bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of a fractional 1570‐nm diode laser scanner for non‐ablative face and neck rejuvenation
Authors: Somji Munir , Solomon Tino 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe use of non‐ablative fractionated lasers for skin rejuvenation has been proven to be effective in improving skin texture, and has become popular due to minimal wounding, significantly shorter recovery times and decreased adverse effects.ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze improvement in skin texture in healthy women aged over 18 years with Fitzpatrick skin types II–IV.MethodsParticipants received three facial and/or neck treatments with the 1570‐nm fractional scanning diode laser at 1‐month intervals. Three months after the last treatment session two blinded evaluators assessed skin improvement using before and after photos. Pain and patient satisfaction were recorded.ResultsSixteen women with a mean age of 45.4 ± 4.1 years (range 35–50 years) and skin type II–IV were included in the analysis. All 16 participants received facial treatments and seven (43.8%) also received neck treatments. Three months follow‐up evaluation showed that the majority of participants had a visible change in the treated areas. Mean pain score was low and decreased with each treatment session.ConclusionSkin treatment using fractional scanning 1570‐nm diode laser improves skin laxity in women with skin types II–IV. Larger studies are warranted to further clarify the efficacy and safety of this modality.
Using an intense pulsed light (IPL) module for the treatment of pigmented lesions
Authors: Dobroshi Krenar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPigmented lesions are largely benign and may lead to extreme distress. Various light and lasers may be used to treat pigmentation, often Q‐switched lasers are considered the method of choice, while intense pulsed light (IPL) devices may offer a less invasive treatment with a shorter downtime.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a narrowband IPL module for the treatment of pigmented lesions.MethodsA retrospective study of 20 patients with pigmented lesions underwent treatment with an IPL module. Treatment was assessed by blinded evaluation of clinical photographs using a GAIS scale of 0–10, as well as through patient satisfaction ratings on a scale of 0–10. Throughout the treatment, pain levels and adverse events were monitored.ResultsThe mean GAIS score was 7.55 ± 1.15 (mean ± SD), and the mean patient satisfaction score was 7.3 ± 1.26 (mean ± SD). There was a strong positive correlation between GAIS and patient satisfaction scores (r = 0.83), and no significant difference between them (p‐value = 0.516). The number of treatments did not significantly affect GAIS and patient satisfaction scores (p‐values 0.364 and 0.126). Additional positive unexpected outcomes were improved skin firmness and reduced wrinkles.ConclusionThe results of the study indicate that the IPL module is both safe and effective in treating pigmented lesions and may have the potential to stimulate collagen production.
Practitioners' experiences of delivering parenting interventions remotely: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Papakonstantinou Rodi Lida , Hastings Richard P. , Gray Kylie M. , Wolstencroft Jeanne 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGroup Stepping Stones Triple P (GSSTP), is an evidence‐based intervention for parents of children with intellectual disability that aims to improve child behavioural difficulties. GSSTP was designed to be delivered face‐to‐face, but during the COVID‐19 pandemic some services started delivering it remotely. The evidence base for remote intervention is growing, but few studies have focused on the experiences of practitioners delivering the interventions and the consequences of their service provision. We aimed to explore UK practitioners' experiences of delivering remotely GSSTP. The objectives were to identify the advantages and disadvantages of remote GSSTP, to determine whether adjustments were made to enable delivery, and to assess perceived acceptability. Participants were identified using consecutive sampling from the Triple P UK practitioner network. Eleven practitioners, who had experience of delivering GSSTP remotely and face‐to‐face, reported their experiences in an online survey. Ten participants also took part in semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. According to 55% of practitioners, parent attendance had increased with remote delivery, and 73% of practitioners found remote GSSTP equally or more effective than face‐to‐face. Survey findings about managing parent engagement remotely were mixed and building rapport with patients was considered equally or more difficult remotely. The key themes from the thematic analysis were the practitioners' ‘sincere enthusiasm’ over the advantages of the remote GSSTP provision, the ‘person‐centered strategies’ that characterised their practice, the emergence of ‘remote delivery as the way forward’ for parenting services and finally, the ‘challenges of remote delivery’. Remote GSSTP was perceived to be acceptable to participants and practitioners; the advantages of remote delivery appeared to outweigh the disadvantages. Practitioners reported strategies to prompt engagement and recreate group interactions in the remote setting that could be integrated in the practice of other group parenting providers.
