bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinically uninvolved but not healthy—The skin of patients with atopic dermatitis is primed for itch and inflammation
Authors: Moon S. , Stasikowska‐Kanicka O. , Wągrowska‐Danilewicz M. , Hawro M. , Metz M. , Maurer M. , Hawro T. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly prevalent inflammatory skin disorder characterized by episodic exacerbations and remissions. Why the clinically healthy skin of AD patients becomes rapidly inflamed and very pruritic is poorly understood.ObjectiveTo investigate cowhage‐ and histamine‐induced itch and skin expression levels of their target receptors in lesional and non‐lesional skin of AD, compared to the skin of patients with psoriasis, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and healthy subjects.MethodsPatients with AD, psoriasis and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) as well as healthy control subjects (HC) (n = 20 each) were assessed for differences in itch parameters, neurogenic flare reaction and local blood flow responses to skin provocations with cowhage and histamine. Skin biopsies from 10 AD, 10 psoriasis,11 CSU and 12 HC were obtained to assess expression of protease‐activated receptors 2 and 4 (PAR‐2, PAR‐4), histamine H1 and H4 receptors (H1R, H4R), and mast cells.ResultsProvocation of non‐lesional skin of AD patients with cowhage resulted in prolonged itch (p = 0.020), which was not observed in psoriasis and CSU. Significantly prolonged and more intense cowhage‐ and histamine‐induced itch (for duration, peak and overall intensity) was also observed in lesional AD skin. Diminished neurogenic flare reaction and blood flow after histamine provocation were shown in AD and psoriasis patients. Non‐lesional AD skin along with lesional AD and psoriasis skin showed an increased expression of PAR‐2 and PAR‐4, H1R and H4R. Mast cell number was higher in lesional AD and psoriasis skin (p = 0.006 and p = 0.006, respectively).ConclusionThe non‐lesional skin of AD patients markedly differs from healthy skin in cowhage‐induced itch responses and the expression of receptors for proteases and histamine. Proactive therapeutic interventions that downregulate these receptors may prevent episodic exacerbation in AD.
Poor oral health and dementia risk under time‐varying confounding: A cohort study based on marginal structural models
Authors: Kusama Taro , Takeuchi Kenji , Kiuchi Sakura , Aida Jun , Osaka Ken 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundBidirectional association between oral health, including tooth loss and oral hypofunction, and cognitive impairment can induce time‐varying confounding in association with dementia. This study aimed to investigate the association between oral health and the development of dementia among older adults, considering cognitive impairment as a time‐varying confounder.MethodsThis nine‐year follow‐up cohort study targeted independent older adults aged ≥65 years who participated in the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. The exposure variables were self‐reported poor oral health (≤19 remaining teeth, edentulousness, chewing difficulty, swallowing problems, and xerostomia), which were assessed in 2010 and 2013. The outcome variable was the incidence of dementia between 2013 and 2019, which was obtained from the municipalities' administrative database. Furthermore, in 2010 and 2013, we considered cognitive impairment as a time‐varying confounder and treated it based on a marginal structural model (MSM), including possible baseline confounders. Oral health and cognitive impairment were assessed using the items of Kihon checklist. We employed a Cox proportional hazards model with a stabilized inverse probability weight and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsAmong 37,556 participants (mean age: 72.8 years [1 SD = 5.5], males: 46.8%), the dementia incidence rate was 2.2/100 person‐year. The proportions of those with ≤19 remaining teeth, edentulousness, chewing difficulty, swallowing problems, and xerostomia were 61.3%, 11.0%, 24.4%, 14.7%, and 19.2%, respectively. From the regression analysis based on MSM, ≤19 remaining teeth (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.03–1.23), edentulousness (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.09–1.32), chewing difficulty (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02–1.21), and xerostomia (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.01–1.20) were significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia; however, swallowing problems were not significantly associated with dementia onset (p > 0.05).ConclusionsEven after considering time‐varying confounding by cognitive function at baseline and follow‐up, we observed significant associations between poor oral health and increased risk of dementia among older adults.
Verb generation for presurgical mapping: Gaining specificity
Authors: Salillas Elena , Luisi Concetta , Arcara Giorgio , Varlı Elif Nur , d'Avella Domenico , Semenza Carlo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractVerb generation is among the most frequently used tasks in presurgical mapping. Because this task involves many processes, the overall brain effects are not specific. While it is necessary to identify the whole network involving noun comprehension or semantic retrieval and lexical selection to produce the verb, isolation of those components is also crucial. Here, we present data from four patients undergoing presurgical brain mapping. The study implied a reanalysis of magnetoencephalography data with a recategorization of the used items. It aimed to extract the task component that relies on the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). The task could be applied with higher specificity when targeting frontal areas. For that, we based item classification on the selection demands imposed by the noun. It is a robust finding that the IFG carries out this selection and that a quantitative index can be calculated for each noun, which depends on the selection effort (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 1997; 94(26):14792–14797, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 1998; 95(26):15855–15860). Data showed focality and specificity, with a correlation between this derived index and source activations in the inferior frontal gyrus for all patients. Strikingly, we detected when the right‐hemisphere homologue area was involved in the selection process in two patients showing reorganization or language right lateralization. The present data are a step towards a dissection of broad specific tasks frequently used in presurgical protocols.
