bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors of lentigo maligna as compared to other melanoma subtypes
Authors: Mitsaki Kyriaki Stefania , Apalla Zoe , Lazaridou Elizabeth , Lallas Konstantinos , Lallas Aimilios 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundLentigo maligna (LM) exhibits a particular epidemiological profile compared to other histopathologic subtypes of melanoma, with a propensity for the head and neck area and a higher mean age at diagnosis. Few small‐scale studies have exclusively evaluated the risk factors for the development of LM.ObjectiveThis study aims to compare LM to other histological subtypes of melanoma for the prevalence of known melanoma risk factors, including pigmentary characteristics, history of occupational sun exposure, nevus count, and familial melanoma history.Patients and methodsWe conducted a case–control study of 152 patients with LM and 784 patients with other melanoma subtypes (OM). The Mann–Whitney t‐test and Pearson chi‐squared test were used to detect differences between the two groups in continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were then constructed to identify risk factors for developing LM compared to other melanoma subtypes.ResultsIn multivariate logistic regression analysis, LM was positively associated with a lentigines count >50 and occupational sun exposure compared to OM (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.35–3.29 and OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.33–3.57, respectively). In contrast, patients with an increased nevus count and fair or medium skin color were less likely to develop LM than OM (OR 0.93, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.91–0.94, and OR 0.28, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.17–0.46, respectively). In univariate analysis, LM exhibited a weaker association with all pigmentary traits than OM. No significant associations were found for atypical nevi count and family history.ConclusionWe found significant differences in the prevalence of known melanoma risk factors between LM and other melanoma subtypes, which supports the hypothesis of a distinct pathogenetic pathway of LM.
Treatment of acute urticaria: A systematic review
Authors: Badloe Fariza M. S. , Grosber Martine , Ring Johannes , Kortekaas Krohn Inge , Gutermuth Jan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThere are only a few clinical trials which address the treatment of acute urticaria (AU). Especially, the added value of systemic corticosteroids to antihistamines is unclear in treatment of severe AU. To review the existing evidence‐based approaches for AU treatment. A systematic electronic search was done in PubMed and Web of Science to retrieve all studies on the treatment of patients with AU. A descriptive synthesis was conducted based on the PRISMA statement. Quality assessment was independently performed by both reviewers (‘Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool’ for RCTs). Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 857 participants) were included. Four studies assessed corticosteroid effectiveness added to antihistamines and six studies compared the efficacy of H1 and/ or H2‐antihistamines. The addition of corticosteroid (prednisone) to an antihistamine (levo)cetirizine did not improve symptoms of AU compared to antihistamine alone in two out of three RCTs. The combination of diphenhydramine (50 mg, IV) and ranitidine (50 mg, IV) or cimetidine (300 mg, IV) was most efficient for relief of urticaria in two out of five studies. Most frequent adverse effects were sedation and drowsiness. Recent guidelines on urticaria treatment mainly focus on chronic urticaria rather than on AU. Moreover, only few, small RCTs provide evidence for the management of AU. Thus, the state‐of‐the‐art management of this frequent condition remains unclear. The addition of corticosteroids to an antihistamine as treatment for AU needs to be further investigated. Well‐designed, high‐quality interventional trials are needed to establish evidence‐based treatment guidelines for AU.
