bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing assisted migration seed sources of two oak species in a Minnesota red pine woodland
Authors: Palik Brian J. , Kastendick Douglas N. , Kragthorpe Josh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Forest assisted migration (FAM) is the movement of tree species or genotypes to habitat believed to be characterized by the climate of the source population. FAM can be an integral component of climate adaptation projects. An example of such a project is the Red Pine Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (Red Pine ASCC) experiment in northern Minesota, USA. The experiment includes planting seedlings of northern red oak and bur oak from two different seed sources south of the study area. The primary source for both species was central Minnesota, one seed zone south of the local zone. However, due to the number of seedlings needed, a secondary source was also used that included red oak from southwest lower Michigan and bur oak from eastern Iowa. Known planting locations and densities of the seed sources allowed comparison of survival and growth to assess if the primary seed sources out-performed the secondary sources. For both species, densities after five growing seasons were not significantly different between seed sources, suggesting similar survival. Heights and diameters of bur oak were nearly identical for the two seed sources, suggesting similar growth rates. For northern red oak, seedlings of the Minnesota seed source were significantly taller and larger in diameter than the Michigan seed source, but differences were small. Our results suggest managers can be opportunistic when acquiring seedlings of these species for similar FAM projects.
Anti-OJ antibody-positive anti-synthetase syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report and literature review
Authors: Sia Robin , Massouridis Benjamin , Kee Nicholas Ngan , Yong Bryan , Mclean Catriona , Campbell Sian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 can induce a systemic inflammatory response with variable clinical manifestations. Similar to various viruses, COVID-19 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This article highlights the potential for infections including the SARS-CoV-2 virus to induce exacerbations of pre-existing autoimmune diseases or even potentially unmask de novo autoimmune diseases in particular anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD) in predisposed individuals. Although there are other case reports of ASSD following SARS-CoV-2 infection, here we present the first reported case of a gentleman with a newly diagnosed anti-OJ positive anti-synthetase syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Case presentation: Described is a case of a 70-year-old man presenting to the emergency department with worsening dyspnea in the context of a recent COVID-19 infection. CT-chest revealed changes suggestive of fibrotic lung disease, consistent with usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP) pattern. Despite recovery from his COVID-19 illness, the patient subsequently developed proximal myopathy with cervical flexion weakness on further assessment with persistently elevated creatinine kinase (CK). Myositis autoantibodies found a strongly positive anti-OJ autoantibody with MRI-STIR and muscle biopsy performed to further confirm the diagnosis. The patient received pulse methylprednisolone 1g for 3 days with a long oral prednisolone wean and in view of multiple end-organ manifestations, loading immunoglobulin at 2g/kg administered over two days was given. In addition, he was then commenced and escalated to a full dose of azathioprine given a normal purine metabolism where he remains in clinical remission to this date.
At least 267 cases of rheumatic diseases has been associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as COVID-19 vaccination. A literature search on PubMed was made to determine the amount of case reports describing myositis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We found 3 case reports that fit into our inclusion criteria. Further literature searches on diagnostic approach and treatment of ASSD were done.
Conclusion: Although SARS-CoV-2 infection itself can cause a directly mediated viral myositis, this case report highlights the possibility of developing virus-triggered inflammatory myositis through multiple aforementioned proposed mechanisms. Therefore, further studies are required to explore the relationship and pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the incidence of inflammatory myopathies.
Hair Regeneration in Androgenetic Alopecia using Secretome of Adipose-derived Stem Cells (ADSC) and Minoxidil: A Comparative Study of Three Groups
Authors: Legiawati Lili , Sitohang Irma Bernadette S. , Yusharyahya Shannaz Nadia , Sirait Sondang P. , Novianto Endi , Liem Isabella Kurnia , Kurniawati Trie , Putri Ines Soepinarko , Rahmadika Faizal Dzaky , Hakiki Nadhira Permata , Lauren Brigitta Cindy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common cause of hair loss disorder, characterized by the shortening duration of anagen phase, increased telogen phase, and miniaturization of hair follicles, eventually leading to their regression. This disorder tends to progress into partial or even complete baldness. Several therapeutic options are now available for AGA, including conventional medications such as finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil. However, side effects of these medications are also commonly reported. The use of adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) and their secreted bioactive molecules, “secretome” has gained attention which could produce many effects for hair growth promotion and has been proven in clinical trials. However, there is still insufficient evidence regarding the comparison of effectiveness of secretome with treatments like minoxidil.
