bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social associations are predicted by nest proximity but not kinship in a free-living social parrot
Authors: Dawson Pell Francesca S E , Hatchwell Ben J , Ortega-Segalerva Alba , Senar Juan Carlos 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Social associations among conspecifics are typically non-random, often being a function of relatedness, familiarity, or spatial distributions. The aim of this study was to combine field observations with molecular genetic techniques and social network analysis to investigate the predictors of social associations in free-living monk parakeets, Myiopsitta monachus. Monk parakeets are non-territorial parrots whose nests are often aggregated, with relatives clustered in kin neighbourhoods and within cooperatively breeding groups. First, we characterized social associations when away from the nest, showing that individuals typically had a few strong social ties. Second, we investigated whether these social associations were related to nest proximity or genetic relatedness. The strength of association decreased with increasing inter-nest distance, but there was negligible influence of relatedness on the strength of associations. These patterns did not differ between same-sex and opposite-sex dyads. Finally, we investigated whether members of breeding pairs were close social associates, finding that in most cases the closest associate of an individual was their mate, although social bonds also existed outside of the pair; members of breeding groups also associated closely when foraging. Social associations are poorly known in parrots owing to methodological challenges, hence our results add to the limited knowledge of sociality in this taxon.
Safe Staffing and Workload Management in Social Work: A Scoping Review of Legislation, Policy and Practice
Authors: McFadden Paula , Davies Hannah , Manthorpe Jill , MacLochlainn Justin , McGrory Susan , Naylor Rachel , Mallett John , Kirby Karen , Currie Denise , Schroder Heike , Nicholl Patricia , Mullineux Judith , McColgan Mary 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In Northern Ireland, social work-specific legislation is planned for safe staffing across the governmental sector. As part of a broader research project to inform this development, we conducted a scoping review seeking examples of safe staffing definitions, safe staffing-related legislation, policy and practice in social work and associated professions from the UK and internationally. We searched English language databases in 2023 websites and reference lists as well as grey literature. Finding no international examples of social work-specific safe staffing definitions, legislation, or policy outside of Children’s Services, we offer a tentative definition to the current debate. Our scoping review found examples of individual social workers and local teams developing caseload management practices to promote ‘safer’ working, which may be useful for policymakers and regulators to consider. However, these need greater conceptual clarity, consensus over definitions and outcomes, and evaluation for cost-effectiveness. Given the limited evidence in this area, recommendations include the need for further research to ascertain what ‘safe staffing’ does, can and should mean in social work and what can work in different contexts and at different levels of policy and practice to inform service user and social worker safety in social work.
Integration of diffusion tensor imaging parameters with mesh morphing for in-depth analysis of brain white matter fibre tracts
Authors: Tayebi Maryam , Kwon Eryn , Maller Jerome , McGeown Josh , Scadeng Miriam , Qiao Miao , Wang Alan , Nielsen Poul , Fernandez Justin , Holdsworth Samantha , Shim Vickie ,   Matai mTBI Research Group, Potter Leigh , Condron Paul , Taylor Davidson , Cornfield Daniel , McHugh Patrick , Emsden Taylor , Danesh-Meyer Helen , Newburn Gil , Bydder Graeme 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Averaging is commonly used for data reduction/aggregation to analyse high-dimensional MRI data, but this often leads to information loss. To address this issue, we developed a novel technique that integrates diffusion tensor metrics along the whole volume of the fibre bundle using a 3D mesh-morphing technique coupled with principal component analysis for delineating case and control groups. Brain diffusion tensor MRI scans of high school rugby union players (n = 30, age 16–18) were acquired on a 3 T MRI before and after the sports season. A non-contact sport athlete cohort with matching