bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neotropical songbird chick predation by an invasive wasp, the German yellowjacket (Vespula germanica)
Authors: Gorosito Cristian Andrés , Cueto Victor Rodolfo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSocial wasps (Family: Vespidae) are opportunistic and generalist feeders, which can occasionally feed on live vertebrates. The German yellowjacket (Vespula germanica) is native to Eurasia and Northern Africa, and has invaded many countries around the world, producing several environmental, economic and social impacts. Here we report the first video‐recorded evidence that this wasp species preys on chicks. Over six breeding seasons, we studied the parental care behaviour of the Chilean Elaenia (Elaenia chilensis), a long‐distance migratory bird that breeds in the Andean‐Patagonian Forest. We filmed 59 nests when chicks were 2–3 and 10–11 days old, and recorded in a nest containing two 10‐day‐old nestlings the predation of one of them by German yellowjackets. The other chick was found alive on the ground, indicating that it escaped from the wasps. Parents did not defend offspring against wasp attacks. The rarity of this observation may suggest either that this insect is not yet a significant nest predator or that it is difficult to obtain a record of predation by wasps, because birds may remove dead nestlings from the nests (i.e. nest sanitation). Although Chilean Elaenia is not threatened, 41% of bird species in the Andean‐Patagonian Forest are endemic, and this new nest predator may potentially become a threat to the conservation of any of those species, which deserves further research. Hence, to evaluate the German yellowjacket impact on bird populations, it is imperative to conduct videotaped nest monitoring in order to remove the masking effect of nest sanitation on predator identity, which will allow to determine how much this wasp contributes to nest failure in the invaded zone of the Neotropical region.
Clinical utility of maternal TORCH screening in fetal growth restriction: A retrospective two‐centre study
Authors: Wade Christine A. , Atkinson Naomi , Holmes Natasha E. , Hui Lisa 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the indications for maternal TORCH (Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV)) serology, with a focus on the yield in isolated fetal growth restriction (FGR).Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of antenatal TORCH testing between January 2014 and December 2018 was carried out at two hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. TORCH testing ordered for pregnancy losses and stillbirth was excluded.ResultsMedical records of 718 pregnancies were reviewed, representing 760 fetuses. Isolated FGR was the indication for TORCH screening in 71.2% of pregnancies. Screens ordered for isolated FGR were positive in 7.4% (95% CI 5.5–10.0%). There were 49 positive maternal immunoglobulin M (CMV = 34, Toxoplasma = 15). Two acute maternal infections during pregnancy were diagnosed (CMV = 1, Toxoplasma = 1), with both screens ordered to assess symptomatic maternal illness. There was one neonatal CMV infection, born to a woman with symptomatic primary CMV. No maternal or neonatal rubella or HSV infections were identified. We found a diagnostic yield of TORCH screening for isolated FGR of 0.0% (95% CI 0.00–0.8%). An estimated AUD$64 269.75 was expended on maternal TORCH screens in this study.ConclusionMaternal TORCH testing for isolated FGR is of no diagnostic yield and should be abandoned.
The effect of ultrasound‐assisted thrombolysis studied in blood‐on‐a‐chip
Authors: Li Yan , Li Yongjian , Chen Haosheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThromboembolism, which leads to pulmonary embolism and ischemic stroke, remains one of the main causes of death. Ultrasound‐assisted thrombolysis (UAT) is an effective thrombolytic method. However, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of ultrasound on arterial and venous thrombi.MethodsWe employed the blood‐on‐a‐chip technology to simulate thrombus formation in coronary stenosis and deep vein valves. Subsequently, UAT was conducted on the chip to assess the impact of ultrasound on thrombolysis under varying flow conditions. Real‐time fluorescence was used to assess thrombolysis and drug penetration. Finally, scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence were used to determine the effect of ultrasound on fibrinolysis.ResultsThe study revealed that UAT enhanced the thrombolytic rate by 40% in the coronary stenosis chip and by 10% in the deep venous valves chip. This enhancement is attributed to the disruption of crosslinked fibrin fibers by ultrasound, leading to increased urokinase diffusion within the thrombus and accumulation of plasminogen on the fibrinogen α chain. Moreover, the acceleration of the dissolution rate of thrombi in the venous valve chip by ultrasound was not as significant as that in the coronary stenosis chip.ConclusionThese findings highlight the differential impact of ultrasound on thrombolysis under various flow conditions and emphasize the valuable role of the blood‐on‐a‐chip technology in exploring thrombolysis mechanisms.