Objective: This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of secretome from ADSCs with minoxidil in AGA cases, to provide future reference in the application of cell-based therapy in AGA cases.
Method: 60 subjects were divided into three treatment groups (minoxidil only, secretome only, and combination of both) and were given intervention on week 0, 4, and 8. All subjects were evaluated by physical examination, photography, trichoscopy, and trichoscan until week 12.
Results: All groups showed a statistically significant improvement (p <0.05) on hair growth parameters from week 4, with the best improvement observed on week 12. There were a significant difference between groups on some of the delta hair growth parameters (p <0.05), observed between secretome and combination groups. The combination group had the best improvement substantially on hair growth parameters. Side effects are minimum and only reported by the subjects in minoxidil group.
Conclusion: All of the interventions give a significant improvement on hair growth with the best improvement observed after 12 weeks. However, the best improvement substantially were observed in combination group.
The severity assessment and nucleic acid turning-negative-time prediction in COVID-19 patients with COPD using a fused deep learning model
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Zhang Wenxiu , Sun Mengzhou , Liang Xiaoyun , Wang Lu , Zhao Jiaqi , Hou Yongquan , Li Haina , Yang Xiaoguang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have shown that patients with pre-existing chronic pulmonary inflammations of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) were more likely to be infected with COVID-19 and lead to more severe lung lesions. However, few studies have explored the severity and prognosis of COVID-19 patients with different phenotypes of COPD.
Purpose
The aim of this study to investigate the value of the deep learning and radiomics features to evaluated the severity and predict the nucleic acid turning-negative time in COVID-19 patients with COPD including two phenotype of chronic bronchitis predominant patients and emphysema predominant patients.
Methods
A total of 281 patients were retrospectively collected from Hohhot First Hospital between October 2022 and January 2023. They were divided to three groups: COVID-19 group of 95 patients, COVID-19 with emphysema groups of 94 patients, COVID-19 with chronic bronchitis groups of 92 patients. All patients underwent chest scans and recorded clinical data. The U-net network was trained to segment the infection regions on CT images and the severity of pneumonia were evaluated by the percentage of pulmonary involvement volume to lung volume. The 107 radiomics features were extracted by pyradiomics package. The Spearman method was employed to analyze the correlation between the data and visualize it through a heatmap. Then we respectively establish a deep learning model using original CT image and a fusion model combined deep learning with radiomics features to predict the time for nucleic acid turning-negative.
Results
COVID-19 patients with emphysema was lowest in the lymphocyte count compared to COVID-19 patients and COVID-19 companied with chronic bronchitis, and they have the most extensive range of pulmonary inflammation. The lymphocyte count was significantly correlated with pulmonary involvement and the time to nucleic acid turning negative (r=-0.145, P < 0.05). Importantly, our results demonstrated that the fusion model achieved an accuracy of 80.9% in predicting nucleic acid turning-negative time.
Conclusion
The pre-existing emphysema phenotype of COPD severely aggravated the pulmonary involvement. Deep learning and radiomics features may provide more information to accurately predict the nucleic acid turning-negative time, which is expected to play an important role in clinical practice.
Propensity score-matched analysis short- and long-term outcomes of totally laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients with aged 80 and older
Authors: Hu Li , Xie Jianming , Yin Yongfang , Xia Ying , Yu Binjia , Zhu Liegang , Yan Zhilong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Recently, totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG) has emerged as a viable treatment approach for gastric cancer (GC). However, the viability and efficacy of TLG in patients aged 80 years and older have remained uncertain.
Methods: We retrospectively collected data of GC patients who underwent TLG and were performed by the same lead surgeon from August 2016 to December 2019 at the first affiliated Hospital of NingBo University in China. Propensity score matching was adopted to minimize selection bias at a ratio of 1:1 to compare the elderly group (≥80 years old, Older group) and youngerly group (＜65 years old, Younger group). Patient characteristics, tumour clinicopathologic, operative findings, short-term and 5 years-term prognosis were investigated and compared between the two groups.