Alpha‐synuclein pathology in isolated rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Iftikhar Imran H. , AlShimemeri Sohaila , Rabah Hussein , Rao Saad Tauheed , BaHammam Ahmed S. 
Published: April 2024

SummaryAccumulating evidence indicates that patients with isolated rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD), a prodromal stage of synucleinopathies, show abnormal deposition of misfolded alpha‐synuclein (a‐Syn) in peripheral tissues. The clinical utility of testing for a‐Syn in iRBD is unclear. This meta‐analysis focused on the utility of testing for the abnormal a‐Syn phosphorylated at Ser129 (p‐syn) and a‐Syn seeding activity (a‐Syn seed amplification assays [aSyn‐SAA]). Following an electronic database search, 15 studies were included that provided at a minimum data on test positivity in participants with iRBD. Test positivity from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI] 68–88%, I2 = 71%) and for skin was 74.8% (95% CI 53.2–88.5%, I2 = 64%) for aSyn‐SAA and 78.5% (95% CI 70.4–84.9%, I2 = 14%) for p‐syn. The phenoconversion rate ratio of biopsy‐positive versus biopsy‐negative iRBD was 1.28 (95% CI 0.68–2.41, I2 = 0%). Skin as a source had a specificity of 99% (95% CI 95–100%, I2 = 0%; p = 0.01 compared to CSF). As a test, p‐syn, had a specificity of 100% (95% CI 93–100%, I2 = 0%; p < 0.001) compared to aSyn‐SAA. The odds ratio of a‐Syn test positivity in iRBD versus other RBDs was 112 (95% CI 20–629, I2 = 0%). These results demonstrate clinically significant test positivity in iRBD and favour skin over CSF as the source of a‐Syn pathological analysis, and p‐syn over aSyn‐SAA as the testing method. Overall, these findings indicate that testing for a‐Syn could help in differentiating iRBD from RBD secondary to other conditions.
Management of biliary tract cancers in early‐onset patients: A nested multicenter retrospective study of the ACABI GERCOR PRONOBIL cohort
Authors: Lebeaud Antoine , Antoun Leony , Paccard Jane‐Rose , Edeline Julien , Bourien Hélène , Fares Nadim , Tournigand Christophe , Lecomte Thierry , Tougeron David , Hautefeuille Vincent , Viénot Angélique , Henriques Julie , Williet Nicolas , Bachet Jean‐Baptiste , Smolenschi Cristina , Hollebecque Antoine , Macarulla Teresa , Castet Florian , Malka David , Neuzillet Cindy , Vernerey Dewi , Boilève Alice , Turpin Anthony 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground & AimsAccumulating data has shown the rising incidence and poor prognosis of early‐onset gastrointestinal cancers, but few data exist on biliary tract cancers (BTC). We aimed to analyse the clinico‐pathological, molecular, therapeutic characteristics and prognosis of patients with early onset BTC (EOBTC, age ≤50 years at diagnosis), versus olders.MethodsWe analysed patients diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder adenocarcinoma between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2021. Baseline characteristics and treatment were described in each group and compared. Progression‐free survival, overall survival and disease‐free survival were estimated in each group using the Kaplan‐Meier method.ResultsOverall, 1256 patients were included, 188 (15%) with EOBTC. Patients with EOBTC demonstrated fewer comorbidities (63.5% vs. 84.5%, p < .0001), higher tumour stage (cT3–4: 50.0% vs. 32.3%, p = .0162), bilobar liver involvement (47.8% vs. 32.1%, p = .0002), and metastatic disease (67.6% vs. 57.5%, p = .0097) compared to older. Patients with EOBTC received second‐line therapy more frequently (89.5% vs. 81.0% non‐EOBTC, p = .0224). For unresectable patients with BTC, median overall survival was 17.0 vs. 16.2 months (p = .0876), and median progression‐free survival was 5.8 vs. 6.0 months (p = .8293), in EOBTC vs. older. In advanced stages, fewer actionable alterations were found in EOBTC (e.g., IDH1 mutations [7.8% vs. 16.6%]; FGFR2‐fusion [11.7% vs. 8.9%]; p = .029).ConclusionsPatients with EOBTC have a more advanced disease at diagnosis, are treated more heavily at an advanced stage but show similar survival. A distinctive molecular profile enriched for FGRF2 fusions was found.
