bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between pellet size and shotgun dispersion patterns
Authors: Kerkhoff Wim , Maitimu Keanu , Pater K. Dieter H. , de Jong Markus A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWhen reconstructing a shooting incident with a shotgun, the muzzle‐to‐target distance can be determined by relating the size of a dispersion pattern found on a crime scene to that of test shots. Ideally, the test shots are performed with the weapon and ammunition that were used in the incident. But sometimes examiners will have to resort to alternatives, such as using cartridges of the same brand and type but with another pellet size. For this reason, the relationship between pellet size and shotgun dispersion patterns was studied with both lead and steel shotgun pellets. Cartridges were loaded with identical cartridge cases, powder charges, and wads but with different pellet sizes, below size B. The cartridges were fired, and the dispersion patterns at 5 m in front of the muzzle were measured and compared. The results provide strong support for the proposition that shotgun dispersion patterns with both lead and steel shot increase with decreasing pellet size if all other relevant parameters are kept equal. The results also provide an indicative measure of the magnitude of the effect. Pattern sizes were approximately 1.7 times larger with #9 than with #0 lead shot and 1.4 times larger with #9 than with #1 steel shot. The differences between consecutive shot sizes were generally smaller. This means that cartridges of equal brand and type but with the next nearest shot number can be used for a muzzle‐to‐target distance determination, keeping the information of the current study in mind in the final interpretation of the results.
Effect of dietary Ptecticus tenebrifer powder on the fatty acid profile of egg yolk in laying hens
Authors: Chung Tae‐Ho 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe poultry industry needs alternative feeds with no adverse effects on animal performance and egg quality. Insects represent effective animal feeds. However, Ptecticus tenebrifer (PT) has rarely been studied as an effective feed in terms of fatty acid contents. Therefore, we investigated the effect of dietary PT powder on the fatty acid profiles of egg yolks in laying hens. A total of 180 Hy‐Line brown hens were divided equally into three groups (n = 60), with three replicates: the control group and two groups fed 2% and 4% PT powder, respectively. After 2 weeks, minor effects (P < 0.05) on oleic acid, dihomo‐gamma‐linolenic acid, and total monounsaturated fatty acids were observed among the groups. After 4 weeks, docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, and total polyunsaturated fatty acids were slightly altered in the treatment groups (P < 0.05). For other fatty acids, the 2% and 4% PT groups had fatty acid concentrations similar to those of the controls. No differences in total n‐6 and total n‐3 were observed among the groups. In conclusion, using 2% and 4% PT powders did not notably change the fatty acid profiles of egg yolks and could replace some layer‐hen feed without negative effects.
Prognostic significance of organ failure and infected pancreatic necrosis in acute pancreatitis: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Wen Mo , Hua Tian Rui , Zhang Yue Lun , Chen Guo Rong , Song Kai , Pendharkar Sayali , Wu Dong , Windsor John A. 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesIn patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), minimally invasive treatment and the step‐up approach have been widely used to deal with infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in the last decade. It is unclear whether IPN has become a less important determinant of mortality relative to organ failure (OF). We aimed to statistically aggregate recent evidence from published studies to determine the relative importance of IPN and OF as determinants of mortality in patients with AP (PROSPERO: CRD42020176989).MethodsRelevant studies were sourced from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Relative risk (RR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) was analyzed as outcomes. A two‐sided P value of less than 0.05 was regarded as statistical significance.ResultsForty‐three studies comprising 11 601 patients with AP were included. The mortality was 28% for OF patients and 24% for those with IPN. Patients with OF without IPN had a significantly higher risk of mortality compared to those with IPN but without OF (RR 3.72, P < 0.0001). However, patients with both OF and IPN faced the highest risk of mortality. Additionally, IPN increased length of stay in hospital for OF patients (WMD 28.75, P = 0.032).ConclusionThough IPN remains a significant concern, which leads to increased morbidity and longer hospital stay, it is a less critical mortality determinant compared to OF in AP.