demographics (n = 12) was also scanned. The utility of the new method in detecting differences in diffusion tensor metrics of the right corticospinal tract between contact and non-contact sport athletes was explored. The first step was to run automated tractography on each subject’s native space. A template model of the right corticospinal tract was generated and morphed into each subject’s native shape and space, matching individual geometry and diffusion metric distributions with minimal information loss. The common dimension of the 20 480 diffusion metrics allowed further data aggregation using principal component analysis to cluster the case and control groups as well as visualization of diffusion metric statistics (mean, ±2 SD). Our approach of analysing the whole volume of white matter tracts led to a clear delineation between the rugby and control cohort, which was not possible with the traditional averaging method. Moreover, our approach accounts for the individual subject’s variations in diffusion tensor metrics to visualize group differences in quantitative MR data. This approach may benefit future prediction models based on other quantitative MRI methods.
Impaired cognitive flexibility and disrupted cognitive cerebellum in degenerative cerebellar ataxias
Authors: Shin Jung Hwan , Kim Heejung , Lee So Yeon , Yoon Won Tae , Park Sun-Won , Park Sangmin , Yoo Dallah , Lee Jee-Young 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
There is a clinically unmet need for a neuropsychological tool that reflects the pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction in cerebellar degeneration. We investigated cognitive flexibility in degenerative cerebellar ataxia patients and aim to identify the pathophysiological correlates of cognitive dysfunction in relation to cerebellar cognitive circuits. We prospectively enrolled degenerative cerebellar ataxia patients with age-matched healthy controls who underwent 3 T 3D and resting-state functional MRI. All 56 participants were evaluated with the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia and neuropsychological tests including the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Trail Making Test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini-Mental State Examination. From MRI scans, we analysed the correlation of whole-brain volume and cortico–cerebellar functional connectivity with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performances. A total of 52 participants (29 ataxia patients and 23 healthy controls) were enrolled in this study. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test scores (total error percentage, perseverative error percentage, non-perseverative error percentage and categories completed), Trail Making Test A and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were significantly impaired in ataxia patients (P &lt; 0.05) compared to age-matched healthy controls. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test error scores showed a significant correlation with the ataxia score (P &lt; 0.05) controlling for age and sex. In volumetric analysis, the cerebellar right crus I, II, VIIb and VIII atrophy correlated with non-perseverative error percentage in the ataxia group. In functional connectivity analysis, the connectivity between crus I, II and VIIb of the cerebellum and bilateral superior parietal and superior temporal gyrus was significantly altered in ataxia patients. The functional connectivity between left crus II and VIIb of the cerebellum and dorsolateral prefrontal and superior frontal/parietal cortices showed a positive correlation with perseverative error percentage. The connectivity between left crus VIIb and pontine nucleus/middle cerebellar peduncle showed a significant negative correlation with non-perseverative error percentage in the ataxia group. The impaired cognitive flexibility represented by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test was significantly impaired in degenerative cerebellar ataxia patients and correlated with disease severity. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance reflects hypoactivity of the cognitive cerebellum and disrupted cortico–cerebellar connectivity in non-demented patients with degenerative cerebellar ataxia.
Diagnostic errors during perceptual learning in dermatology: a prospective cohort study of Finnish undergraduate students
Authors: Salava Alexander , Salmela Viljami 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Perceptual learning modules (PLMs) have been shown to significantly improve learning outcomes in teaching dermatology.