Immigrant's death at the border: Do they influence White and Latinx Americans’ belief in the American dream?
Authors: Vega Rivas Alexa , Ben Hagai Ella , Starr Christine 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, we test a clashing narrative approach to conflict, which argues that political conflict is based on opposing narratives that negate one another. We focus on the role of two master narratives central to political schism in the United States. The first is the American dream narrative, which posits that anyone who works hard can become successful in the United States. The opposing narrative, the systemic racism narrative, argues that the United States is a racist country where minorities are systemically held back. A survey study of 189 participants demonstrated that these two master narratives predict support for the presidential candidacy of Donald Trump or Joe Biden above and beyond more traditional ideological dispositions such as right‐wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation. In a follow‐up experiment (n = 157), we examined how the Trump's administration policies of increased surveillance and policing of Latino immigrants crossing the border influenced White and Latinx participants’ agreement with the narrative of the American dream and the United States as a systemically racist country. Findings suggest that when confronted with news clips of immigrant death at the border, Latinx participants, compared to White participants, increased their endorsement of the American dream narrative. Conversely, White participants, increased their endorsement of the United States as a systemically racist country compared to Latinx participants. The results of this study help us understand support for the Republican party among Latinx voters.
Parental cigarette smoking before and during pregnancy in a cohort of 21 472 pregnancies
Authors: Voutilainen Taija , Keski‐Nisula Leea , Rysä Jaana , Kärkkäinen Olli 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSmoking during pregnancy is one of the leading causes for adverse pregnancy outcomes. We studied parental smoking both before and during pregnancy in a retrospective cohort of 21 472 singleton pregnancies. Although most smoking women (74%) ceased tobacco use, there was possible gestational exposure to maternal cigarette smoking in every fifth pregnancy. Continued smoking throughout pregnancy was more prevalent in the partners (22%) than in the pregnant women (7%). The smoking behaviour of the women, especially the number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD), before and in early pregnancy predicted the continuation of smoking throughout the pregnancy and could be used in identifying high risk groups. In addition, their partner's smoking habits both before and during pregnancy, were associated with the likelihood that the woman would continue to smoke during her pregnancy (rs ≈ 0.4). Furthermore, continued smoking of both parents were associated with decreased birth weight, head circumference and Apgar score, and increased duration of hospital stay and need for special care after birth. Consequently, addressing the lifestyles of both parents in the health care and maternity clinics could help in reducing maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with smoking.
HLA peptide‐binding pocket diversity modulates immunological complications after cord blood transplant in acute leukaemia
Authors: Boukouaci Wahid , Rivera‐Franco Monica M. , Volt Fernanda , Lajnef Mohamed , Wu Ching‐Lien , Rafii Hanadi , Cappelli Barbara , Scigliuolo Graziana Maria , Kenzey Chantal , Ruggeri Annalisa , Rocha Vanderson , Gluckman Eliane , Tamouza Ryad 
Published: February 2024

SummaryPocket motifs and their amino acid positions of HLA molecules are known to govern antigen presentation to effector cells. Our objective was to analyse their influence on the risk of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and relapse after umbilical cord blood transplant (UCBT). The transplant characteristics of 849 patients with acute leukaemia were obtained from the Eurocord/EBMT database. Higher acute (a) GVHD was associated with homozygosity of UCB HLA‐C amino acid positions 77 and 80 (NN/KK) (p = 0.008). Severe aGVHD was associated with HLA‐A pocket B YSAVMENVHY motif (p = 0.002) and NN and RR genotypes of the HLA‐C amino acid positions 77 and 156 (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002). Such risk was also increased in case of recipient and UCB mismatches in P4 (p < 0.0001) and P9 (p = 0.003) pockets of HLA‐DQB1 alleles. For chronic GVHD, the pocket B YYAVMEISNY motif of the HLA‐B*15:01 allele and the absence of mismatch between recipient and UCB in the P6 pocket of HLA‐DRB1 were associated with a lower risk (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0004). In relapse, both UCB pocket B YFAVMENVHY belonging to HLA‐A*32:01 and recipient pocket B YDSVGENYQY motif of the HLA‐C*07:01 allele were associated with higher risk (p = 0.0026 and p = 0.015). We provide clues on HLA‐mediated cellular interactions and their role in the development of GVHD and relapse.
