bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The sub‐basal nerve plexus and central corneal stromal microstructure in subjects with congenital aniridia, using in vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Szentmáry Nóra , Csorba Anita , Kormányos Kitti , Csidey Mária , Náray Annamária , Kéki‐Kovács Klaudia , Németh Orsolya , Knézy Krisztina , Bausz Mária , Szigeti Andrea , Szabó Dorottya , Corton Marta , Tory Kálmán , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt , Langenbucher Achim , Maka Erika 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Congenital aniridia is a rare disease, with a global prevalence of 1 in 40 000 to 1 in 100 000. During life up to 70% of aniridia sufferers develop aniridia‐associated keratopathy (AAK) with limbal stem cell insufficiency, impaired corneal epithelial cell differentiation, abnormal cell adhesion and wound healing. AAK is characterized by centripetal spreading vascularization, conjunctivalization, and thickening of the cornea. We examined the sub‐basal nerve plexus and central corneal stromal microstructure in subjects with congenital aniridia, using in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (IVCM).Methods: 31 eyes of 18 patients (55.6% males, mean age: 25.22 ± 16.35 years) with congenital aniridia and 47 eyes of 29 healthy subjects (41.4% males, mean age 30 ± 14.82 years) were examined using the Rostock Cornea Module of Heidelberg Retina Tomograph‐III. At the sub‐basal nerve plexus, corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL), corneal total branch density (CTBD) and corneal nerve fibre width (CNFW) were analysed using ACCMetrics software. Keratocyte density in the anterior, middle and posterior stroma was assessed manually.Results: The CNFD (2.02 ± 4.08 vs. 13.99 ± 6.34/mm2), CNFL (5.78 ± 2.68 vs. 10.56 ± 2.82 mm/mm2) and CTBD (15.08 ± 15.62 vs. 27.44 ± 15.05/mm2) were significantly lower in congenital aniridia subjects, than in controls (p < 0.001 for all). CNFW was significantly higher in aniridia subjects, than in controls (0.03 ± 0.004 vs. 0.02 ± 0.003 mm/mm2) (p < 0.003). Keratocyte density was significantly lower in all stromal layers of congenital aniridia subjects, than in controls (p < 0.001 for all). Stromal alterations included confluent keratocytes, keratocytes with long extensions and hyperreflective dots between keratocytes in congenital aniridia.Conclusions: CNFD, CNFL and CTBD decrease and CNFW increase well refer to the congenital aniridia associated neuropathy. The decreased keratocyte density contradicts the inflammatory hypothesis of congenital aniridia. Corneal stromal changes in different stages of AAK have to be further analysed in detail0.
Rapidly progressive neuromyelitis optica, report of a case
Authors: Sancho Ainhoa Mimendia , Espinet Ramon , Costales‐Mier Felipe , Bertomeu Pau Cid , Maeso Alicia Traveset 
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To describe a clinical case of rapidly sequential bilateral optic neuritis associated with positive serological antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) in a 54‐year‐old Moroccan woman, who present loss of visual acuity in her left eye (OS) of 1 week of evolution.Methods: In the ophthalmological examination, she presented a visual acuity (VA) of 4/10 in the right eye (RE) and counting fingers at 1 meter in OS, with an afferent pupillary defect in OS. The ocular fundus shows papilledema in OS, with bilateral retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickening by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Rest of exploration normal. A complete analytical study and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are requested. While waiting for results, she returned to the emergency room due to greater visual loss, showing VA of hand movement in OD and perception of light in OS. OCT showed increased RNFL thickening and fluorescein angiography showed papillary hyperfluorescence. The visual field revealed severe generalized depression in both eyes.Results: Brain and orbital MRI showed bilateral enhancement of the anterior optic nerves, with extension of enhancement to their intracranial portion, chiasm, and right optic tract. The analytical study showed a positive result for MOG antibodies with a titre of 1:80. We proceeded to intravenous treatment with methylprednisolone 1 gd/day for 5 days followed by oral corticosteroids and plasmapheresis. The patient presented a remarkable clinical improvement with VA improvement to 6/10 in both eyes, disappearance of optic nerve edema, and normalization of RNFL.Conclusions: The discovery of MOG‐Immunoglobulin G as a biomarker for inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the Central Nervous System other than Multiple Sclerosis represents a paradigm shift in the field of neuroimmunology. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐associated disorder has the potential to cause devastating long‐term visual impairment.
