bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing quality of life in women with vulvovaginal lichen planus treated with topical and systemic treatments using the vulvar quality of life index
Authors: Kherlopian Ashod , Fischer Gayle 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesFor patients with vulvovaginal lichen planus (VLP), there exists limited data on the comparison between patient quality of life treated with topical and/or systemic treatments. We characterised the treatment outcomes of VLP using the vulvar quality of life index (VQLI) comparing women treated with systemic immunosuppression, including humanised interleukin‐23 monoclonal antibody tildrakizumab, to those treated with topical corticosteroids alone.MethodsA retrospective cohort study is reported from a dermatology practice in Sydney, Australia. Electronic medical records for adult women with a diagnosis of VLP were reviewed identifying 112 subjects. VQLI scores in four domains (symptoms, activities of daily living, anxiety and sexual function) were compared between women able to maintain remission of disease with topical monotherapy to those with recalcitrant disease requiring treatment with conventional systemic immunosuppressants and for those not responding to this treatment, tildrakizumab.ResultsAt baseline women requiring tildrakizumab treatment had the highest total VQLI score (24.6), whilst women whose disease was maintained on topical treatment had the lowest (19.2). Women treated whilst on tildrakizumab had significant reduced total mean VQLI scores (13.32, 95% CI 8.61–18.01) than when treated with other Systemic (22.00, 95% CI 16.52–27.53; p < 0.001) or topical (21.71, 95% CI 16.13–26.32; p < 0.01). Women treated with tildrakizumab demonstrated statistically significant decreases in mean VQLI scores in all four domains of the VQLI compared to previous scores when on other systemic treatments.ConclusionWe report the largest cohort study to date of adult women with VLP evaluating treatment responses to topical and systemic agents using the VQLI. In women whose VLP did not improve with conventional systemic immunosuppressants, tildrakizumab resulted in statistically significant decrease in mean VQLI scores in all 4 domains, highlighting tildrakizumab as an alternative treatment for VLP.
Effects of land‐use changes on the conservation of re‐introduced toads, Nectophrynoides asperginis
Authors: Sigala Atuhombye , Ngongolo Kelvin , Mmbaga Naza 
Published: April 2023

AbstractLand‐use and land‐cover changes (LULCC) are a global threat to biodiversity conservation including endemic species such as Kihansi spray toads (KST). This study assessed the LULCC of the Kihansi catchment (KC), a potential habitat for the KST and its adjacent areas. Remote sensing (RS) and geographical information systems (GIS) through Landsat imagery and ground truthing were used to classify and monitor LULCC for 25 years, from 1995 to 2020. In addition, the questionnaire survey assesses the opinion of local communities on LULCC forms in the study area. Settlements and agricultural land increased by 26.23% and 3.7%, respectively, while forested land decreased by a rate of 10%–20% per year due to the human population increase. According to this study, land use has changed substantially because of agriculture and habitation. Proper land‐use planning is required in this scenario to ensure the long‐term protection of the reintroduced KST while also enhancing the livelihoods of nearby residents.
Dupilumab but not cyclosporine treatment shifts the microbiome toward a healthy skin flora in patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Hartmann Jan , Moitinho‐Silva Lucas , Sander Nicole , Harder Inken , Häsler Robert , Rodriguez Elke , Haufe Eva , Kleinheinz Andreas , Abraham Susanne , Heratizadeh Annice , Weisshaar Elke , Schäkel Knut , Handrick Christiane , Augustin Matthias , Wollenberg Andreas , Staubach‐Renz Petra , Ertner Konstantin , Sticherling Michael , Schwarz Beate , Quist Sven , Wiemers Franca , Schenck Florian , Wildberger Julia , Tittmann Lukas , Lieb Wolfgang , Schmitt Jochen , Werfel Thomas , Weidinger Stephan ,   the TREATgermany Study Group
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) patients display an altered skin microbiome which may not only be an indicator but also a driver of inflammation. We aimed to investigate associations among AD patients' skin microbiome, clinical data, and response to systemic therapy in patients of the TREATgermany registry.MethodsSkin swabs of 157 patients were profiled with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing before and after 3 months of treatment with dupilumab or cyclosporine. For comparison, 16s microbiome data from 258 population‐based healthy controls were used. Disease severity was assessed using established instruments such as the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI).ResultsWe confirmed the previously shown correlation ofStaphylococcus aureusabundance and bacterial alpha diversity with AD severity as measured by EASI. Therapy with Dupilumab shifted the bacterial community toward the pattern seen in healthy controls. The relative abundance of Staphylococci and in particularS. aureussignificantly decreased on both lesional and non‐lesional skin, whereas the abundance ofStaphylococcus hominisincreased. These changes were largely independent from the degree of clinical improvement and were not observed for cyclosporine.ConclusionsSystemic treatment with dupilumab but not cyclosporine tends to restore a healthy skin microbiome largely independent of the clinical response indicating potential effects of IL‐4RA blockade on the microbiome.