Longitudinal analysis of the skin microbiome in association with hand eczema, hand hygiene practices and moisturizer use
Authors: Vindenes H. K. , Drengenes C. , Amin H. , Irgens‐Hansen K. , Svanes C. , Bertelsen R. J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe skin microbiota maintains a physical and immunological barrier to the environment. Little is known about how the microbiome changes over time or the effect of hand hygiene practices and moisturizer use.ObjectivesTo assess sex‐specific changes in skin bacteria over time, and how the microbiome is related to self‐reported hand eczema, hand hygiene practices and use of moisturizers.MethodsSwab samples from the dorsal hand were collected at baseline and 6.5 years later during the COVID‐19 pandemic, in 168 participants from the RHINESSA study in Bergen, Norway. The skin samples were analysed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.ResultsThe alpha diversity of the hand microbiome increased from baseline to follow‐up, and beta diversity differed by sex at both time points. The relative abundance increased for several bacteria from baseline to follow‐up, with sex‐specific differences. Current hand eczema and aggravating hand eczema during the COVID‐19 pandemic were associated with an increase in Staphylococcus. High hand washing frequency at home was associated with lower alpha diversity and with higher abundance of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Finegoldia, and Pseudomonas and lower abundance of Propionibacterium and Pelomonas. The alpha diversity increased with increasing time passing between hand washing and sampling, whereas more frequent moisturizer use was associated with significantly lower alpha diversity, and a change in abundance for some bacteria, such as more Pseudomonas.ConclusionsThis longitudinal study revealed an overall increase in skin microbial diversity over a 6‐year period, which was unexpected since follow‐up was performed during the COVID‐19 pandemic when vigorous hand hygienic practices were introduced. Sex‐specific differences were identified at both time points. Individuals with hand eczema seem to develop a more dysbiotic skin bacterial community over time. Hand washing and use of moisturizers, with typically gender‐specific habitual patterns, may lead to change in bacterial composition.
Upper thermal tolerance and population implications for the Magdalena River stingray Potamotrygon magdalenae
Authors: Gómez‐Martínez Daniela , Londoño‐Cruz Edgardo , Mejía‐Falla Paola Andrea 
Published: February 2024

AbstractKnowledge of thermal tolerance limits provides important clues to the capacity of a species to withstand acute and chronic thermal changes. Climate models predict the increase and intensification of events such as heat waves, therefore understanding the upper thermal limits that a species can tolerate has become of utmost importance. We measured the upper thermal tolerance of the endemic Magdalena river stingray Potamotrygon magdalenae acclimated to experimental conditions, and then used critical thermal methodology to find the temperature at which an organism reaches a critical endpoint where locomotory activity becomes disorganized and the animal loses its ability to escape from conditions that will promptly lead to its death. We also describe the behavioral response of individuals to acute thermal stress and infer the possible consequences of temperature increases in the habitats of P. magdalenae populations. There were no significant differences between sexes in temperature tolerance or behavior. The critical thermal maximum (39°C) was 5.9°C above the maximum recorded temperature for the study area. Although P. magdalenae was tolerant to high temperature and currently is not living at its upper thermal limit, its survival in Guarinocito Pond will be threatened if temperatures continue to increase, considering the warming scenarios predicted for tropical regions due to climate change, even including short‐term climate phenomena such as El Niño.
Toeholds and information quality in common‐value takeover auctions
Authors: Dodonova Anna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this article I analyze the effect of the sensitivity of firm value on the information available to potential acquirers in common‐value takeover auctions with toeholds. I show that the quality of information does not affect equilibrium when bidders have equal toeholds but has a significant effect when toeholds are different. My article demonstrates that increasing the relative information quality of the bidder with a smaller toehold makes both bidders bid more aggressively and leads to a higher price. I also analyze the combined effect of toeholds and information quality on equilibrium bidding strategies and discuss ways target shareholders can increase the expected final price.