The impact of accommodation function on the difference between noncycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction in adult myopes
Authors: Yuexin Wang , Yu Zhang , Yifei Yuan , Yan Liu , Yueguo Chen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the impact of accommodation function on the difference between cycloplegic and noncycloplegic subjective and automatic refraction in adult myopes.MethodsMyopic patients between 18 and 50 years old evaluated at Peking University Third Hospital who underwent cycloplegic and noncycloplegic automatic and subjective refraction were enrolled. Accommodation function, including negative and positive relative accommodation (PRA/NRA) and accommodation response (binocular cross cylinder, BCC) was examined.ResultsOf the 3268 individuals enrolled, the mean age was 27.3 ± 6.9 years, and 34.8% of participants were male. The noncycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) was 0.23 ± 0.29 D and 0.64 ± 0.61 D more myopic than cycloplegic subjective and automatic refraction. Adjusting for associated factors, participants with at least 0.50 D of more myopia SE refraction by noncycloplegic subjective refraction were more likely to be older (odds ratio [OR], 1.029; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.013–1.045) and with insufficient (OR, 1.514; 95% CI, 1.093–2.096) and excessive (OR, 2.196; 95% CI, 1.538–3.137) NRA value. The automatic refraction SE difference of at least 1.00 D more myopia was more likely to be found in individuals with older age (OR, 1.036; 95% CI, 1.022–1.050) and accommodative lead (OR, 1.255; 95% CI, 1.004–1.568).ConclusionA quarter of adult myopes had at least 0.50 and 1.00 D of subjective and automatic SE difference with cycloplegia. The accommodation function significantly affects the difference between cycloplegic and noncycloplegic refraction. Investigating the differences in refraction measurement guarantees the proper use of cycloplegia in adults for myopia correction.
Employees high in political skill viewed as role model or gossip target? Linking political skill to coworker envy, observational learning and negative gossip, and the moderating role of workplace friendship
Authors: Yu Weina , Li Min , Qin Xue 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe effects of political skill on the actors themselves have been extensively studied, yet there has been a lack of comprehensive analysis regarding its influence on the reactions of coworkers. Drawing upon social comparison theory, we developed and tested a model to explore potential reactions from coworkers toward employees high in political skill. We theorized that employees high in political skill hold a more prominent status within the team, which in turn exposes them to being the target of coworker envy, and ultimately coworker different reactions (observational learning and negative gossip). We also hypothesized that the serial‐mediated relationships are moderated by workplace friendship. Using time‐lagged data from 830 dyad of 350 employees in 107 teams, our results supported that political skill was positively and indirectly related to coworker envy, via relative leader‐member exchange (RLMX). Furthermore, the results of our study supported the positive and indirect effect of political skill on observational learning and negative gossip via RLMX and coworker envy. Workplace friendship has a moderating effect on the relationship between coworker envy and observational learning/negative gossip, and between political skill and observational learning/negative gossip. This research provides an explanation of when and why coworkers engage in observational learning or negative gossip about employees high in political skill, contributing to a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of the management practices related to political skill guidance.
Metformin enhanced the effect of pirfenidone on pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Authors: Liu Nana , Song Yanqiu , Liu Ting , Wang Hongyu , Yu Naihao , Ma Hui 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the study is to observe the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects of metformin on bleomycin (BLM)‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.MethodsMice with BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis were treated with pirfenidone, metformin, pirfenidone plus metformin and the NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI). Pathological changes and hydroxyproline (HPO) levels were examined in the lung tissue of mice with pulmonary fibrosis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in lung tissue were determined.ResultsCompared with pirfenidone, pirfenidone plus metformin could reduce alveolar damage and collagen fibre deposition and alleviate BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Lung HPO levels were significantly lower in the PFD + MET group than in the BLM group (p < 0.05). SOD levels in the lungs of mice were increased in the PFD + MET group than in the BLM group (p < 0.05). Metformin and pirfenidone plus metformin can reduce MDA levels (p < 0.05). Pirfenidone plus metformin could reduce HPO levels, increase SOD levels, and reduce MDA levels in the lungs of mice. There was a significant correlation between the HPO level and the Ashcroft score (r = 0.520, p < 0.001).ConclusionMetformin enhanced the antifibrotic effects of pirfenidone on BLM‐treated mice. Moreover, these findings provide an experimental basis for examining whether metformin can improve the antifibrotic effects of pirfenidone on patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It has broad therapeutic prospects for patients with IPF.