Ciliary neurotrophic factor stimulates stem/progenitor Leydig cell proliferation but inhibits differentiation into its lineage in rats
Authors: Quan Hehua , Wang Yiyan , Li Huitao , Zhu Qiqi , Chen Xiaofang , Ge Ren‐Shan , Li Xiaoheng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundCiliary neurotrophic factor is a member of the interleukin‐6 family of cytokines. Ciliary neurotrophic factor drives many cells for their development. However, its effects on Leydig cell development remain unclear.MethodsIn the current study, we used three‐dimensional seminiferous tubule culture system to induce the proliferation and differentiation of tubule‐associated stem Leydig cells and primary progenitor Leydig cells culture to address the effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor.ResultsWe found that ciliary neurotrophic factor stimulated the proliferation of stem Leydig cells but inhibited their development into the Leydig cell lineage. The ciliary neurotrophic factor‐mediated effects can be reversed by signal transducer and activator 3 inhibitor S3I‐201 and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor wortmannin, indicating that ciliary neurotrophic factor acts via signal transducer and activator 3–phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase signaling pathways to increase stem/progenitor Leydig cell proliferation. Ciliary neurotrophic factor at 1 and 10 ng/mL significantly decreased androgen production by progenitor Leydig cells. Microarray analysis of ciliary neurotrophic factor‐treated progenitor Leydig cells showed that ciliary neurotrophic factor blocked steroidogenic pathways by downregulating Scarb1, Star, and Hsd3b1, possibly by downregulating the transcription factor Nr5a1 expression.ConclusionCiliary neurotrophic factor stimulates proliferation but blocks the differentiation of stem/progenitor Leydig cells.
In vitro hemolytic performance of the Realheart®V11C TAHprototype with porcine blood
Authors: Perkins Ina Laura , Mansisidor Eva Maria , Zaman Shaikh Faisal , Mudge Kyle , Bodger Owen , Najar Azad 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundHemolysis testing of new devices to treat heart failure is a regulatory requirement. The ASTM F1841–97 standard for hemolysis testing was developed for continuous flow pumps and does not specify test rig design. When research groups use different methodologies, results are difficult to compare. Pulsatile flow pump rigs require compliance chambers, and thus, the Aachen rig (Gräf et al) was developed for the pulsatile Reinheart TAH. The study objective was to use this rig to test the early Realheart TAH prototype V11C hemolysis performance compared to literature.MethodsThe experimental control was the continuous flow pump BPX‐80 (Medtronic) and pooled heparinized porcine blood was used.ResultsThe mgNIH of BPX‐80 and V11C was 5.42 ± 1.47 and 25.20 ± 5.46 mg/100 L, respectively. The NIH ratio of V11C over BPX‐80 was 5.5.ConclusionThe absolute and the relative hemolysis of the V11C are lower compared to both the large and small Reinheart TAH devices published values. Pulsatile pumps create more hemolysis in the Aachen rig, and it is not known if this is because how the rig handles pulsatile flow or due to the devices. Future studies will, therefore, use a pulsatile pump such as the SynCardia as clinical comparator and human blood to test the performance of future Realheart TAH prototypes.