Morphological and taxonomic diversity of mesozooplankton is an important driver of carbon export fluxes in the ocean
Authors: Perhirin Margaux , Gossner Hannah , Godfrey Jessica , Johnson Rodney , Blanco‐Bercial Leocadio , Ayata Sakina‐Dorothée 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMesozooplankton is a very diverse group of small animals ranging in size from 0.2 to 20 mm not able to swim against ocean currents. It is a key component of pelagic ecosystems through its roles in the trophic networks and the biological carbon pump. Traditionally studied through microscopes, recent methods have been however developed to rapidly acquire large amounts of data (morphological, molecular) at the individual scale, making it possible to study mesozooplankton using a trait‐based approach. Here, combining quantitative imaging with metabarcoding time‐series data obtained in the Sargasso Sea at the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Study (BATS) site, we showed that organisms' transparency might be an important trait to also consider regarding mesozooplankton impact on carbon export, contrary to the common assumption that just size is the master trait directing most mesozooplankton‐linked processes. Three distinct communities were defined based on taxonomic composition, and succeeded one another throughout the study period, with changing levels of transparency among the community. A co‐occurrences' network was built from metabarcoding data revealing six groups of taxa. These were related to changes in the functioning of the ecosystem and/or in the community's morphology. The importance of Diel Vertical Migration at BATS was confirmed by the existence of a group made of taxa known to be strong migrators. Finally, we assessed if metabarcoding can provide a quantitative approach to biomass and/or abundance of certain taxa. Knowing more about mesozooplankton diversity and its impact on ecosystem functioning would allow to better represent them in biogeochemical models.
Denitrification in low oxic environments increases the accumulation of nitrogen oxide intermediates and modulates the evolutionary potential of microbial populations
Authors: Takahashi Kohei , Oshiki Mamoru , Ruan Chujin , Morinaga Kana , Toyofuku Masanori , Nomura Nobuhiko , Johnson David R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDenitrification in oxic environments occurs when a microorganism uses nitrogen oxides as terminal electron acceptors even though oxygen is available. While this phenomenon is well‐established, its consequences on ecological and evolutionary processes remain poorly understood. We hypothesize here that denitrification in oxic environments can modify the accumulation profiles of nitrogen oxide intermediates with cascading effects on the evolutionary potentials of denitrifying microorganisms. To test this, we performed laboratory experiments with Paracoccus denitrificans and complemented them with individual‐based computational modelling. We found that denitrification in low oxic environments significantly increases the accumulation of nitrite and nitric oxide. We further found that the increased accumulation of these intermediates has a negative effect on growth at low pH. Finally, we found that the increased negative effect at low pH increases the number of individuals that contribute to surface‐associated growth. This increases the amount of genetic diversity that is preserved from the initial population, thus increasing the number of genetic targets for natural selection to act upon and resulting in higher evolutionary potentials. Together, our data highlight that denitrification in low oxic environments can affect the ecological processes and evolutionary potentials of denitrifying microorganisms by modifying the accumulation of nitrogen oxide intermediates.
Fertility and infertility uses of menstrual apps from the perspectives of healthcare providers and patients
Authors: Hohmann‐Marriott Bryndl , Williams Tiffany , Girling Jane 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundMenstrual cycle tracking apps are increasingly used by those trying to conceive as well as those diagnosed and treated for infertility. However, the small amount of existing research about the use of these apps does not include the perspectives of healthcare providers.AimsThis study explores how healthcare providers describe the role of menstrual apps in fertility and infertility health care, and how this compares with patients' views.Materials and MethodsResponses were collected from an online survey (n = 37 providers and n = 89 patients) and online focus groups (n = 4 providers and n = 6 patients) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsHealthcare providers, as well as some patients, expressed doubts about the accuracy of app estimates of the timing of ovulation. By contrast, many patients, but no healthcare providers, were enthusiastic about ovulation estimates provided by their apps. Apps were described by both groups as having a role in diagnosing and treating infertility, with healthcare providers emphasising the calendar history function of the apps supporting treatment, and patients focused on recognising and diagnosing infertility.ConclusionsThis exploratory study suggests that apps are viewed by both healthcare providers and patients as having a potential role in fertility and infertility healthcare. Although patients and app users are attentive to app estimates of ovulation timing, healthcare providers are sceptical.