The development and training effect of innovative undergraduate dental talents training project: A 6‐year retrospective study
Authors: Gong Zhuohong , Gan Xuejing , Liu Haiwen , Shi Mengru , Chen Shijie , Xue Junlong , Cai Gengbin , Wen Shangyou , Li Jiayu , Huang Shuheng , Hong Yun , Li Lin , Chen Zetao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionTo summarize the development of Innovative Undergraduate Dental Talents Training Project (IUDTTP) and investigate the training effect of this extracurricular dental basic research education activity from 2015 to 2020 to obtain educational implications.Materials and MethodsThe Guanghua School of Stomatology established the IUDTTP in 2015. The authors recorded the development process and analysed the participation situation, training effect, academic performance and overall satisfaction during 2015–2020 through documental analysis, questionnaire and quiz. The t‐test, chi‐square test and ANOVA were used to test the difference.ResultsThe educational goal, education module and assessment system of IUDTTP evolved and developed every year. A total of 336 students and 79 mentors attended the IUDTTP from 2015 to 2020, with the participation rate increasing from 45.1% to 73.5%. The participants exhibited favourable basic research abilities, manifesting as the increase of funded projects and published papers and satisfying quiz scores. Almost all students (94.94%) admitted their satisfaction with the IUDTTP. Moreover, the attended students surpassed the non‐participants in terms of GPA, the number of acquired scholarships and outstanding graduates (p < .05). Likewise, the enrolment rate of postgraduate participants was significantly higher than non‐participants.ConclusionsTo date, the training effect indicated that the IUDTTP has fulfilled the education aim. It brought positive effects on promoting research interest, cultivating research capacities and enhancing academic performance. The potential deficiencies of extracurricular educational activities, including inflexibility in schedule and insufficiency in systematisms, may be remedied by more systematic educational settings in the future.
Embracing the future—is artificial intelligence already better? A comparative study of artificial intelligence performance in diagnostic accuracy and decision‐making
Authors: Fonseca Ângelo , Ferreira Axel , Ribeiro Luís , Moreira Sandra , Duque Cristina 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize patient care and clinical decision‐making. This study aimed to explore the reliability of large language models in neurology by comparing the performance of an AI chatbot with neurologists in diagnostic accuracy and decision‐making.MethodsA cross‐sectional observational study was conducted. A pool of clinical cases from the American Academy of Neurology's Question of the Day application was used as the basis for the study. The AI chatbot used was ChatGPT, based on GPT‐3.5. The results were then compared to neurology peers who also answered the questions—a mean of 1500 neurologists/neurology residents.ResultsThe study included 188 questions across 22 different categories. The AI chatbot demonstrated a mean success rate of 71.3% in providing correct answers, with varying levels of proficiency across different neurology categories. Compared to neurology peers, the AI chatbot performed at a similar level, with a mean success rate of 69.2% amongst peers. Additionally, the AI chatbot achieved a correct diagnosis in 85.0% of cases and it provided an adequate justification for its correct responses in 96.1%.ConclusionsThe study highlights the potential of AI, particularly large language models, in assisting with clinical reasoning and decision‐making in neurology and emphasizes the importance of AI as a complementary tool to human expertise. Future advancements and refinements are needed to enhance the AI chatbot's performance and broaden its application across various medical specialties.
