bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dermoscopic features of benign sebaceous proliferations in dogs: Description, assessment and inter‐observer agreement
Authors: Scarampella Fabia , Colombo Silvia , Dehesa Alexandra , Godizzi Francesco , Cavicchini Stefano , Fabbri Elisabetta , Roccabianca Paola 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundDermoscopy is a useful, noninvasive technique also used to assess sebaceous lesions in humans. Sebaceous hyperplasia, sebaceous adenoma and sebaceous epithelioma are common cutaneous lesions in dogs; however, their dermoscopic features have not been investigated.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe objectives of this study are to describe the dermoscopic features of canine sebaceous lesions and to assess the interobserver agreement on dermoscopic parameters.AnimalsThirty‐four lesions excised from 17 client‐owned dogs, histologically confirmed as sebaceous proliferations, were included in this study.Materials and MethodsSebaceous lesions were evaluated in vivo at ×10 magnification with a handheld dermoscope. Each dermoscopic image was assessed independently by two ECVD board‐certified veterinary referral clinicians and an ECVD resident.ResultsThirty sebaceous hyperplasias, two sebaceous adenomas and two sebaceous epitheliomas were included. Dermoscopically, most lesions (91%) had single or multiple, well‐defined, white‐yellowish structures composed of grouped ovoid areas (clods). Irregular linear and, less commonly, arborising vessels were detected at the periphery of the yellow lobular‐like structures in 93% of sebaceous hyperplasias and in 50% of neoplastic lesions. Erosions were seen in 6% of sebaceous hyperplasias and 50% of neoplastic lesions. Good interobserver agreement was found for white/yellowish clods (k = 0.75), yellow scales (k = 0.83), brown/grey dots (k = 0.80), erosions (k = 0.82) and red/brownish scales/crusts (k = 0.75). There was moderate agreement for fissures (k = 0.48) and vascular pattern (k = 0.51–0.53).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceDermoscopy represents a useful technique to assess sebaceous gland proliferations in dogs, as it is in humans.
Gaussian upper bounds for the heat kernel on evolving manifolds
Authors: Buzano Reto , Yudowitz Louis 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this article, we prove a general and rather flexible upper bound for the heat kernel of a weighted heat operator on a closed manifold evolving by an intrinsic geometric flow. The proof is based on logarithmic Sobolev inequalities and ultracontractivity estimates for the weighted operator along the flow, a method that was previously used by Davies (Amer. J. Math. 109 (1987) 319–334) in the case of a non‐evolving manifold. This result directly implies Gaussian‐type upper bounds for the heat kernel under certain bounds on the evolving distance function; in particular we find new proofs of Gaussian heat kernel bounds on manifolds evolving by Ricci flow with bounded curvature or positive Ricci curvature. We also obtain similar heat kernel bounds for a class of other geometric flows.
Irreducibility of periodic curves in cubic polynomial moduli space
Authors: Arfeux Matthieu , Kiwi Jan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn the moduli space of complex cubic polynomials with a marked critical point, given any , we prove that the loci formed by polynomials with the marked critical point periodic of period is an irreducible curve. Thus, answering a question posed by Milnor in the 1990s.
Human astrovirus capsid protein releases a membrane lytic peptide upon trypsin maturation
Authors: Ykema Matthew , Ye Kai , Xun Meng , Harper Justin , Betancourt-Solis Miguel A. , Arias Carlos F. , McNew James A. , Tao Yizhi Jane 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

The human astrovirus (HAstV) is a non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus that is a common cause of gastroenteritis. Most non-enveloped viruses use membrane disruption to deliver the viral genome into a host cell after virus uptake. The virus–host factors that allow for HAstV cell entry are currently unknown but thought to be associated with the host-protease-mediated viral maturation. Using
in vitro
liposome disruption analysis, we identified a trypsin-dependent lipid disruption activity in the capsid protein of HAstV serotype 8. This function was further localized to the P1 domain of the viral capsid core, which was both necessary and sufficient for membrane disruption. Site-directed mutagenesis identified a cluster of four trypsin cleavage sites necessary to retain the lipid disruption activity, which is likely attributed to a short stretch of sequence ending at arginine 313 based on mass spectrometry of liposome-associated peptides. The membrane disruption activity was conserved across several other HAstVs, including the emerging VA2 strain, and effective against a wide range of lipid identities. This work provides key functional insight into the protease maturation process essential to HAstV infectivity and presents a method to investigate membrane penetration by non-enveloped viruses
in vitro
.