Objectives
To investigate the quantity and quality of diagnostic errors made during undergraduate PLMs and their potential implications.

Methods
The study data were acquired from 8 successive dermatology courses (2021–23) from 142 undergraduate medical students. Digital PLMs were held before, during and after the courses. We investigated the number and distribution of diagnostic errors, differences between specific skin conditions and classified the errors based on type.

Results
Diagnostic errors were not randomly distributed. Some skin conditions were almost always correctly identified, whereas a significant number of errors were made for other diagnoses. Errors were classified into one of three groups: mostly systematic errors of relevant differential diagnoses (‘similarity’ errors); partly systematic errors (‘mixed’ errors); and ‘random’ errors. While a significant learning effect during the repeated measures was found in accuracy (P &lt; 0.001, η²P = 0.64), confidence (P &lt; 0.001, η²P = 0.60) and fluency (P &lt; 0.001, η²P = 0.16), the three categories differed in all outcome measures (all P &lt; 0.001, all η²P &gt; 0.47). Visual learning was more difficult for diagnoses in the similarity category (all P &lt; 0.001, all η²P &gt; 0.12) than for those in the mixed and random categories.

Conclusions
Error analysis of PLMs provided relevant information about learning efficacy and progression, and systematic errors in tasks and more difficult-to-learn conditions. This information could be used in the development of adaptive, individual error-based PLMs to improve learning outcomes, both in dermatology and medical education in general.
The balance between memory and regulatory cell populations in kidney transplant recipients with operational tolerance
Authors: Süsal Caner , Alvarez Cristiam M , Benning Louise , Daniel Volker , Zeier Martin , Schaier Matthias , Morath Christian , Speer Claudius 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Donor-reactive memory cells represent a barrier to long-term kidney graft survival. A better understanding of regulatory mechanisms that counterbalance alloreactive memory responses may help to identify patients with operational tolerance. This prospective study investigated the equilibrium between memory T-cell subsets and regulatory T or B cells (Tregs, Bregs) in peripheral blood of kidney transplant recipients with operational tolerance (N = 8), chronic rejection (N = 8), and different immunosuppressive treatment regimens (N = 81). Patients on hemodialysis and healthy individuals served as controls (N = 50). In addition, the expression of Treg- and Breg-associated molecule genes was analyzed. Patients with chronic rejection showed a disrupted memory T-cell composition with a significantly higher frequency of circulating CD8+ terminally differentiated effector memory (TEMRA) T cells than patients with operational tolerance, patients on hemodialysis, or healthy controls (P &lt; 0.001). Low frequency of CD8+ TEMRA and high frequency of Tregs and transitional Bregs were found in operationally tolerant patients. Consequently, operationally tolerant patients showed, as compared to all other transplant recipients with different immunosuppressive regiments, the lowest ratios between CD8+ TEMRA T cells and Tregs or Bregs (for both P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, a specific peripheral blood transcription pattern was found in operationally tolerant patients with an increased expression of Breg- and Treg-associated genes CD22 and FoxP3 and a decreased FcγRIIA/FcγRIIB transcript ratio (for all P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, monitoring the balance between circulating CD8+ TEMRA T cells and regulatory cell subsets and their transcripts may help to distinguish transplant recipients with operational tolerance from recipients at risk of graft loss.
On-surface smooth polymerization of 5,11-bianthryl-anthradithiophene
Authors: Kasahara Shoma , Ohtomo Manabu , Hayashi Ryunosuke , Fushimi Naoki , Yamaguchi Junichi , Matsuo Kyohei , Aratani Naoki , Sato Shintaro , Hayashi Hironobu , Yamada Hiroko 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
An anthracene trimer comprising an anthradithiophene central unit has been successfully synthesized and its structure was confirmed by using single-crystal X-ray analysis. The surface-assisted reaction of the trimer on Au(111) under ultra-high vacuum conditions provided a long 5,11-bianthryl-anthradithiophene polymer with its length of more than 90 nm, owing to the efficient diffusion of the trimer on the Au(111) surface.
Targeting Tularemia: Clinical, Laboratory, and Treatment Outcomes From an 11-year Retrospective Observational Cohort in Northern Sweden
Authors: Plymoth Martin , Lundqvist Robert , Nystedt Anders , Sjöstedt Anders , Gustafsson Tomas N 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Tularemia is an important reemerging disease with a multimodal transmission pattern. Treatment outcomes of current recommended antibiotic regimens (including ciprofloxacin and doxycycline) remain unclear. In this retrospective cohort study, we report clinical, laboratory, geographical, and treatment outcomes of laboratory-confirmed tularemia cases over an 11-year period in Northern Sweden.

Methods
Data from reported tularemia cases (aged &gt;10 years at time of study) in Norrbotten county between 2011 and 2021 were collected through review of electronic medical records and participant questionnaires; 415 of 784 accepted participation (52.9%). Of these, 327 were laboratory-confirmed cases (serology and/or polymerase chain reaction). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate variables associated with retreatment.