Results: Out of 601 GC patients, 205 met the inclusion criteria (Older group, n = 31; Younger group, n = 174). The mean age in the Older group was 83.3 ± 3.2 years, whereas in the Younger group, it was 56.5 ± 7.5 years. Following propensity score analysis, 31 patients were matched each other for further analysis. The Older group exhibited lower levels of Albumin (35.2 ± 4.2 vs 38.3 ± 5.0; p=.011), Prognostic Nutritional Index (41.4 ± 5.2 vs 51.9 ± 19.4; p=.006), NRS2002 score (Nutritional Risk Screening 2002) (4.8 ± 0.9 vs 3.7 ± 0.6; p<.001), and ASA grade (p=.004) compared to the Younger group. The Older group with a longer postoperative hospital stay (26.3 ± 15.1 vs 17.7 ± 8.6; p=0.009) and higher total medical expenses (71274.1 ± 37712.6yuan vs 54520.1 ± 17003.7yuan; p=0.029) compared with the Younger group. Except for a higher incidence of pleural effusion in the Older group compared to the Younger group (p=0.022), no significant differences in other postoperative complications were observed between the two cohorts. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates between the two groups (p=0.345, p=0.123, p=0.345, respectively).
Conclusion: TLG for GC is considered viable and effective, especially when performed by experienced teams with carefully managed patients, even in patients aged 80 years and older, resulting in satisfactory short- and long-term outcomes and offering more targeted evidence for surgical approach selection in this particular age cohort.
Investigating the Metabolomic Pathways in Female Reproductive Endocrine Disorders: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Lu Fei-fan , Wang Zheng , Yang Qian-qian , Yan Feng-shang , Xu Chang , Wang Ming-tang , Xu Zhu-jing , Cai Sheng-yun , Guan Rui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Reproductive endocrine disorders (RED) including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis (EMs), and female infertility (FI), significantly affect women's health globally, with varying prevalence across different regions. These conditions can be addressed through medication, surgical interventions, and lifestyle modifications. However, the limited understanding of RED's etiology and the substantial economic burden of its treatment highlight the importance of investigating its pathogenesis. Metabolites play a critical role in metabolic processes and are potentially linked to the development of RED. Despite existing studies suggesting correlations between metabolites and RED, conclusive evidence remains scarce, primarily due to the observational nature of these studies, which are prone to confounding factors.
Methods
This study utilized Mendelian Randomization (MR) to explore the causal relationship between metabolites and RED, leveraging genetic variants associated with metabolite levels as instrumental variables to minimize confounding and reverse causality. Data were obtained from the Metabolomics GWAS Server and the IEU OpenGWAS project. Instrumental variables were selected based on their association with the human gut microbiota composition, and the GWAS summary statistics for metabolites, PCOS, EMs, and FI were analyzed. The MR-Egger regression and random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) methods were employed to validate the causal relationship. Cochran's Q test was employed to evaluate heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis was performed using leave-one-out analysis, and for pleiotropy analysis, the intercept term of MR-Egger's method was investigated.
Results
The MR analysis revealed significant associations between various metabolites and RED conditions. For instance, a positive association was found between 1-palmitoylglycerophosphocholine and PCOS, while a negative association was noted between phenylacetate and FI. The study identified several metabolites associated with an increased risk and others with protective effects against PCOS, EMs, and FI. These findings highlight the complex interplay between metabolites and RED, suggesting potential pathways through which these conditions could be influenced or treated.
Conclusion
This MR study provides valuable insights into the causal relationship between metabolites and female reproductive endocrine disorders, suggesting that metabolic alterations play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, EMs, and FI, and offering a foundation for future research and therapeutic development.
Influence of citrine on the self-adhesive properties of silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives
Authors: Antosik Adrian Krzysztof , Mozelewska Karolina , Wilpiszewska Katarzyna 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The presented article provides a detailed comparison of two silicone adhesives named 288 and 922. Various contents of dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, the cross-linking agent (0-3% by weight), were examined. A series of tests, including adhesion, tack, cohesion at room temperature and elevated temperature, SAFT test, and shrinkage, were conducted. Silicone-based self-adhesive adhesives are known for their excellent self-adhesive properties and find applications in various industrial sectors. However, their thermal resistance is relatively low. Therefore, the best composition was selected and modified with different filler concentrations, namely citrine, ranging from 0.1 to 3.0% by weight.
During the conducted research, an increase in the thermal resistance of the adhesive up to a temperature of 225°C was observed, which constitutes a positive phenomenon in the field of self-adhesive adhesive technology. The purpose of these studies was to significantly improve the properties of silicone adhesives, and the modification using citron proved to be an effective means of achieving this goal. The obtained results indicate potential opportunities for refining and customizing silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesives, which can significantly enhance their performance and flexibility in industrial applications.