Long‐acting porcine ACTH stimulated salivary cortisol reduces the overdiagnosis of adrenal insufficiency compared to serum cortisol in cirrhosis liver
Authors: Karthik Vijayakumar , Jabbar Puthiyaveetil Khadar , Krishnadas Devadas , Nair Abilash , George Geena Susan , Jayakumari Chellamma , Soumya Sarayu , Asok Arsha , Basheer Shameer 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere are no reliable methods in clinical practice to diagnose adrenal insufficiency (AI) in patients with cirrhosis owing to variable cortisol‐binding protein levels. This leads to unreliable results in ACTH stimulated serum cortisol test. We aimed to estimate the long‐acting porcine (LA)ACTH‐stimulated serum and salivary cortisol levels of patients at different stages of cirrhosis using second generation electrochemiluminescence and to determine the prevalence of true adrenal insufficiency in these patients.Design, Patients and MeasurementsWe included 135 noncritical patients with cirrhosis (45 each from CHILD A, B and C) and 45 healthy controls. Serum and salivary samples were collected at baseline in the morning and at 1 and 2 h after LA‐ACTH injection.ResultsIn healthy subjects, the 2.5th centile of 2 h ACTH stimulated serum and salivary cortisol were 19.8 and 0.97 μg/dL, which were used as cut‐offs for defining AI based on serum and saliva respectively. The median (interquartile‐range) 2‐h stimulated salivary cortisol in Child A, B, C categories and controls were 1.36(1.23–2.38), 1.46(1.18–2.22), 1.72(1.2–2.2) and 2.12(1.42–2.72) μg/dL respectively. Six subjects (4.4%) were diagnosed to have AI based on stimulated salivary cortisol cut‐off, whereas 39 (28.9%) cirrhosis subjects had inadequately stimulated serum cortisol. Three patients (symptomatic) required steroid replacement therapy. Hypoalbuminemia was identified as a major risk factor for the misdiagnosis of adrenal insufficiency by serum cortisol‐based testing.ConclusionsLong‐acting porcine ACTH stimulated salivary cortisol reduces the overdiagnosis of adrenal insufficiency compared to serum cortisol in cirrhosis liver. Stimulated salivary cortisol is a promising investigation for evaluation of adrenal function in cirrhosis and more studies are required for its further validation before clinical use.
Annexin A6 mitigates neurological deficit in ischemia/reperfusion injury by promoting synaptic plasticity
Authors: Wang Yilin , Yang Zhenhong , Wang Rongliang , Zheng Yangmin , Han Ziping , Fan Junfen , Yan Feng , Liu Ping , Luo Yumin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsAlleviating neurological dysfunction caused by acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains intractable. Given Annexin A6 (ANXA6)'s potential in promoting axon branching and repairing cell membranes, the study aimed to explore ANXA6's potential in alleviating AIS‐induced neurological dysfunction.MethodsA mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion model was established. Brain and plasma ANXA6 levels were detected at different timepoints post ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). We overexpressed and down‐regulated brain ANXA6 and evaluated infarction volume, neurological function, and synaptic plasticity‐related proteins post I/R. Plasma ANXA6 levels were measured in patients with AIS and healthy controls, investigating ANXA6 expression's clinical significance.ResultsBrain ANXA6 levels initially decreased, gradually returning to normal post I/R; plasma ANXA6 levels showed an opposite trend. ANXA6 overexpression significantly decreased the modified neurological severity score (p = 0.0109) 1 day post I/R and the infarction area at 1 day (p = 0.0008) and 7 day (p = 0.0013) post I/R, and vice versa. ANXA6 positively influenced synaptic plasticity, upregulating synaptophysin (p = 0.006), myelin basic protein (p = 0.010), neuroligin (p = 0.078), and tropomyosin‐related kinase B (p = 0.150). Plasma ANXA6 levels were higher in patients with AIS (1.969 [1.228–3.086]) compared to healthy controls (1.249 [0.757–2.226]) (p < 0.001), that served as an independent risk factor for poor AIS outcomes (2.120 [1.563–3.023], p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study is the first to suggest that ANXA6 enhances synaptic plasticity and protects against transient cerebral ischemia.