Magnetic resonance neurography in spinal cord injury: Imaging findings and clinical significance
Authors: Jende Johann M. E. , Heutehaus Laura , Preisner Fabian , Verez Sola Christina M. , Mooshage Christoph M. , Heiland Sabine , Rupp Rüdiger , Bendszus Martin , Weidner Norbert , Kurz Felix T. , Franz Steffen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeIt is unknown whether changes to the peripheral nervous system following spinal cord injury (SCI) are relevant for functional recovery or the development of neuropathic pain below the level of injury. Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) at 3 T allows detection and localization of structural and functional nerve damage. This study aimed to combine MRN and clinical assessments in individuals with chronic SCI and nondisabled controls.MethodsTwenty participants with chronic SCI and 20 controls matched for gender, age, and body mass index underwent MRN of the L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the sciatic nerve. DRG volume, sciatic nerve mean cross‐sectional area (CSA), fascicular lesion load, and fractional anisotropy (FA), a marker for functional nerve integrity, were calculated. Results were correlated with clinical assessments and nerve conduction studies.ResultsSciatic nerve CSA and lesion load were higher (21.29 ± 5.82 mm2 vs. 14.08 ± 4.62 mm2, p < 0.001; and 8.70 ± 7.47% vs. 3.60 ± 2.45%, p < 0.001) in individuals with SCI compared to controls, whereas FA was lower (0.55 ± 0.11 vs. 0.63 ± 0.08, p = 0.022). DRG volumes were larger in individuals with SCI who suffered from neuropathic pain compared to those without neuropathic pain (223.7 ± 53.08 mm3 vs. 159.7 ± 55.66 mm3, p = 0.043). Sciatic MRN parameters correlated with electrophysiological results but did not correlate with the extent of myelopathy or clinical severity of SCI.ConclusionsIndividuals with chronic SCI are subject to a decline of structural peripheral nerve integrity that may occur independently from the clinical severity of SCI. Larger volumes of DRG in SCI with neuropathic pain support existing evidence from animal studies on SCI‐related neuropathic pain.
Acute ischaemic stroke in active cancer versus non‐cancer patients: stroke characteristics, mechanisms and clinical outcomes
Authors: Costamagna Gianluca , Hottinger Andreas F. , Milionis Haralampos , Salerno Alexander , Strambo Davide , Livio Francoise , Navi Babak B. , Michel Patrik 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeDemographics, clinical characteristics, stroke mechanisms and long‐term outcomes were compared between acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients with active cancer (AC) versus non‐cancer patients.MethodsUsing data from 2003 to 2021 in the Acute STroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne, a retrospective cohort study was performed comparing patients with AC, including previously known and newly diagnosed cancers, with non‐cancer patients. Patients with inactive cancer were excluded. Outcomes were the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months, death and cerebrovascular recurrences at 12 months before and after propensity score matching.ResultsAmongst 6686 patients with AIS, 1065 (15.9%) had a history of cancer. After excluding 700 (10.4%) patients with inactive cancer, there were 365 (5.5%) patients with AC and 5621 (84%) non‐cancer AIS patients. Amongst AC patients, 154 (42.2%) strokes were classified as cancer related. In multivariable analysis, patients with AC were older (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.03), had fewer vascular risk factors and were 48% less likely to receive reperfusion therapies (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.35–0.76). Three‐month mRS scores were not different in AC patients (aOR 2.18, 95% CI 0.96–5.00). At 12 months, death (adjusted hazard ratio 1.91, 95% CI 1.50–2.43) and risk of cerebrovascular recurrence (sub‐distribution hazard ratio 1.68, 95% CI 1.22–2.31) before and after propensity score matching were higher in AC patients.ConclusionsIn a large institutional registry spanning nearly two decades, AIS patients with AC had less past cerebrovascular disease but a higher 1‐year risk of subsequent death and cerebrovascular recurrence compared to non‐cancer patients. Antithrombotic medications at discharge may reduce this risk in AC patients.