Forsythia velutina Nakai extract: A promising therapeutic option for atopic dermatitis through multiple cell type modulation
Authors: Kwon Yujin , Kang Yoon Jin , Kwon Jaeyoung , Cho Su‐Yeon , Kim Jiyoon , Le Tam Thi , Hwang Hoseong , Deshar Barsha , Kim Myungjun , Kim Ju Yeong , Jung Jae Hung , Kim Hyung‐Sik , Jung Sang Hoon , Kwon Hak Cheol , Kim Won Kyu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex condition characterized by impaired epithelial barriers and dysregulated immune cells. In this study, we demonstrated Forsythia velutina Nakai extract (FVE) simultaneously inhibits basophils, macrophages, keratinocytes, and T cells that are closely interrelated in AD development.MethodsWe analyzed the effect of FVE on nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in macrophages, basophil degranulation, T cell activation, and tight junctions in damaged keratinocytes. Expression of cell‐type‐specific inflammatory mediators was analyzed, and the underlying signaling pathways for anti‐inflammatory effects of FVE were investigated. The anti‐inflammatory effects of FVE were validated using a DNCB‐induced mouse model of AD. Anti‐inflammatory activity of compounds isolated from FVE was validated in each immune cell type.ResultsFVE downregulated the expression of inflammatory mediators and ROS production in macrophages through TLR4 and NRF2 pathways modulation. It significantly reduced basophil degranulation and expression of type 2 (T2) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines by perturbing FcεRI signaling. Forsythia velutina Nakai extract also robustly inhibited the expression of T2 cytokines in activated T cells. Furthermore, FVE upregulated the expression of tight junction molecules in damaged keratinocytes and downregulated leukocyte attractants, as well as IL‐33, an inducer of T2 inflammation. In the AD mouse model, FVE showed superior improvement in inflammatory cell infiltration and skin structure integrity compared to dexamethasone. Dimatairesinol, a lignan dimer, was identified as the most potent anti‐inflammatory FVE compound.ConclusionForsythia velutina Nakai extract and its constituent compounds demonstrate promising efficacy as a therapeutic option for prolonged AD treatment by independently inhibiting various cell types associated with AD and disrupting the deleterious link between them.
Can a web application foster emotional competence in children and adolescents? The case of PandHEMOT®
Authors: Raccanello Daniela , Vicentini Giada , Rocca Emmanuela , Hall Rob , Burro Roberto 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had many traumatic consequences for the physical and psychological functioning of children and adolescents. Internet‐based interventions can reach a large audience and be a potentially powerful resource for promoting well‐being among young people. We tested the efficacy of the web application PandHEMOT®, developed ad hoc for increasing knowledge about pandemics, emotions, and emotion regulation. We involved a sample of 147 Italian third and seventh graders. The sample was assigned to an experimental (participating in the training) and a waitlist condition (who participated following a waitlist design). All the participants completed pretest and posttest measures. The intervention was structured into three units. The training took place between November and December 2021. Generalized linear mixed models and linear mixed models revealed that knowledge about pandemics, emotions, emotion regulation, and metacognitive awareness increased for the experimental condition. Moreover, adolescents performed better than children. The findings supported the efficacy of an Internet‐based training for increasing children and adolescents' resilience, according to the standards of evidence‐based research.
Long‐term effectiveness and acceptability of switching from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with intensified doses: The REMSWITCH‐LT study
Authors: Buisson A. , Nachury M. , Bazoge M. , Yzet C. , Wils P. , Dodel M. , Coban D. , Pereira B. , Fumery M. 