Increasing non‐cosmetic exposure and sensitization to isothiazolinones require action for prevention: Review
Authors: Lidén Carola , White Ian R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFrequent use of methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) and MI in cosmetic products has been the main cause of widespread sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis to these preservatives (biocides). Their use in non‐cosmetic products is also an important source of sensitization. Less is known about sensitization rates and use of benzisothiazolinone (BIT), octylisothiazolinone (OIT), and dichlorooctylisothiazolinone (DCOIT), which have never been permitted in cosmetic products in Europe. BIT and OIT have occasionally been routinely patch‐tested. These preservatives are often used together in chemical products and articles. In this study, we review the occurrence of contact allergy to MI, BIT, OIT, and DCOIT over time, based on concomitant patch testing in large studies, and case reports. We review EU legislations, and we discuss the role of industry, regulators, and dermatology in prevention of sensitization and protection of health. The frequency of contact allergy to MI, BIT, and OIT has increased. The frequency of contact allergy to DCOIT is not known because it has seldom been patch‐tested. Label information on isothiazolinones in chemical products and articles, irrespective of concentration, is required for assessment of relevance, information to patients, and avoidance of exposure and allergic contact dermatitis.
Long‐term outcomes after COVID‐19 infection in transplant recipients
Authors: Freels Kaitlyn L. , Saharia Kapil K. , Baddley John W. , Costa Nadiesda A. , Niederhaus Silke V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term outcomes after COVID‐19 infection unique to solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) are not published. We describe outcomes including readmission, allograft rejection, allograft dysfunction, allograft failure, and death.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of mostly unvaccinated SOTR with COVID‐19 from March 2020 to November 2021. Disease severity was assigned by NIH criteria. Data included demographics, clinical features, treatment, and outcomes and are presented as mean ± standard deviation or median (range).ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐eight SOTR were diagnosed with COVID‐19 at a median of 5 (IQR 3–8) years post‐transplant with a mean age of 57 ± 12 years at diagnosis. Forty‐one recovered at home; 97 were admitted. 12/32 (37.5%) SOTR with critical disease expired during initial admission. Among those who recovered, 48/126 (38.0%) had asymptomatic or mild infection, 31/126 (24.6%) had moderate, 27/126 (21.4%) severe, and 20/126 (15.9%) critical infection. 38/85 (44.7%) of SOTR who survived initial admission had 74 readmissions within 180 days (Figure 1). The 6‐month mortality rate among those who survived infection was 4/126 (3.2%). The mean time from initial infection to death was 32 ± 66 days in inpatient deaths and 95 ± 39 days in those who were discharged or never admitted. Six‐month graft dysfunction occurred in 18/125 (14.4%) and graft failure in 9/126 (7.2%); five failures were deaths with function.ConclusionReadmissions after COVID‐19 infection were frequent after the index admission. Rejection was relatively infrequent; graft dysfunction at 6 months post‐infection was more common than rejection. Six‐month mortality following COVID‐19 recovery in SOTR was significant; close follow‐up of patients is warranted.