Prejudicial findings regarding suitability for intended purpose during pre‐purchase examinations in a mixed horse population—A retrospective observational study in the United Kingdom
Authors: Shelton Annabel V. , Tupper Jason , Bolt David M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundPre‐purchase examinations (PPEs) are performed for prospective purchasers of horses to identify prejudicial findings that could make animals unsuitable for an intended use. Although this examination process is often standardised, PPEs remain, in large parts, a subjective procedure. In the United Kingdom, PPEs generally consist of either a two stage (two stage vetting [2SV], i.e., general physical examination at rest and basic trot in‐hand) or a five stage‐examination (five stage vetting [5SV], i.e., general physical exam at rest and after exercise, lameness evaluation including strenuous exercise with re‐evaluation after a period of recovery).ObjectivesTo identify the proportion of PPEs with prejudicial findings in a mixed horse population in the United Kingdom and to determine those findings.Study designRetrospective observational study.MethodsPPE certificates from three first opinion equine practices were reviewed. Data collected included practice identity, examination format (i.e., 2SV or 5SV), PPE outcome, radiographs obtained (yes/no), purchase price, animal signalment, intended use and prejudicial PPE findings, if indicated. Prejudicial findings were grouped in 10 subcategories. Descriptive statistics were obtained for all parameters. Non‐normally distributed numeric data between groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. Categorical data were compared between groups using Pearson's chi‐squared test or Fisher's exact test.ResultsOverall, 133 pre‐purchase examination certificates were analysed. Seventy‐six horses (57.1%) had prejudicial findings: Sixty‐one (68.5%) horses undergoing 5SV and 15 (34.1%) of horses undergoing 2SV. Most horses had lameness as the primary prejudicial finding. Horses with a higher purchase price were more likely to undergo 5SV, undergo pre‐purchase radiography, and were more likely to have prejudicial findings identified.Main limitationsData were obtained retrospectively from PPE certificates from a single mixed horse population and different results may have been obtained by analysing a larger number of animals or PPEs of horses intended for different uses, from different geographical regions or undergoing a different PPE format. The level of competition in the intended discipline for horses was not recorded. Analysed data were limited to the information recorded on the PPE certificates, and the original radiographs, ultrasonography images and other additional diagnostic data were not reviewed.ConclusionsLameness was the most common prejudicial PPE finding. More expensive horses were more likely to undergo a 5SV, have pre‐purchase radiographs obtained and have prejudicial findings identified. These results may help inform prospective studies examining the merits of 5SV versus 2SV formats and the value of inclusion of additional diagnostic imaging in PPEs in the general horse population.
Planktic diatom responses to spatiotemporal environmental variation in high‐mountain tropical lakes
Authors: Luethje Melina , Mosquera Pablo V. , Hampel Henrietta , Fritz Sherilyn C. , Benito Xavier 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Tropical lakes harbour high levels of biodiversity, but the temporal and spatial variability of biological communities are still inadequately characterised, making it difficult to predict the impact of accelerated rates of environmental change in these regions. Our goal was to identify the spatiotemporal dynamics of the planktic diatom community in the Cajas Massif in the tropical Andes.

We analysed seasonal diatom and environmental data over a period of 1 year from 10 lakes located in geologically distinct basins and modelled community–environment relationships using multivariate ordination and variation partitioning techniques. Generalised additive models with a full‐subset information theoretic approach also were used to determine which environmental variables explain single‐species abundance.

Although the lakes are monomictic and thus have variable thermal structure across the year, seasonal variability of water chemistry conditions was negligible, and seasonal differences in diatom community composition were small. Across space, diatom community composition was correlated primarily with ionic content (divalent cations and alkalinity), related to bedrock composition, and secondly with lake thermal structure and productivity. The ionic gradient overrode the effect of the thermal structure–productivity gradient at the diatom community level, whereas individual diatom species responded more sensitively to variables related to in‐lake and catchment productivity, including chlorophyll‐a and iron, and the proportion of wetlands in the catchment.

Our results indicate that the spatiotemporal variability of Cajas lakes and their diatom communities is the result of multiple intertwined environmental factors. The emergence of the ionic and thermal structure–productivity gradients in a rather small tropical lake district suggests segregation of ecological niches for diatoms that also may be important in other high‐elevation lake regions. Future studies that track tropical Andean lakes under natural and anthropogenically mediated change, both in contemporary times and in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, would benefit from the modelling approach (community and species levels) developed here.