their association with micro‐environmental conditions. We show that the trees' taxonomic distribution can be explained mainly by geographic position, soil pH, and potential rooting depth, a proxy for soil water availability. We found that admixed individuals tend to grow in habitats that are characteristic of the more drought‐tolerant species Q. pubescens rather than in intermediate habitats. Using in situ measurements, we are the first to show that fine‐scale variation in soil properties related to pH and water availability potentially drives the distribution of hybridizing tree species in a mixed stand. Microenvironmental variation therefore promotes local taxonomic diversity, facilitates admixture and adaptive introgression, and contributes to the resilience of forests under environmental change. Consequently, species such as white oaks should be managed and protected as a species complex rather than as pure species.
Turning Up the Heat: More Persistent Precipitation Regimes Weaken the Micro‐Climate Buffering Capacity of Forage Grasses During a Hot Summer
Authors: Reynaert Simon , Nijs Ivan , D'Hose Tommy , Verbruggen Erik , Callaerts Jutte , De Boeck Hans J. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTDeveloping climate‐proof forage grasslands does not only require developing plant communities that are soil drought resistant, but also adept at buffering elevated atmospheric temperatures to minimize heat stress for plant and soil. Previous studies indicate that the emerging trend towards rainfall regimes with longer dry and wet spells negatively affects forage grass performance (i.e., greater physiological plant stress and yield loss) in Western Europe. We conducted a 120‐day open‐air experiment testing whether a hot summer (+3°C for the first 60 days) exacerbates the negative effects of increased persistence in precipitation regimes (PR) (3 vs. 30 days consecutive wet/dry) on the performance of four distinct forage varieties (Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne (tetraploid) and Lolium perenne (diploid)) across two soils differing in management history (permanent vs. temporary grasslands). Our results indicate that climate warming indeed worsens negative effects of more persistent PR on forage grass productivity and physiological plant stress by inducing more extreme soil drought and elevated micro‐climatic temperatures, but permanent grassland soils with elevated organic carbon can buffer yields. Moreover, higher yielding varieties that are more proficient at buffering soil surface and canopy temperatures and maintaining plant greenness and stomatal opening under water shortage and elevated temperatures (Dactylis and Festuca) were impacted less than those which could not (both Lolium cultivars). These results indicate that not only differences in resource‐extraction traits but also the ability of a species to buffer its surrounding microclimatic conditions shapes its response to future climate change. Given the indirect positive effects such temperature‐buffering traits may have on soil functioning (e.g., reduced soil respiration during heat waves limiting carbon loss), we argue that managers should also incorporate such traits when developing climate‐proof forage grasslands.