Metacognitive prompts and numerical ordinality in solving word problems: An eye‐tracking study
Authors: Kang Tinghu , Tang Tinghao , Zhang Peizhi , Luo Shu , Qi Huanhuan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe ability to translate concrete manipulatives into abstract mathematical formulas can aid in the solving of mathematical word problems among students, and metacognitive prompts play a significant role in enhancing this process.AimsBased on the concept of semantic congruence, we explored the effects of metacognitive prompts and numerical ordinality on information searching and cognitive processing, throughout the process of solving mathematical word problems among primary school students in China.SampleParticipants included 73 primary school students (38 boys and 35 girls) with normal or corrected visual acuity.MethodsThis study was based on a 2 (prompt information: no‐prompt, metacognitive‐prompt) × 2 (number attribute: cardinal number, ordinal number) mixed experimental design. We analysed multiple eye‐movement indices, such as fixation duration, saccadic amplitude, and pupil size, since they pertained to the areas of interest.ResultsWhen solving both types of problems, pupil sizes were significantly smaller under the metacognitive‐prompt condition compared with the no‐prompt condition, and shorter dwell time for specific sentences, conditional on metacognitive prompts, indicated the optimization of the presented algorithm. Additionally, the levels of fixation durations and saccadic amplitudes were significantly higher when solving ordinal number word problems compared with solving ordinal number problems, indicating that primary school students were less efficient in reading and faced increased levels of difficulty when solving ordinal number problems.ConclusionsThe results indicate that for Chinese upper‐grade primary school students, cognitive load was lower in the metacognitive prompting condition and when solving cardinal problems, and higher when solving ordinal problems.
Imported carbon emissions: Evidence from French manufacturing companies
Authors: Dussaux Damien , Vona Francesco , Dechezleprêtre Antoine 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper analyzes imported carbon emission at the firm level. To do so, we combine information on emissions, imports, imported emissions and energy prices for French manufacturing firms between 1997 and 2014. We document a significant increase of the carbon emissions embedded in imports of French manufacturing companies over the period 1997 to 2014 that is attributable mainly to a shift towards more carbon‐intensive products and countries. We then estimate the impact of imported emissions on domestic emissions and emission intensity using a shift‐share instrumental variable strategy based on third countries supply shocks. We do not find compelling evidence of an impact of carbon imports on total emissions, but emission efficiency improves significantly in companies offshoring emissions abroad. A 10% increase in carbon offshoring causes a 4% decline in emission intensity. In addition, we find that the elasticity of domestic emission intensity to imported emissions is stronger in energy‐intensive sectors, on high‐productivity companies and among exporters. Reassuringly, the relationship between imported emissions and emission intensity does not seem to be driven by a pollution haven motive.
Elevated insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in patients without clinical evidence of acromegaly
Authors: Careless Laura , Inder Warrick J. , Pretorius Carel , Hayes Lisa 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo (1) identify the frequency of IGF‐1 elevation in a cohort of patients without clinically suspected GH excess, in a state‐based reference laboratory over a 24‐month period, and (2) to examine potential differences in comorbidities and relevant medications between people with an elevated IGF‐1 compared to a matched control group.DesignAll IGF‐1 measurements at Pathology Queensland between 1/12/2018–1/12/2020 were identified. The medical records of those with IGF‐1 ≥1.1x the upper limit of the reference range were appraised to determine: (1) documentation of acromegalic features, (2) relevant comorbidities and medication use, and (3) further investigations to exclude pathological GH excess.Patients and MeasurementsThere were 2759 IGF‐1 samples measured in 1963 people ≥18 years, over the specified period. Of these, 204 had IGF‐1 ≥1.1x the upper limit of the age‐matched reference range; 102 cases (61M, 41F) met inclusion criteria, and were matched to 102 controls with a normal IGF‐1 based on age, sex, gonadal status and pituitary anatomy on MRI.ResultsThere were significant differences in the frequency of dopamine agonist use (19/102 cases vs. 6/102 controls, OR = 3.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45–9.29, p = .009) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (14/102 cases vs. 4/102 controls, OR = 3.90, 95% CI: 1.28–11.14, p = .024).ConclusionsOut of 1963 patients having IGF‐1 measured, 102 (5.2%) had an elevated IGF‐1 where there was no known acromegaly, GH replacement or endogenous glucocorticoid excess. Intraindividual biological variability, assay imprecision and physiological factors are known contributors to falsely elevated IGF‐1, dopamine agonist therapy and CKD should also be considered.