A Person Centred Approach to Developing a Digital Tool (KOKU-Nut) to Improve Dietary Intake in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: French Chloe , Burden Sorrel , Stanmore Emma 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Digital tools embedded with behaviour change theories can encourage the successful implementation and maintenance of positive lifestyle changes. Keep on Keep up (KOKU) is a wellbeing app offering strength and balance exercises and educational games to raise awareness of fall prevention. We aimed to further develop KOKU using a person-centred approach to support nutritional intake and align with the service users’ needs and priorities to maximise engagement and usability.
Methods
Initially, adults aged 65 and over were recruited from assisted living facilities across Greater Manchester. Five focus groups involving 33 older adults (aged 69–96 years) were conducted between October and December 2022. A topic guide was used flexibly to understand factors that influence the groups eating habits and explore their thoughts around a digital tool to support nutritional intake. Conversations were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Researchers then collaborated with designers to develop a nutrition game based on UK dietary guidelines and findings from the focus groups. The nutrition game was tested with end users in January 2024 before making any necessary changes. Users provided feedback and completed the system usability scale (SUS).
Results
Four themes emerged from the dataset. The main determinants of food intake were personal preference, perceptions of foods and changes as a result of age-related decline. The ability, engagement and willingness to use digital technology varied among participants but the majority had a positive attitude towards the digital service. A matching pair’s card game was chosen and the educational content was produced by the research team. A prototype of the nutrition game (KOKU-Nut) was tested with 10 end users on an iPad provided by the research team. Feedback was generally positive and the median SUS was 87.5 (IQR: 65, 95) out of 100 indicating the nutrition game had excellent usability.
Conclusions
We anticipate this person-centred approach will support the uptake and sustained use of KOKU-Nut to empower and educate users to improve their diet.
Assessing spatially explicit long-term landscape dynamics based on automated production of land category layers from Danish late 19th century topographic maps
Authors: Levin Gregor , Groom Geoff , Svenningsen Stig Roar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Historical topographical maps contain valuable, spatially and thematically detailed information about past landscapes. Yet, for analyses of landscape dynamics through geographical information systems, it is necessary to "unlock" this information via map processing. For two study areas in northern and central Jutland, Denmark, we apply object-based image analysis, vector GIS, colour image segmentation and machine learning processes to produce machine readable layers for the land use and land cover categories forest, wetland, heath, dune sand and water bodies from topographic maps from the late 19th century. Obtained overall accuracy was beyond 90%. A comparison with a contemporary map revealed spatially explicit landscape dynamics dominated by transitions from heath and wetland to agriculture and forest and from heath and dune sand to forest. However, dune sand was also characterised by more complex transitions to heath and dry grassland, which can be related to active prevention of sand drift and due to natural succession but that can also be biased by different categorisations of dune sand between the historical and contemporary data. We conclude that automated production of machine-readable layers of land use and land cover categories from historical topographical maps offers a resource efficient alternative to manual vectorisation and is particularly useful for spatially explicit assessments of long-term landscape dynamics. Our results also underline that an understanding of mapped categories in both historical and contemporary maps is critical to the interpretation of landscape dynamics.
Cerebellar volume measures may differentiate multiple sclerosis fallers from non-fallers
Authors: Takla Taylor N. , Feldpausch Jennie , Edwards Erin M. , Han Shuo , Calabresi Peter A. , Prince Jerry , Zackowski Kathleen M. , Fritz Nora E. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The cerebellum is a common lesion site in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Physiologic and anatomic studies have identified a topographic organization of the cerebellum including functionally distinct motor and cognitive areas. This study implemented a recent parcellation algorithm developed by Han et al., 2020 to a sample of PwMS and healthy controls to examine relationships among specific cerebellar regions, fall status, and common clinical measures of motor and cognitive functions.
Methods: Thirty-one PwMS and 29 age and sex-matched controls underwent an MRI scan and motor and cognitive testing. The parcellation algorithm was applied to all images and divided the cerebellum into 28 regions. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare cerebellar volumes among PwMS and controls, and MS fallers and MS non-fallers. Relationships between cerebellar volumes and motor and cognitive function was evaluated using Spearman correlations.
Results: PwMS performed significantly worse on functional measures compared to controls. We found significant differences in volumetric measures between PwMS and controls in the corpus medullare, lobules I-III, and lobule V. Volumetric differences seen between PwMS and controls were primarily driven by the MS fallers. Finally, functional performance on motor and cognitive tasks was associated with cerebellar volumes.
Conclusions: Using the parcellation tool, our results showed that volumes of motor and cognitive lobules impact both motor and cognitive performance, and that functional performance and cerebellar volumes distinguishes MS fallers from non-fallers. Future studies should explore the potential of cerebellar imaging to predict falls in PwMS.