The effect of genetic variants in the transcription factor TSPYL family on the CYP3A4 mediated cyclosporine metabolism in kidney transplant patients
Authors: Zhai Qinglian , Moes Dirk Jan A. R. , van Gelder Teun , van der Lee Maaike , Sanders Jan‐Stephan , Bemelman Frederike J. , de Fijter Johan W. , Klein Kathrin , Schwab Matthias , Swen Jesse J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCYP3A4 activity shows considerable interindividual variability. Although studies indicate 60%–80% is heritable, common single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in CYP3A4 together only explain ~10%. Transcriptional factors, such as the testis‐specific Y‐encoded‐like proteins (TSPYLs) family, have been reported to regulate the expression of CYP enzymes including CYP3A4 in vitro. Here, we investigated the effect of genetic variants in TSPYL on CYP3A4 activity using data from a clinical study and a human liver bank. Five SNVs (rs3828743, rs10223646, rs6909133, rs1204807, and rs1204811) in TSPYL were selected because of a reported effect on CYP3A4 expression in vitro or suggested clinical effect. For the clinical study, whole blood concentrations, clinical data, and DNA were available from 295 kidney transplant recipients participating in the prospective MECANO study. A multivariate pharmacokinetic model adjusted for body weight, steroid treatment, and CYP3A4 genotype was used to assess the effect of the genetic variants on cyclosporine clearance. In multivariate analysis, homozygous carriers of rs3828743 had a 18% lower cyclosporin clearance compared to the wild‐type and heterozygous patients (28.72 vs. 35.03 L/h, p = 0.018) indicating a lower CYP3A4 activity and an opposite direction of effect compared to the previously reported increased CYP3A4 expression. To validate, we tested associations between rs3828743 and CYP3A4 mRNA and protein expression as well as enzyme activity with data from a liver bank (n = 150). No association with any of these end points was observed. In conclusion, the totality of evidence is not in support of a significant role for TSPYL SNV rs3828743 in explaining variability in CYP3A4 activity.
Using a wearable patch to develop a digital monitoring biomarker of inflammation in response to LPS challenge
Authors: Avey Stefan , Chatterjee Meenakshi , Manyakov Nikolay V. , Cooper Philip , Sabins Nina , Mosca Kenneth , Mori Simone , Baribaud Frédéric , Morris Mark , Lehar Joseph , Deiteren Annemie , Cossu Marta , Smets Sophie , Huizer Tanja , Lamousé‐Smith Esi , Campbell Kim , Pandis Ioannis 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRemote inflammation monitoring with digital health technologies (DHTs) would provide valuable information for both clinical research and care. Controlled perturbations of the immune system may reveal physiological signatures which could be used to develop a digital biomarker of inflammatory state. In this study, molecular and physiological profiling was performed following an in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge to develop a digital biomarker of inflammation. Ten healthy volunteers received an intravenous LPS challenge and were monitored for 24 h using the VitalConnect VitalPatch (VitalPatch). VitalPatch measurements included heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate (RR), and skin temperature (TEMP). Conventional episodic inpatient vital signs and serum proteins were measured pre‐ and post‐LPS challenge. The VitalPatch provided vital signs that were comparable to conventional methods for assessing HR, RR, and TEMP. A pronounced increase was observed in HR, RR, and TEMP as well as a decrease in HRV 1–4 h post‐LPS challenge. The ordering of participants by magnitude of inflammatory cytokine response 2 h post‐LPS challenge was consistent with ordering of participants by change from baseline in vital signs when measured by VitalPatch (r = 0.73) but not when measured by conventional methods (r = −0.04). A machine learning model trained on VitalPatch data predicted change from baseline in inflammatory protein response (R2 = 0.67). DHTs, such as VitalPatch, can improve upon existing episodic measurements of vital signs by enabling continuous sensing and have the potential for future use as tools to remotely monitor inflammation.
Elastofibromatous changes in giant cell fibroma and amalgam tattoo: Unusual findings in common oral lesions
Authors: Silva Evânio Vilela , Martins Karina Helen , Reyes Magdalena Raquel Torres , da Silva Anderson Tangerino Ferreira , Dominguete Matheus Henrique Lopes , Ferreira Antônio Carlos , León Jorge Esquiche 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSeveral cases of elastofibromatous lesion affecting the oral mucosa have been reported. Clinically, these lesions may appear as small exophytic lesions or less often as white lesions. Therefore, fibrous hyperplasia and leukoplakia are not uncommonly considered in clinical differential diagnosis. Microscopically, elastic and fibrous connective tissue deposition is seen. Rarely, elastofibromatous changes can be detected when assessing intraoral lesions, including cysts, salivary gland neoplasms, and epithelial dysplasia. Here we report two oral lesions showing elastofibromatous changes, expanding their clinicopathological spectrum. The first case was a 46‐year‐old man with a history of asymptomatic nodular lesion on the palate 1 year ago, diagnosed as giant cell fibroma with elastofibromatous changes. The second case was a 79‐year‐old woman who presented a pigmented and mildly symptomatic lesion on the mandibular alveolar mucosa several months ago, diagnosed as amalgam tattoo associated with elastofibromatous changes.