Enforcing Trust: Race, gender, and the policing of citizenship in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Haynes Marta‐Laura 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPolicing in Rio de Janeiro is notorious for its brutality. For Unidades da Policía Pacificadora (UPP), a proximity policing program marked by less overt violence, the forging of trust became a strategy for reshaping the image of police and favelas. Yet, this policing model reproduced racial and gender bias that was persistent in broader Brazilian society where trust is coded as white and female while danger is coded as Black and male. In UPP, these ideologies manifested in using lighter‐skinned and female officers to produce trust through whiteness and gender. For residents, pacification underscored a longstanding racial encoding of citizenship and trust as performances of whiteness and belonging. Based on fieldwork conducted between 2010 and 2015 among the military police and in favelas, I examine in this article how Brazilian ideologies of race and gender intersect with local notions about trustworthiness and class. For the UPPs, enforcing trust was attached to the expectation of submission and uniformity—ultimately strengthening white supremacy. Through intimate ethnographic accounts of commanders' and residents' experiences, I show the nuanced ways trust intersects with local ideas about race and gender and how it served both as a vehicle for pacification and as a mode of citizenship.
Efficacy and safety of Propionibacterium extract gel versus glyceryl trinitrate ointment in the treatment of chronic anal fissure: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gallo Gaetano , Trompetto Mario , Fulginiti Serena , La Torre Marco , Tierno Simone , Cantarella Francesco , Vanini Paolo , Tomasicchio Giovanni , Altomare Donato Francesco , Rinaldi Marcella , Santoro Giulio Aniello , Currò Giuseppe , Grossi Ugo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimChronic anal fissure (CAF) is an extremely frequent finding in clinical practice. Several topical agents have been proposed for its treatment with the common goal of increasing anodermal blood flow to promote healing. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a Propionibacterium extract gel (PeG) and 0.4% glyceryl trinitrate ointment (GTN) in patients with CAF.MethodPatients were randomly allocated to a PeG or GTN group and medication was administered every 12 h for 40 days. The primary outcome was the success rate, as measured by a decrease in the REALISE scoring system for anal fissure at 10, 20 and 40 days after initiating either treatment. The secondary outcomes recorded at the same time points were healing rate, visual analogue scales for itching and burning, rate of complications and adverse events, patient quality of life and satisfaction, and cost analysis.ResultsA total of 120 patients were enrolled, and 96 patients (PeG, n = 53; GTN, n = 43) completed the primary outcomes. A significant decrease over time in the REALISE score was observed in both groups. Adverse events occurred more frequently in the GTN group than in the PeG group, peaking at visit 1 [37 (63.8%) vs. 2 (3.4%), respectively], with headache being the most prevalent. The between‐treatment cumulative average costs per patient were significantly higher for GTN than that for PeG at each follow‐up visit. There were no other significant differences between the two groups for any of the other outcomes.ConclusionWhile there was no difference in healing rates between the two treatments, PeG was more cost‐effective and associated with fewer adverse events.
Comparison of two donor‐derived cell‐free DNA tests and a blood gene‐expression profile test in heart transplantation
Authors: Rodgers Nicholas , Gerding Bryn , Cusi Vincenzo , Vaida Florin , Tada Yuko , Morris Gerald P. , Adler Eric D. , Stehlik Josef , Kim Paul J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundDonor‐derived cell‐free DNA (dd‐cfDNA) testing is an emerging screening modality for noninvasive detection of acute rejection (AR). This study compared the testing accuracy for AR of two commercially available dd‐cfDNA and gene‐expression profiling (GEP) testing in heart transplant (HTx) recipients.MethodsThis is a retrospective, observational study of HTx only patients who underwent standard and expanded single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dd‐cfDNA between October 2020 to January 2022. Comparison with GEP was also performed. Assays were compared for correlation, accurate classification, and prediction for AR.ResultsA total of 428 samples from 112 unique HTx patients were used for the study. A positive standard SNP correlated with the expanded SNP assay (p < .001). Both standard and expanded SNP tests showed low sensitivity (39%, p = 1.0) but high specificity (82% and 84%, p = 1.0) for AR. GEP did not improve sensitivity and showed worse specificity (p < .001) compared to standard dd‐cfDNA.ConclusionWe found no significant difference between standard and expanded SNP assays in detecting AR. We show improved specificity without change in sensitivity using dd‐cfDNA in place of GEP testing. Prospective controlled studies to address how to best implement dd‐cfDNA testing into clinical practice are needed.