A cancer personalised activity and lifestyle tool (CAN‐PAL): A codesign study with patients and healthcare professionals
Authors: Gale Nichola , Jones Una , Rees Tracy , Hicks Alexandra , Davies Janet , Holliday Samantha , Hopkinson Jane 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimsTo codesign a cancer personalised activity and lifestyle tool (CAN‐PAL) based on an existing tool. To help cancer care workers support people affected by cancer to plan and integrate physical activity into lifestyles.DesignMixed‐methods codesign study.MethodsPhase 1: Focus groups with people affected by cancer (n = 10) or interviews (n = 2) to discuss suitable physical activities and adaptation of the existing tool. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Themes informed the design of the prototype CAN‐PAL and user guide. Phase 2: Healthcare professionals considered the potential use of the CAN‐PAL prototype and completed an online survey including the system usability scale and free text responses.ResultsPhase 1: Identified suitable physical activities and four themes were identified including: Capability, benefits, barriers and resources which informed the prototype CAN‐PAL and user guide. Phase 2: The user survey was completed by 12 healthcare professionals. Median (range) system usability scale was 80 (50–95) (best score 100), scores >68 indicate good or better usability. Themes from the free text comments included strengths, amendments, considerations and limitations. Results were used to finalise CAN‐PAL and the user guide.ConclusionThe codesigned CAN‐PAL tool had good usability. Further work is needed to evaluate the impact of CAN‐PAL on activity levels and behaviour in people affected by cancer.Relevance to Clinical PracticePeople affected by cancer need support to undertake physical activity. The purpose of CAN‐PAL is to assist cancer care workers to support people affected by cancer to plan and integrate physical activity into lifestyles.Patient or Public ContributionPublic partners considered the findings from Phase 1 and 2 and informed the design of the prototype, final CAN‐PAL and user guide and coauthored the paper.Reporting MethodThe study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines; the study was reported according to the COREQ checklist.
Gradated silicone shade guide utilized for shade matching extraoral prostheses
Authors: Handel Steven E. , Pizzini James , Hart Ethan , Sabol Jennifer V. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractShade matching of extraoral prostheses is completed by mixing pigments and rayon flocking into medical‐grade silicone and using a carrier to evaluate the color match. This process does not account for how material thickness affects the appearance of the silicone. This clinical case report discusses an innovative way to match the patient's skin tone using a digitally designed gradated silicone carrier and how this device allows for the assessment of shade from the thin marginal edge to 5 mm thickness.
Periodontitis causally affects the brain cortical structure: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Mengqiao , Wang Ziyao , Zhao Delu , Yu Yajie , Wei Fulan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate whether genetically proxied periodontitis causally impacts the brain cortical structure using Mendelian randomization (MR).BackgroundPeriodontitis is one of the most prevalent inflammatory conditions globally, and emerging evidence has indicated its influences on distal organs, including the brain, whose disorders are always accompanied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐identified brain cortical changes. However, to date, no available evidence has revealed the association between periodontitis and brain cortical structures.MethodsThe instrumental variables (IVs) were adopted from previous genome‐wide association study (GWAS) studies and meta‐analyses of GWAS studies of periodontitis from 1844 to 5266 cases and 8255 to 12 515 controls. IVs were linked to GWAS summary data of 51 665 patients from the ENIGMA Consortium, assessing the impacts of genetically proxied periodontitis on the surficial area (SA) or the cortical thickness (TH) of the global and 34 MRI‐identified functional regions of the brain. Inverse‐variance weighted was used as the primary estimate; the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR‐PRESSO), the MR–Egger intercept test, and leave‐one‐out analyses were used to examine the potential horizontal pleiotropy.ResultsGenetically proxied periodontitis affects the SA of the medial orbitofrontal cortex, the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, the inferior temporal cortex, the entorhinal cortex, and the temporal pole, as well as the TH of the entorhinal. No pleiotropy was detected.ConclusionsPeriodontitis causally influences the brain cortical structures, implying the existence of a periodontal tissue–brain axis.