Symbiodiniaceae diversity varies by host and environment across thermally distinct reefs
Authors: Marzonie Magena R. , Nitschke Matthew R. , Bay Line K. , Bourne David G. , Harrison Hugo B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEndosymbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) influence coral thermal tolerance at both local and regional scales. In isolation, the effects of host genetics, environment, and thermal disturbances on symbiont communities are well understood, yet their combined effects remain poorly resolved. Here, we investigate Symbiodiniaceae across 1300 km in Australia's Coral Sea Marine Park to disentangle these interactive effects. We identified Symbiodiniaceae to species‐level resolution for three coral species (Acropora cf humilis, Pocillopora verrucosa, and Pocillopora meandrina) by sequencing two genetic markers of the symbiont (ITS2 and psbAncr), paired with genotype‐by‐sequencing of the coral host (DArT‐seq). Our samples predominantly returned sequences from the genus Cladocopium, where Acropora cf humilis affiliated with C3k, Pocillopora verrucosa with C. pacificum, and Pocillopora meandrina with C. latusorum. Multivariate analyses revealed that Acropora symbionts were driven strongly by local environment and thermal disturbances. In contrast, Pocillopora symbiont communities were both partitioned 2.5‐fold more by host genetic structure than by environmental structure. Among the two Pocillopora species, the effects of environment and host genetics explained four times more variation in symbionts for P. meandrina than P. verrucosa. The concurrent bleaching event in 2020 had variable impacts on symbiont communities, consistent with patterns in P. verrucosa and A. cf humilis, but not P. meandrina. Our findings demonstrate how symbiont macroscale community structure responses to environmental gradients depend on host species and their respective population structure. Integrating host, symbiont, and environmental data will help forecast the adaptive potential of corals and their symbionts amidst a rapidly changing environment.
Good reasons to philosophize: On Hadot, Cooper, and ancient philosophical protreptic
Authors: Sharpe Matthew 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper reassesses the Cooper‐Hadot debate surrounding how students are converted to philosophy as a way of life (section 1) through engagement with philosophical protreptics. In section 2, the paper identifies the core “argument from finality” in philosophical protreptics seeking to convert non‐philosophers to philosophy, starting from the universal human interest in securing eudaimonia. In line with Cooper, this argument seeks to persuade prospective students on rational grounds, so that their choice to philosophise would be rationally motivated. In section 3.1, the paper illustrates how in Plato's Euthydemus (a) the choice to undertake philosophy is rationally justified by Socrates, using the eudaimonistic argument from finality. In section 3.2, by recourse to Aristotle's Protrepticus, the paper shows how the protreptic texts also compared philosophy to other intellectual pursuits, notably rhetoric, so as to recommend philosophy specifically for delivering a directive wisdom concerning how to live.
Context‐aware hand gesture interaction for human–robot collaboration in construction
Authors: Wang Xin , Veeramani Dharmaraj , Dai Fei , Zhu Zhenhua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractConstruction robots play a pivotal role in enabling intelligent processes within the construction industry. User‐friendly interfaces that facilitate efficient human–robot collaboration are essential for promoting robot adoption. However, most of the existing interfaces do not consider contextual information in the collaborative environment. The situation where humans and robots work together in the same jobsite creates a unique environmental context. Overlooking contextual information would limit the potential to optimize interaction efficiency. This paper proposes a novel context‐aware method that utilizes a two‐stream network to enhance human–robot interaction in construction settings. In the proposed network, the first‐person view‐based stream focuses on the relevant spatiotemporal regions for context extraction, while the motion sensory data‐based stream obtains features related to hand motions. By fusing the vision context and motion data, the method achieves gesture recognition for efficient communication between construction workers and robots. Experimental evaluation on a dataset from five construction sites demonstrates an overall classification accuracy of 92.6%, underscoring the practicality and potential benefits of the proposed method.