Results
Median age of participants was 54 years (interquartile range [IQR], 41.5–65) and 49.2% were female. Although ulceroglandular tularemia was the predominant form (n = 215, 65.7%), there were several cases of pulmonary tularemia (n = 40; 12.2%). Inflammatory markers were largely nonspecific, with monocytosis frequently observed (n = 36/75; 48%). Tularemia was often misdiagnosed on presentation (n = 158, 48.3%), with 65 (19.9%) receiving initial inappropriate antibiotics and 102 (31.2%) retreated. Persistent lymphadenopathy was infrequent (n = 22, 6.7%), with 10 undergoing surgical interventions. In multivariable analysis of variables associated with retreatment, we highlight differences in time until receiving appropriate antibiotics (8 [IQR, 3.25–20.75] vs 7 [IQR, 4–11.25] days; adjusted P = .076), and doxycycline-based treatment regimen (vs ciprofloxacin; adjusted P = .084), although this was not significant after correction for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions
We comprehensively summarize clinical, laboratory, and treatment outcomes of type B tularemia. Targeting tularemia requires clinical awareness, early diagnosis, and timely commencement of treatment for an appropriate duration.
Effect of urine alkalization on urinary inflammatory markers in cystinuric patients
Authors: Prot-Bertoye Caroline , Jung Vincent , Tostivint Isabelle , Roger Kevin , Benoist Jean-François , Jannot Anne-Sophie , Van Straaten Alexis , Knebelmann Bertrand , Guerrera Ida Chiara , Courbebaisse Marie 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Cystinuria is associated with a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We previously described a urinary inflammatory-protein signature (UIS), including 38 upregulated proteins, in cystinuric patients (Cys-patients), compared with healthy controls (HC). This UIS was higher in Cys-patients with CKD. In the present observational study, we aimed to investigate the UIS in Cys-patients without CKD and patients with calcium nephrolithiasis (Lith-patients), versus HC and the effect of urine alkalization on the UIS of Cys-patients.

Methods
UIS was evaluated by nano-liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry in adult HC, Lith-patients and non-treated Cys-patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate &gt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and after a 3-month conventional alkalizing treatment in Cys-patients.

Results
Twenty-one Cys-patients [12 men, median age (interquartile range) 30.0 (25.0–44.0) years], 12 Lith-patients [8 men, 46.2 (39.5–54.2) years] and 7 HC [2 men, 43.1 (31.0–53.9) years] were included. Among the 38 proteins upregulated in our previous work, 11 proteins were also upregulated in Cys-patients compared with HC in this study (5 circulating inflammatory proteins and 6 neutrophil-derived proteins). This UIS was also found in some Lith-patients. Using this UIS, we identified two subclusters of Cys-patients (5 with a very high/high UIS and 16 with a moderate/low UIS). In the Cys-patients with very high/high UIS, urine alkalization induced a significant decrease in urinary neutrophil-derived proteins.