Observations on the utilisation of a restored wildlife corridor by echo‐locating microbats in North Queensland's Wet Tropics
Authors: Tucker Nigel , Ford Greg 
Published: April 2023

SummaryMicrobat studies are uncommon in the Wet Tropics of north‐east Queensland, despite the group comprising 20% of the bioregion's mammal fauna. The significance of fragmentation and habitat connectivity to the echolocating insectivore group is unknown. Over a 12‐month period in 2021–2022, microbat presence was recorded in a 25‐year‐old restored wildlife corridor 1.2 km in length. We deployed Anabat detectors in the restored corridor, in adjacent open paddocks and in mature rainforest at either end of the corridor. Species in reference forest and corridor vegetation were consistently ‘clutter‐adapted’ bats, with low aspect ratio wings; there was little overlap with high aspect ratio species of the open pasture. Low aspect ratio microbats appear to respond to the similarity in structure between restored and adjacent natural vegetation. Re‐establishing structural and functional connectivity may improve the local persistence of ‘clutter‐adapted’ microbats.
Coarse pine bark mulch as open surface cover fails to improve establishment of sown native grasslands
Authors: Gibson‐Roy Paul , Delpratt John , Moore Greg 
Published: April 2023

SummaryThis study was conducted across twelve agricultural locations in south‐western Victoria, Australia, encompassing a range of soil types and climatic conditions. It investigated the addition of an open layer of coarse organic pine wood chip mulch (~70% surface cover) directly following direct seeding of native grassland species. The intent was to mimic positive effects of naturally occurring organic surface litter (which are typically depleted in such settings) on seedling emergence and establishment. Findings revealed negative results in that the use of an open layer of coarse pine chip mulch failed to improve native establishment at 12‐months or to moderate soil temperature and moisture extremes in comparison to non‐mulched plots. This outcome suggests the effectiveness of open surface mulches under the scenario of direct seeding may be highly site context, mulch‐type, and application approach dependent. In situations where such mulch applications are not likely to be beneficial, significant costs relating to their purchase and application could be avoided.
Changes in local and network brain activity after stereotactic thermocoagulation in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Simula Sara , Garnier Elodie , Contento Margherita , Pizzo Francesca , Makhalova Julia , Lagarde Stanislas , Bénar Christian‐George , Bartolomei Fabrice 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveStereoelectroencephalography‐guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (SEEG‐guided RF‐TC) aims to reduce seizure frequency by modifying epileptogenic networks through local thermocoagulative lesions. Although RF‐TC is hypothesized to functionally modify brain networks, reports of changes in functional connectivity (FC) following the procedure are missing. We evaluated, by means of SEEG recordings, whether variation in brain activity after RF‐TC is related to clinical outcome.MethodsInterictal SEEG recordings from 33 patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) were analyzed. Therapeutic response was defined as a >50% reduction in seizure frequency for at least 1 month following RF‐TC. Local (power spectral density [PSD]) and FC changes were evaluated in 3‐min segments recorded shortly before (baseline), shortly after, and 15 min after RF‐TC. The PSD and FC strength values after thermocoagulation were compared with baseline as well as between the responder and nonresponder groups.ResultsIn responders, we found a significant reduction in PSD after RF‐TC in channels that were thermocoagulated for all frequency bands (p = .007 for broad, delta and theta, p <.001 for alpha and beta bands). However, we did not observe such PSD decrease in nonresponders. At the network level, nonresponders displayed a significant FC increase in all frequency bands except theta (broad, delta, beta band: p <.001; alpha band: p <.01), although responders showed a significant FC decrease in delta (p <.001) and alpha bands (p <.05). Nonresponders showed stronger FC changes with respect to responders exclusively in TC channels (broad, alpha, theta, beta: p >.05; delta: p = .001).SignificanceThermocoagulation induces both local and network‐related (FC) changes in electrical brain activity of patients with DRE lasting for at least 15 min. This study demonstrates that the observed short‐term modifications in brain network and local activity significantly differ between responders and nonresponders and opens new perspectives for studying the longer‐lasting FC changes after RF‐TC.