Low toxicity contributes to Sporothrix globosa invade the skin of patients in low‐epidemic areas of China
Authors: Qu Yuying , Feng Yahui , Bian Shaodong , Yang Yang , Li Dongmei , Liu Weida , Shi Dongmei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to assess the clinical characteristics of sporotrichosis in low‐endemic areas of China, including the prevalence geography, genotypic traits of patients, clinical manifestations, and strain virulence and drug sensitivities. The objective is to improve the currently used clinical management strategies for sporotrichosis.MethodsRetrospective data were collected from patients diagnosed with sporotrichosis through fungal culture identification. The isolates from purified cultures underwent identification using CAL (Calmodulin) gene sequencing. Virulence of each strain was assessed using a Galleria mellonella (G. mellonella) larvae infection model. In vitro susceptibility testing against commonly used clinical antifungal agents for sporotrichosis was conducted following CLSI criteria.ResultsIn our low‐endemic region for sporotrichosis, the majority of cases (23) were observed in middle‐aged and elderly women with a history of trauma, with a higher incidence during winter and spring. All clinical isolates were identified as Sporothrix globosa (S. globosa). The G. mellonella larvae infection model indicated independent and dose‐dependent virulence among strains, with varying toxicity levels demonstrated by the degree of melanization of the G. mellonella. Surprisingly, lymphocutaneous types caused by S. globosa exhibited lower in vitro virulence but were more common in affected skin. In addition, all S.globosa strains displayed high resistances to fluconazole, while remaining highly susceptible to terbinafine, itraconazole and amphotericin B.ConclusionGiven the predominance of elderly women engaged in agricultural labour in our region, which is a low‐epidemic areas, they should be considered as crucial targets for sporotrichosis monitoring. S. globosa appears to be the sole causative agent locally. However, varying degrees of melanization in larvae were observed among these isolates, indicating a divergence in their virulence. Itraconazole, terbinafine and amphotericin B remain viable first‐line antifungal options for treating S.globosa infection.
A novel heterozygous variant of the SALL1 gene with atypical Townes‐Brocks syndrome phenotypes in Chinese family
Authors: Liu Xuyan , Wang Hong , Zhang Yiyin , Zhang Ran , Zhang Ruixiao , Shi Xiaomeng , Pan Fengjiao , Qiao Dan , Xin Qing , Liu Zhiying , Zhang Yan , Li Changying , Lang Yanhua , Shao Leping 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTownes‐Brocks syndrome (TBS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by the triad of anorectal, thumb, and ear malformations. It may also be accompanied by defects in kidney, heart, eyes, hearing, and feet. TBS has been demonstrated to result from heterozygous variants in the SALL1 gene, which encodes zinc finger protein believed to function as a transcriptional repressor. The clinical characteristics of an atypical TBS phenotype patient from a Chinese family are described, with predominant manifestations including external ear dysplasia, unilateral renal hypoplasia with mild renal dysfunction, and hearing impairment. A novel heterozygous variant c.3060T>A (p.Tyr1020*) in exon 2 of the SALL1 gene was identified in this proband. Pyrosequencing of the complementary DNA of the proband revealed that the variant transcript accounted for 48% of the total transcripts in peripheral leukocytes, indicating that this variant transcript has not undergone nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. This variant c.3060T > A is located at the terminal end of exon 2, proximal to the 3′ end of the SALL1 gene, and exerts a relatively minor impact on protein function. We suggest that the atypical TBS phenotype observed in the proband may be attributed to the truncated protein retaining partial SALL1 function.
Case series of peripherally inserted central catheter insertion in young children: A new approach to the axillary vein
Authors: Frykholm Peter , Modiri Ali‐Reza , Frithiof Robert 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundWe have developed a new approach for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion that we think has several advantages, including ease of insertion, access to a larger vein and patient comfort.MethodsIn this case series report, the first 19 cases were audited.ResultsAll PICCs were inserted without complications; 17 on the first attempt.ConclusionWe conclude that the novel approach to the axillary vein for PICC insertion is feasible and appears to be safe when performed by an experienced operator.