Breaking the rules of SLC6 transporters: Export of the human creatine transporter‐1 from the endoplasmic reticulum is supported by its N‐terminus
Authors: Ün Didem , Kovalchuk Vasylyna , El‐Kasaby Ali , Kasture Ameya , Koban Florian , Kudlacek Oliver , Freissmuth Michael , Sucic Sonja 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMutations in the human creatine transporter 1 (CRT1/SLC6A8) cause the creatine transporter deficiency syndrome, which is characterized by intellectual disability, epilepsy, autism, and developmental delay. The vast majority of mutations cause protein misfolding and hence reduce cell surface expression. Hence, it is important to understand the molecular machinery supporting folding and export of CRT1 from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). All other SLC6 members thus far investigated rely on a C‐terminal motif for binding the COPII‐component SEC24 to drive their ER export; their N‐termini are dispensable. Here, we show that, in contrast, in CRT1 the C‐terminal ER‐export motif is cryptic and it is the N‐terminus, which supports ER export. This conclusion is based on the following observations: (i) siRNA‐induced depletion of individual SEC24 isoforms revealed that CRT1 relied on SEC24C for ER export. However, mutations of the C‐terminal canonical ER‐export motif of CRT1 did not impair its cell surface delivery. (ii) Nevertheless, the C‐terminal motif of CRT1 was operational in a chimeric protein comprising the serotonin transporter (SERT/SLC6A4) and the C‐terminus of CRT1. (iii) Tagging of the N‐terminus—but not the C‐terminus—with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) resulted in ER retention. (iv) Serial truncations of the N‐terminus showed that removal of ≥51 residues of CRT1 impaired surface delivery, because the truncated CRT1 were confined to the ER. (v) Mutation of P51 to alanine also reduced cell surface delivery of CRT1 and relieved its dependence on SEC24C. Thus, the ER‐export motif in the N‐terminus of CRT1 overrides the canonical C‐terminal motif.image
Neurovascular anatomy of the developing human fetal penis and clitoris
Authors: Aksel Sena , Derpinghaus Amber , Cao Mei , Li Yi , Cunha Gerald , Baskin Laurence 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe human penile and clitoral development begins from a morphologically indifferent genital tubercle. Under the influence of androgen, the genital tubercle forms the penis by forming a tubular urethra within the penile shaft. Without the effect of the androgen, the genital tubercle differentiates into the clitoris, and a lack of formation of the urethra within the clitoris is observed. Even though there are similarities during the development of the glans penis and glans clitoris, the complex canalization occurring along the penile shaft eventually leads to a morphological difference between the penis and clitoris. Based on the morphological differences, the main goal of this study was to define the vascular and neuronal anatomy of the developing penis and clitoris between 8 and 12 weeks of gestation using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Our results demonstrated there is a co‐expression of CD31, which is an endothelial cell marker, and PGP9.5, which is a neuronal marker in the penis where the fusion is actively occurring at the ventral shaft. We also identified a unique anatomical structure for the first time, the clitoral ridge, which is a fetal structure running along the clitoral shaft in the vestibular groove. Contrary to previous anatomical findings which indicate that the neurovascular distribution in the developing penis and clitoris is similar, in this study, laser scanning confocal microscopy enabled us to demonstrate finer differences in the neurovascular anatomy between the penis and clitoris.
Mechanisms of COVID‐19‐associated olfactory dysfunction
Authors: Chang Koping , Zaikos Thomas , Kilner‐Pontone Nicholas , Ho Cheng‐Ying 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOlfactory dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms of COVID‐19. In the first 2 years of the pandemic, it was frequently reported, although its incidence has significantly decreased with the emergence of the Omicron variant, which has since become the dominant viral strain. Nevertheless, many patients continue to suffer from persistent dysosmia and dysgeusia, making COVID‐19‐associated olfactory dysfunction an ongoing health concern. The proposed pathogenic mechanisms of COVID‐19‐associated olfactory dysfunction are complex and likely multifactorial. While evidence suggests that infection of sustentacular cells and associated mucosal inflammation may be the culprit of acute, transient smell loss, alterations in other components of the olfactory system (e.g., olfactory receptor neuron dysfunction, olfactory bulb injury and alterations in the olfactory cortex) may lead to persistent, long‐term olfactory dysfunction. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and current understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of COVID‐19‐associated olfactory dysfunction.