Conclusion
A high UIS is present in some Cys-patients without CKD and decreases under alkalizing treatment. This UIS could be a prognostic marker to predict the evolution towards CKD in cystinuria.
Cardiac and perivascular myofibroblasts, matrifibrocytes, and immune fibrocytes in hypertension; commonalities and differences with other cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Torimoto Keiichi , Elliott Katherine , Nakayama Yuki , Yanagisawa Hiromi , Eguchi Satoru 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Cardiovascular fibrosis occurs with hypertension and contributes to vascular resistance, aortic stiffness, and cardiac hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to fibroblast activation in hypertension remain largely unknown. There are two types of fibrosis: replacement fibrosis and reactive fibrosis. Replacement fibrosis occurs in response to the loss of viable tissue to form a scar. Reactive fibrosis occurs in response to an increase in mechanical and neurohormonal stress. Although both types of fibrosis are considered adaptive processes, they become maladaptive when the tissue loss is too large, or the stress persists. Myofibroblasts represent a subpopulation of activated fibroblasts that have gained contractile function to promote wound healing. Therefore, myofibroblasts are a critical cell type that promotes replacement fibrosis. Although myofibroblasts were recognized as the fibroblasts participating in reactive fibrosis, recent experimental evidence indicated there are distinct fibroblast populations in cardiovascular reactive fibrosis. Accordingly, we will discuss the updated definition of fibroblast subpopulations, the regulatory mechanisms, and their potential roles in cardiovascular pathophysiology utilizing new knowledge from various lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing studies. Among the fibroblast subpopulations, we will highlight the novel roles of matrifibrocytes and immune fibrocytes in cardiovascular fibrosis including experimental models of hypertension, pressure overload, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, and nephrosclerosis. Exploration into the molecular mechanisms involved in the differentiation and activation of those fibroblast subpopulations may lead to novel treatments for end-organ damage associated with hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
Ventricular arrhythmias and haemodynamic collapse during acute coronary syndrome: increased risk for sudden cardiac death?
Authors: Järvensivu-Koivunen Minna , Tynkkynen Juho , Oksala Niku , Eskola Markku , Hernesniemi Jussi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
In the acute phase of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and/or ventricular fibrillation (VF) leading to resuscitation are not considered to be associated with increased long-term sudden cardiac death (SCD) because the cause—acute ischaemia—is believed to be reversible. The aim of this study is to investigate whether ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) leading to sudden cardiac arrest during ACS are associated with the risk of incident SCD in patients with a normal or mildly impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods and results
This study is based on a retrospective analysis of all 8062 consecutive ACS patients undergoing coronary angiography with the baseline LVEF ≥40% between 2007 and 2018 (follow-up until 31 December 2021). The primary outcome was SCD-equivalent life-threatening VAs (LTVAs) composed of true SCDs and SCDs aborted by successful resuscitation or appropriate implantable cardiac device (ICD) therapy. The risk of sudden LTVA was estimated with a multivariate subdistribution hazard model using other deaths as competing events. Two-hundred thirteen (n = 211, 2.6%) patients suffered acute phase VF/VT leading to resuscitation and survived to discharge, and most occurred before angiography (80.6%, n = 170) and were VF (92.9%, n = 196). During a median follow-up of 7.6 years, 3.9% (n = 316) of all the patients had LTVA (10.0% in the VF/VT group vs. 3.8% in other patients). Ventricular fibrillation/VTs during ACS are associated with an increased risk for future SCD (hazard ratio 3.07; 95% confidence interval 1.94–4.85, P &lt; 0.001). Most LTVAs occurred in patients without ICDs.

Conclusion
Ventricular fibrillation/VT in ACS is associated with a remarkably high long-term risk for SCD in patients with an LVEF ≥40%.
Prognostic significance of aortic valve calcification in relation to coronary artery calcification for cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Wen Han , Huang Rihua , Xu Xinghao , Xiong Zhenyu , Liu Menghui , Guo Yue , Zhuang Xiaodong , Liao Xinxue 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
Both coronary artery calcification (CAC) and aortic valve calcification (AVC) are strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but data about the prognostic significance of multiple cardiovascular calcifications are limited. We aim to investigate the interaction relationship between AVC and CAC for major events.

Methods and results
We included 6695 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis at baseline and divided them into four groups: (i) no AVC or CAC; (ii) only AVC; (iii) only CAC; and (iv) with CAC and CAC. The Cox regression model and the Kaplan–Meier method were used to analyse CVD outcomes. We evaluated the interaction between AVC and CAC and their added predictive value based on the pooled cohort equations (PCEs). Subgroup analyses were also explored. Among 6695 participants (mean age 62.2 ± 10.2 years, 47.2% male), after follow-up, 943 cases (14.1%) of CVD and 1274 cases (19.0%) of all-cause death occurred. For participants with both AVC and CAC, the risk of CVD significantly increased [hazard ratio = 3.43 (2.69–4.37), P &lt; 0.001], even higher than the sum of the ones with only AVC and only CAC. This trend remained the same for all-cause death and among subgroup analyses. The addictive interaction was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001). When AVC and CAC were added, the predictive value of PCEs increased.

Conclusion
Our results indicated a synergistic interaction between valve calcification and coronary calcification in CVDs. Management for both AVC and CAC may bring health co-benefits in preventing poor outcomes.