Laboratory‐scale preparation of prostaglandins using acetone powder of the red alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla
Authors: Illijas Muhammad Ikbal , Suzuki Nobuya , Honda Masaki , Arma Nur Rahmawaty , Nasir Andriani , Saleh Luqman , Dahlia Dahlia , Mulyani Rahmi , Itabashi Yutaka 
Published: April 2024

SummaryThe red alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla is a prostaglandin (PG)‐producing macroalga. The alga is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with 20 carbon atoms, mainly arachidonic acid (AA), which is a precursor of PGs. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the ability of the red alga to produce PGs using acetone powder as the crude enzyme prepared from the alga. The acetone powder (250 mg) was incubated with different amounts of exogenous AA (0.1–4 mg). For the determination of PG contents, 5 μL of a sample solution (5 mL in water) consisting of acetone powder and AA was injected into the HPLC column. For PG analysis, an HPLC system connected with a mass spectrometer was used. Results of the study showed that the released PGs from incubation of acetone powder and AA consisted of PGE2, 15‐keto‐PGE2, 15‐hydroperoxy‐PGE2, PGA2, and PGF2α. The capability of the crude enzyme prepared from the red alga to produce PGs was affected by available oxygen and AA concentrations. The crude enzyme (250 mg) was capable of producing 164 and 141 μg of PGE2 and 15‐keto‐PGE2, respectively, from incubation with 250 μg of AA. This in vitro method could be a simple way to provide PGs in the laboratory.
Naturalistic use of psychedelics does not modulate processing of self‐related stimuli (but it might modulate attentional mechanisms): An event‐related potentials study
Authors: Orłowski Paweł , Hobot Justyna , Ruban Anastasia , Szczypiński Jan , Bola Michał 
Published: April 2024

AbstractClassic psychedelics are able to profoundly alter the state of consciousness and lead to acute experiences of ego dissolution – the blurring of the distinction between representations of self and the external world. However, whether repeated use of psychedelics is associated with more prolonged and permanent modifications to the concept of self remains to be investigated. Therefore, we conducted a preregistered, cross‐sectional study in which experienced psychedelics users (15 or more lifetime experiences with psychedelics; N = 56) were compared to nonusers (N = 57) in terms of neural reactivity to a Self‐name (i.e., each participant's own name) stimulus, which is known to robustly activate a representation of self. Two control stimuli were additionally used: an Other‐name stimulus, as a passive control condition in which no reaction was required, and a Target‐name stimulus, to which participants provided a manual response and which thus constituted an active control condition. Analysis of the amplitude of the P300 ERP component evoked by the Self‐ or Target‐names revealed no difference between the psychedelics users and nonusers. However, psychedelic users exhibited increased P300 amplitude during perception of Other‐names. In addition, in comparison to nonusers, psychedelics users exhibited a smaller increase in P300 amplitude when processing the task‐relevant Target‐names (in relation to both Self‐ and Other‐names). Therefore, our data suggests that regular naturalistic use of psychedelics may not be related to long‐term changes in the representation of self, but it might potentially affect the allocation of attentional resources to task‐relevant stimuli.
Coordinating school improvement: Understanding the impact of state implementation approach on coordination in multilevel governance systems
Authors: Green Jordyn E. , Koebele Elizabeth A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMultilevel governance is theorized to facilitate effective policy implementation by encouraging the use of local knowledge and expertise, enabling the participation of non‐government actors, and capitalizing on the coordinating and sanctioning authority of centralized governments. Whether a particular multilevel governance arrangement achieves this, however, depends in part on the degree to which it enables coordination among governmental and non‐governmental actors representing different levels and jurisdictions. Using a comparative case study of education governance reform in the United States, this study investigates how differences in state policy implementation approach impact the structure and mode of coordination in multilevel governance systems and considers the effects this has on policy implementation processes. The results indicate that a state's implementation approach impacts coordination by structuring how different levels of government interact, share information, and influence policy. Specifically, variation in the structure of the central governing agency directly enables or restricts the influence of bottom‐up coordination from lower levels of government. The results also highlight the theoretical limitations of current binary structure models of multilevel governance (i.e., centralized vs. decentralized, top‐down vs. bottom‐up, hierarchy vs. network) for capturing important nuances in policy coordination. These findings advance the understanding of policy coordination in multilevel governance systems and inform the design of institutional arrangements that balance trade‐offs in centralization and the delegation of authority across governance systems during policy implementation.