Multiple horizontal gene transfer events have shaped plant glycosyl hydrolase diversity and function
Authors: Kfoury Beatriz , Rodrigues Wenderson Felipe Costa , Kim Sang‐Jin , Brandizzi Federica , Del‐Bem Luiz‐Eduardo 
Published: February 2024

Summary
Plant glycosyl hydrolases (GHs) play a crucial role in selectively breaking down carbohydrates and glycoconjugates during various cellular processes, such as reserve mobilization, pathogen defense, and modification/disassembly of the cell wall.
In this study, we examined the distribution of GH genes in the Archaeplastida supergroup, which encompasses red algae, glaucophytes, and green plants.
We identified that the GH repertoire expanded from a few tens of genes in early archaeplastidians to over 400 genes in modern angiosperms, spanning 40 GH families in land plants. Our findings reveal that major evolutionary transitions were accompanied by significant changes in the GH repertoire. Specifically, we identified at least 23 GH families acquired by green plants through multiple horizontal gene transfer events, primarily from bacteria and fungi. We found a significant shift in the subcellular localization of GH activity during green plant evolution, with a marked increase in extracellular‐targeted GH proteins associated with the diversification of plant cell wall polysaccharides and defense mechanisms against pathogens.
In conclusion, our study sheds light on the macroevolutionary processes that have shaped the GH repertoire in plants, highlighting the acquisition of GH families through horizontal transfer and the role of GHs in plant adaptation and defense mechanisms.
Focusing on the individual in cross‐sectoral collaboration: A configurational approach
Authors: AbouAssi Khaldoun , Lim Sungdae , Bowman Ann O' M. , Johnston Jocelyn M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractResearch focuses on various macro and meso aspects of collaboration and less on the individuals who make decisions about their organizations' collaborations. Organizational leaders make these decisions based on their interpretations, influenced by their personal characteristics. Existing studies examining organizational outcomes such as a decision to collaborate typically consider these characteristics separately and independently, ignoring the reality that a leader's characteristics jointly and interactively shape perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors. We focus on five prominent characteristics in the literature—gender, educational attainment, prior cross‐sector experience, current cross‐sector affiliation, and tenure in position—and study their configurational dynamics regarding the organization‐level outcome—the propensity of cross‐sector collaboration. We employ qualitative comparative analysis to develop and test a configurational model for cross‐sector collaboration, using survey data of local government and nonprofit leaders in Lebanon. The analysis offers exploratory insights into four configurational types of leaders whose organizations opt to collaborate at the local level.
The presence of autoantibodies as a potential prognostic biomarker for breast cancer
Authors: Ouyang Libo , Jing Keying , Zhu Chunkai , Wang Rong , Zheng Peiming 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe presence of autoantibodies is closely associated with the occurrence and development of cancer. Autoantibodies can be used as biomarkers for early breast cancer diagnosis. However, the relationship between autoantibodies and the prognosis of breast cancer patients remains elusive. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the correlation between the presence of autoantibodies and outcomes in breast cancer patients. This study included a total of 155 patients from People's Hospital of Henan University (Zhengzhou, China) who were diagnosed with breast cancer from January 2017 to December 2021. The enrolled patients' clinicopathological features were collected, and 88 patients were ultimately involved in the analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to search for the risk factors related to the poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. The association between the presence of autoantibodies and patients' survival was analysed using Kaplan–Meier curves. After screening, there were 38 autoantibody‐positive cases and 50 autoantibody‐negative cases. Breast cancer patients with autoantibody‐positive had a 57% lower risk of death compared with autoantibody‐negative patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the presence of autoantibody could be a potential prognostic predictor for breast cancer, independent of age, histological grade, pathological classification, clinical stage, and the expression levels of hormonal receptors. In addition, autoantibody‐positive breast cancer patients had longer progression‐free survival and overall survival compared with autoantibody‐negative cases. Positive autoantibody was found as an independent biomarker of better prognosis in breast cancer patients, providing a new strategy for the prognostic assessment of breast cancer patients.