Published: December 2023

SummaryBackgroundThe long‐term risk of relapse after switching from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) infliximab remains unknown in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).AimsTo assess the long‐term effectiveness and acceptability of switching from IV to SC infliximab in patients with IBD treated with or without an intensified IV regimen.MethodsWe extended the follow‐up of the REMSWITCH study including patients with IBD in clinical remission who were switched from IV to SC infliximab (120 mg/2 weeks). Relapse was defined as clinical relapse or faecal calprotectin increase ≥150 μg/g compared to baseline.ResultsAfter median follow‐up of 18 [15–20] months, among 128 patients, rates of relapse were 13.8% (8/58), 18.4% (7/38), 35.3% (6/17) and 86.7% (13/15) at last follow‐up (p < 0.001), in those receiving 5 mg/kg/8 weeks, 10 mg/kg/8 weeks, 10 mg/kg/6 weeks and 10 mg/kg/4 weeks at baseline, respectively. Among relapsing patients, dose escalation led to clinical remission in 82.1% (23/28). In multivariable analyses, factors associated with higher risk of relapse were IV infliximab 10 mg/kg/4 weeks (OR = 61.0 [6.1–607.0], p < 0.001) or 10 mg/kg/6 weeks (OR = 4.7 [1.1–20.2], p = 0.017), and decreased (OR = 5.6 [1.5–20.3], p = 0.004) or stable (OR = 5.0 [1.6–15.0], p = 0.009) serum levels of infliximab between baseline and first post‐switch visit. Acceptability was improved at 6 months and did not decrease over time (6.9 ± 1.6 before the switch vs. 8.8 ± 1.3 at 6 months and 8.8 ± 1.3 at last follow‐up; p < 0.001). No severe adverse events were reported.ConclusionsSwitching from IV to SC infliximab 120 mg every other week is safe and well accepted leading to low long‐term risk of relapse. Tight monitoring and dose escalation should be recommended for patients receiving 10 mg/kg/6 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively.
Low‐ versus standard‐dose post‐transplant cyclophosphamide as GVHD prophylaxis for haploidentical transplantation
Authors: Fuji Shigeo , Sugita Junichi , Najima Yuho , Konishi Tatsuya , Tanaka Takashi , Ohigashi Hiroyuki , Eto Tetsuya , Nagafuji Koji , Hiramoto Nobuhiro , Matsuoka Ken‐ichi , Maruyama Yumiko , Ota Shuichi , Ishikawa Jun , Kawakita Toshiro , Akasaka Takashi , Kamimura Tomohiko , Hino Masayuki , Fukuda Takahiro , Atsuta Yoshiko , Yakushijin Kimikazu 
Published: December 2023

SummaryHaploidentical haematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo‐HCT) using post‐transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) as graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis is the standard of care for various haematological malignancies. The original PTCY dose after haplo‐HCT was 100 mg/kg, but no dose‐finding studies have been performed to identify the optimal dose. We performed a retrospective analysis to compare standard‐dose PTCY (100 mg/kg) with reduced‐dose PTCY (80 mg/kg): 969 in the standard‐dose group and 538 in the reduced‐dose group. As there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding patient and transplant characteristics, we performed propensity score (PS) matching. After PS matching, 425 patients in each group were included. The probabilities of 2‐year OS were 55.9% in the standard‐dose group and 47.0% in the reduced‐dose group (p = 0.36). The cumulative incidences of 2‐year non‐relapse mortality were 21.3% in the standard‐dose group and 20.5% in the reduced‐dose group (p = 0.55). There was no significant difference in the incidence of acute (grade II–IV 29.2% [95% CI, 24.9–33.6] vs. 25.3% [95% CI, 21.3–29.6]; grade III–IV 7.3% [95% CI, 5.1–10.0] vs. 6.6% [95% CI, 4.5–9.3]) or chronic GVHD. In conclusion, reduced‐ and standard‐dose PTCY were comparable in terms of major clinical outcomes.
Proximate cues of flowering in a subtropical rain forest
Authors: Chang‐Yang Chia‐Hao , Chiang Po‐Hui , Wright S. Joseph , Hsieh Chang‐Fu , Sun I‐Fang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPlants have evolved mechanisms to track seasonal variation in environmental resources, enabling them to time key life‐history events to appropriate seasons. While the proximate cues for flowering initiation are well documented in the temperate region, it is still unclear what the flowering cues are in the tropics, especially in the subtropics. Our study compared first flowering dates (FFDs) predicted by eight hypothesized proximate cues concerning photoperiod, mean and directional changes in solar irradiance and warm/cool temperature, and rainfall with flowering dates observed over 19 years of weekly monitoring for 16 species in a subtropical rain forest. We observed considerable interannual variation in the median FFDs for the study species, ranging from 21 to 101 days. The early‐spring flowering species tended to have greater interannual variation in FFDs than the summer flowering species. For 13 study species, temperature cues best explained interannual variation in FFDs. Cool temperatures in the previous fall/winter and warm temperatures in the current spring (or previous summer) might trigger the onset of flowering in these 13 species. Cues associated with photoperiod and irradiance also predicted interannual variation in FFDs with small root mean square error (<1.5 census intervals) for 12 species but generally had higher prediction errors than temperature‐related cues. Cues associated with seasonal variation in rainfall failed to predict flowering times in any species. Our results suggest that future changes in temperature may alter flowering times for most species in subtropical forests, leading to changes in ecosystem processes and biosphere feedback to the climate system.Abstract in Chinese is available with online material.