Culturable endophytic Sordariomycetes from Rosa roxburghii: New species and lifestyles
Authors: Zhang Hong , Mao Yu‐Tao , Ma Ming‐Xia , Tao Guang‐Can , Wei Tian‐Peng , Jiang Yu‐Lan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRosa‐associated fungi are rich in species and diverse in function, with many potential new taxa. However, only a few publications have reported Rosa‐associated endophytic fungi using a combination of molecular systematics and morphology. Rosa roxburghii is an economically important source of medicine and food. We reported earlier the diversity and antimicrobial activities of the fungal endophytes of this plant, but further confirmation is needed for possible new taxa. In this study, we describe 10 novel species and two new host records isolated from healthy tissues of R. roxburghii while identifying three new combinations, all belonging to the Sordariomycetes. The new species described herein include Chaetomium rosifloricola, Chaetomium rosiradicicola, Chrysofolia fructicola, Coniella cili, Hypoxylon florendophyticum, Hypoxylon rosicaulendophyticum, Ilyonectria radicigena, Neopestalotiopsis caulicola, Neopestalotiopsis fructicola, and Seimatosporium endophyticum. Monochaetia bulbophylli, Neopestalotiopsis anacardii, and Neopestalotiopsis termitarii were introduced as new combinations, while Coniella quercicola and Hypoxylon pulicicidum were described as new host records on R. roxburghii. All the taxa have been described, illustrated, and phylogenetically analyzed, in addition to the lifestyles of each genus. Altogether, the results of this study have important implications for identifying novel endophytic fungi and developing potential applications of these fungi in the future.
Diversity and distribution of foraminifera and tintinnids (bio‐indicators) from Pulicat Lake, India
Authors: Govindan S. , Ramanibai R. , Murugan R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe foraminifera and tintinnids are essential indicators of the health status of marine and estuarine ecosystems, both past and present, and can be used for monitoring purposes in the future. Tintinnids are known to group among ciliates possessing hard loricate to be considered by hydrogeologists as one of the bio‐indicator species, exhibiting a strong positive correlation with phytoplankton. Pulicat Lake is a marginal marine environment present near the south coast of India. Intertidal sediment samples were collected from September 2013 to August 2014 and were subjected to isolate the foraminiferans and tintinnids by adopting standard methods. In all, twenty‐one genera and 24 species of foraminifera have been identified from the stream, where Quinquelina seminulum was found to be abundant. Contrary to this, a minimum number of species was present in the freshwater inflow zone, mainly Amomalinula glabrata, Haplophragmoides kirki, Natlandia secasensi and Valvulineria candeiana. Tintinnopsis are recorded in the sampling sites, belonging to 5 families and 6 genera, and 12 species have been identified, and among these Favella campanula species was found to be abundant in the study area. From our results, the recorded species in terms of numerical abundance of foraminiferans appeared predominant over the tintinnids. The dominant role of foraminiferans may be a significant contribution to the carbon cycle of marine/estuarine ecosystems proved elsewhere in turn responsible for the substantial uptake of phytodetritus deposition. Based on these findings, our preliminary study may be useful to explore the carbon sequestration process in the Pulicat Lake ecosystem.
The effect of divergent and parallel selection on the genomic landscape of divergence
Authors: Ali Hisham A. A. , Coulson Tim , Clegg Sonya M. , Quilodrán Claudio S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWhile the role of selection in divergence along the speciation continuum is theoretically well understood, defining specific signatures of selection in the genomic landscape of divergence is empirically challenging. Modelling approaches can provide insight into the potential role of selection on the emergence of a heterogenous genomic landscape of divergence. Here, we extend and apply an individual‐based approach that simulates the phenotypic and genotypic distributions of two populations under a variety of selection regimes, genotype–phenotype maps, modes of migration, and genotype‐environment interactions. We show that genomic islands of high differentiation and genomic valleys of similarity may respectively form under divergent and parallel selection between populations. For both types of between‐population selection, negative and positive frequency‐dependent selection within populations generated genomic islands of higher magnitude and genomic valleys of similarity, respectively. Divergence rates decreased under strong dominance with divergent selection, as well as in models including genotype‐environment interactions under parallel selection. For both divergent and parallel selection models, divergence rate was higher under an intermittent migration regime between populations, in contrast to a constant level of migration across generations, despite an equal number of total migrants. We highlight that interpreting a particular evolutionary history from an observed genomic pattern must be done cautiously, as similar patterns may be obtained from different combinations of evolutionary processes. Modelling approaches such as ours provide an opportunity to narrow the potential routes that generate the genomic patterns of specific evolutionary histories.