Labor‐capital relations on digital platforms: Organization, algorithmic discipline and the social factory again
Authors: Wang June , Tomassetti Julia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDigital platform labor and its complex relationship with capital have stirred scholarly inquiry, calling for a systemic review that bridges foundational theories and various currents of development. In this review, we revisit Marxist and autonomist Marxist theses on the changing nature of work in the platform economy. Following that, we review two major strands of studies on the organization of production at the macro level and labour control at the micro level, which have revealed variegated types of workplace fissuring and different techniques of algorithmic control over bodies. However, we argue that the path forward must transcend these boundaries. We call for a revival of the ‘social factory’ thesis to rekindle ‘networking’ as a way of understanding labor‐capital relations on digital platforms. Our premise is that capital and labor mutually constitute the platform economy through their agency of networking the internet and ‘outernet’. We outline four key directions for future research based on this premise: networking with public elements, networking with market‐driven elements, networking for financialization in the digital landscape, and networking for resistance. By reinvigorating the social factory approach, we aim to enrich scholarly understandings of labor‐capital relations in the platform economy by articulating digital labor in a wider web of sociocultural, technical, political and economic relationships extending beyond and transcending the internet.
Patient video cases in large‐group medical student teaching: A qualitative study of learner and educator perspectives
Authors: Al‐Jarshawi Mustafa , Al‐Jasim Ameer , Bird Terese , Williams Christopher 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatient video cases (PVCs) are short video recordings of real patients during clinical encounters or instructed activities. Although widely used in healthcare professionals' education, their use in large group teaching (LGT) remains relatively unexplored. This study aims to explore the perceptions of medical students and academic staff regarding the use of PVCs to support LGT.MethodsA purposive sample of medical students and academic staff from Leicester Medical School was obtained. Data were collected through focus groups (students) and semi‐structured interviews (staff) in which two sensitising PVCs were used as a stimulus to discussion. Data analysis was undertaken using grounded theory through a process of open, axial, and selective coding, leading to core categories and themes.ResultsSixteen medical students and four academic staff members participated. Four overarching themes were identified covering the benefits of using PVCs, ways in which they are used in LGT, the challenges faced by and how to optimise PVCs for LGT. This final theme covered design, choice of clip and how it is then used by the educator within the teaching session. Key considerations were the need to align the PVC with other content and to consider the student experience.ConclusionOur findings support the use of well‐chosen and well‐designed PVCs within LGT and offer practical insights to use them effectively. PVCs are a potentially powerful tool within medical undergraduate LGT (a widely used instructional method) and further research into its use is needed.
Running on empty: Factors underpinning impaired cardiac output reserve in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Sagmeister Paula , Rosch Sebastian , Fengler Karl , Kresoja Karl‐Patrik , Gori Tommaso , Thiele Holger , Lurz Philipp , Burkhoff Daniel , Rommel Karl‐Philipp 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is frequently attributed etiologically to an underlying left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, although its pathophysiology is far more complex and can exhibit significant variations among patients. This review endeavours to systematically unravel the pathophysiological heterogeneity by illustrating diverse mechanisms leading to an impaired cardiac output reserve, a central and prevalent haemodynamic abnormality in HFpEF patients. Drawing on previously published findings from our research group, we propose a pathophysiology‐guided phenotyping based on the presence of: (1) LV diastolic dysfunction, (2) LV systolic pathologies, (3) arterial stiffness, (4) atrial impairment, (5) right ventricular dysfunction, (6) tricuspid valve regurgitation, and (7) chronotopic incompetence. Tailored to each specific phenotype, we explore various potential treatment options such as antifibrotic medication, diuretics, renal denervation and more. Our conclusion underscores the pivotal role of cardiac output reserve as a key haemodynamic abnormality in HFpEF, emphasizing that by phenotyping patients according to its individual pathomechanisms, insights into personalized therapeutic approaches can be gleaned.