Sensitization to ethylenediamine dihydrochloride in patients with contact dermatitis in northeastern Italy from 1996 to 2021
Authors: Piapan Linda , Belloni Fortina Anna , Giulioni Erika , Larese Filon Francesca 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundEthylenediamine dihydrochloride is a versatile aliphatic amine found in numerous medications and industrial compounds and is a known sensitiser. The sensitization prevalence is affected by geographical and socio‐cultural factors.ObjectivesThe objectives are to analyse the temporal trend of sensitization to ethylenediamine dihydrochloride in northeastern Italy and to investigate associations with occupations.MethodsBetween 1996 and 2021, 30 629 patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis were patch tested with the Triveneto baseline series. Individual characteristics were collected through a standardised questionnaire.ResultsThe overall prevalence of ethylenediamine dihydrochloride sensitization was 1.29% with percentages similar in both sexes. We observed a significant decreasing trend over time (p < 0.001), yielding a sensitization prevalence <1% in recent years. Among departments, residence in Pordenone area was protective for sensitization. No significant associations were observed with specific occupations. We found significant associations between ethylenediamine dihydrochloride sensitization and being 26–35 years old (odds ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–2.08), and sensitization for many haptens, such as paraben mix (OR, 5.3; 95% CI: 3.3–8.5), epoxy resin (OR, 5.1; 95% CI: 3.0–8.7), neomycin sulphate and mercaptobenzothiazole.ConclusionsOur study showed a downward time trend of ethylenediamine dihydrochloride sensitization in northeastern Italian population and pointed to an update of the Triveneto baseline series.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of finerenone in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes: Insights based on FIGARO‐DKD and FIDELIO‐DKD
Authors: Eissing Thomas , Goulooze Sebastiaan Camiel , van den Berg Paul , van Noort Martijn , Ruppert Martijn , Snelder Nelleke , Garmann Dirk , Lippert Joerg , Heinig Roland , Brinker Meike , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimsTo perform dose–exposure–response analyses to determine the effects of finerenone doses.Materials and MethodsTwo randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 3 trials enrolling 13 026 randomized participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from global sites, each with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 25 to 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, a urine albumin‐creatinine ratio (UACR) of 30 to 5000 mg/g, and serum potassium ≤ 4.8 mmol/L were included. Interventions were titrated doses of finerenone 10 or 20 mg versus placebo on top of standard of care. The outcomes were trajectories of plasma finerenone and serum potassium concentrations, UACR, eGFR and kidney composite outcomes, assessed using nonlinear mixed‐effects population pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) and parametric time‐to‐event models.ResultsFor potassium, lower serum levels and lower rates of hyperkalaemia were associated with higher doses of finerenone 20 mg compared to 10 mg (p < 0.001). The PK/PD model analysis linked this observed inverse association to potassium‐guided dose titration. Simulations of a hypothetical trial with constant finerenone doses revealed a shallow but increasing exposure–potassium response relationship. Similarly, increasing finerenone exposures led to less than dose‐proportional increasing reductions in modelled UACR. Modelled UACR explained 95% of finerenone's treatment effect in slowing chronic eGFR decline. No UACR‐independent finerenone effects were identified. Neither sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor nor glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) treatment significantly modified the effects of finerenone in reducing UACR and eGFR decline. Modelled eGFR explained 87% of finerenone's treatment effect on kidney outcomes. No eGFR‐independent effects were identified.ConclusionsThe analyses provide strong evidence for the effectiveness of finerenone dose titration in controlling serum potassium elevations. UACR and eGFR are predictive of kidney outcomes during finerenone treatment. Finerenone's kidney efficacy is independent of concomitant use of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP‐1RAs.