Recurrent transient severe hypocalcaemia in two siblings with type 1 Bartter syndrome
Authors: Kanda Juri , Kanda Shoichiro , Hayashi Yoshiki , Nozu Kandai , Ariji Shohei , Shimoda Mai , Ono Mayumi , Kanda Sachiko , Yokoyama Seiichiro , Takahashi Kan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractType 1 Bartter syndrome causes hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis owing to mutation in the SLC12A1 gene. Meanwhile, hypocalcaemia is rare in Bartter syndrome, except in type 5 Bartter syndrome. Herein, we describe two siblings with type 1 Bartter syndrome with recurrent transient severe hypocalcaemia. They each visited our hospital several times with chief complaints of numbness in the limbs, shortness of breath and tetany after stresses such as exercise or fever. Severe hypocalcaemia was also observed with a serum calcium level of approximately 6.0 mg/dL at each visit. The clinical symptoms and abnormalities in laboratory findings quickly improved with rest and intravenous treatment. In a steady state, no severe hypocalcaemia was evident, but serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were high. In recent years, a large‐scale study has revealed that type 1 and type 2 Bartter syndrome have high PTH values. In addition, there are reports that these patients develop hypocalcaemia due to PTH resistance. Therefore, our patient was also in a PTH‐resistant state, and hypocalcaemia was thought to be exacerbated by physical stress. It is not well known that Bartter syndrome patients other than those with type 5 suffer from hypocalcaemia. And hypocalcaemia was not detected in normal examinations under steady‐state conditions. Therefore, in patients with type 1 and type 2 Bartter syndrome, severe hypocalcaemia may occur, but may go unnoticed. When following up these patients, the attending physician must keep in mind that such patients are in a PTH‐resistant state and that physical stress can cause severe hypocalcaemia.
Relationships among symptoms of gastroparesis to those of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder in patients with gastroparesis
Authors: Hollis Erin , Murray Helen Burton , Parkman Henry P. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPatients with symptoms of gastroparesis (Gp) often reduce food intake in attempt to manage their symptoms. Up to 40% of adults with Gp have been reported to have symptoms of a non‐body image‐based eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). However, whether ARFID symptoms precede or follow the diagnosis of Gp is unknown.MethodsFrom January 2021 to January 2022, consecutive adult patients with Gp at an academic center completed self‐report surveys for Gp symptom severity (patient assessment of upper gastrointestinal symptoms; PAGI‐SYM) and for ARFID (nine‐item ARFID screen; NIAS).Key ResultsOne hundred and seven patients (age 45.4 ± 17.2 yrs, 84.1% female, BMI 26.4 ± 7.3) with Gp (4‐h gastric retention 33.5 ± 21.8%) were included. Eighty‐two of the 107 Gp patients (77%) screened positive for ARFID. Positive ARFID screen was most often on the NIAS appetite subscale (84%) and fear subscale (76%), with a lower positive screen rate on the picky subscale (45%). Of the Gp who screened positive for ARFID, 38% reported that eating difficulties came after their Gp diagnosis, whereas 17% reported that eating difficulties preceded their Gp diagnosis, and 15% reported that both began at the same time.ConclusionsMany (77%) patients with Gp screened positive for ARFID. In Gp patients with ARFID, the Gp diagnosis was more likely to precede the development of eating difficulties. Thus, a subset of patients with Gp may be at risk for developing ARFID. Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm findings and identify risk factors.
Ectomycorrhizal fungi enhance pine growth by stimulating iron‐dependent mechanisms with trade‐offs in symbiotic performance
Authors: Zhang Kaile , Wang Haihua , Tappero Ryan , Bhatnagar Jennifer M. , Vilgalys Rytas , Barry Kerrie , Keymanesh Keykhosrow , Tejomurthula Sravanthi , Grigoriev Igor V. , Kew William R. , Eder Elizabeth K. , Nicora Carrie D. , Liao Hui‐Ling 
Published: December 2023

Summary

Iron (Fe) is crucial for metabolic functions of living organisms. Plants access occluded Fe through interactions with rhizosphere microorganisms and symbionts. Yet, the interplay between Fe addition and plant–mycorrhizal interactions, especially the molecular mechanisms underlying mycorrhiza‐assisted Fe processing in plants, remains largely unexplored.

We conducted mesocosms in Pinus plants inoculated with different ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) Suillus species under conditions with and without Fe coatings. Meta‐transcriptomic, biogeochemical, and X‐ray fluorescence imaging analyses were applied to investigate early‐stage mycorrhizal roots.

While Fe addition promoted Pinus growth, it concurrently reduced mycorrhiza formation rate, symbiosis‐related metabolites in plant roots, and aboveground plant carbon and macronutrient content. This suggested potential trade‐offs between Fe‐enhanced plant growth and symbiotic performance. However, the extent of this trade‐off may depend on interactions between host plants and EMF species. Interestingly, dual EMF species were more effective at facilitating plant Fe uptake by inducing diverse Fe‐related functions than single‐EMF species. This subsequently triggered various Fe‐dependent physiological and biochemical processes in Pinus roots, significantly contributing to Pinus growth. However, this resulted in a greater carbon allocation to roots, relatively reducing the aboveground plant carbon content.

Our study offers critical insights into how EMF communities rebalance benefits of Fe‐induced effects on symbiotic partners.