IMPORTANCE

Human astroviruses (HAstVs) are an understudied family of viruses that cause mild gastroenteritis but have recent cases associated with a more severe neural pathogenesis. Many important elements of the HAstV life cycle are not well understood, and further elucidating them can help understand the various forms of HAstV pathogenesis. In this study, we utilized an
in vitro
liposome-based assay to describe and characterize a previously unreported lipid disruption activity. This activity is dependent on the protease cleavage of key sites in HAstV capsid core and can be controlled by site-directed mutagenesis. Our group observed this activity in multiple strains of HAstV and in multiple lipid conditions, indicating this may be a conserved activity across the AstV family. The discovery of this function provides insight into HAstV cellular entry, pathogenesis, and a possible target for future therapeutics.
A surgeon’s trial success of curing pedal eumycetoma
Authors: Choudhry Baseem , Mitchell James , Milner Steve 
Published: July 2023

Mycetoma is a chronic infection of underlying fungal (eumycetoma) or bacterial (actinomycetoma) origin. It is characterised by a clinical triad of tumour-like swelling, actively draining sinuses and macroscopic grains of characteristic colours.We the case of a 66-year-old woman on immunosuppressive therapy presenting with eumycetoma of the foot (Madura foot). The fungal organism cultured wasAcrophialophora fusispora.This case was managed with a combination of extensive surgical debridement, and packing with calcium sulfate (Stimulan) beads impregnated with vancomycin and voriconazole. As far as the authors are aware, this is a novel adjunct to the surgical treatment of deep fungal infection in the foot.Eumycetoma treated with surgery and oral antifungal therapy leads to cure rates of 25%–35%. This novel treatment seems to bear further investigation for the potential to improve cure rates. At 8 months follow-up, our patient appears to be making good progress with no current signs of recurrence.
Prevalence of and factors associated with stenotic thoracic ligamentum flavum hypertrophy
Authors: Kim Chan-Sik , Kim Hyungtae , Kim Sehee , Lee Ju Hwan , Jeong Koun , Lee Hyun Seung , Kim Yeon-Dong 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionStenotic thoracic ligamentum flavum hypertrophy can cause leg and/or low back pain similar to that caused by lumbar spinal stenosis. However, the thoracic spine may occasionally be overlooked in patients with leg and/or low back pain. An accurate understanding of the prevalence of stenotic thoracic ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and its associated factors is necessary.MethodsIn this prevalence study, we reviewed whole-spine MRI scans of patients who visited the pain clinic complaining of leg and/or low back pain between 2010 and 2019. We analyzed the overall prevalence and prevalence according to the age group, sex, grade of lumbar disc degeneration, and thoracic level. In addition, we identified factors independently associated with stenotic thoracic ligamentum flavum hypertrophy occurrence.ResultsAmong 1896 patients, the overall prevalence of stenotic thoracic ligamentum flavum hypertrophy was 9.8% (185/1896), with the highest prevalence observed in the ≥80-year-old age group among all age groups (15.9%, 14/88). The region with the highest prevalence was the T10/11 level (3.0%, 57/1896). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that when compared with the <50-year-old age group, all other age groups were significantly associated with stenotic thoracic ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (p<0.01). In addition, grade 5 of lumbar disc degeneration was significantly associated with stenotic thoracic ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (p=0.03).ConclusionsGiven the possibility for missed stenotic thoracic ligamentum flavum hypertrophy to potentially result in neurological complications, extending lumbar spine MRI covering the lower thoracic region may be considered for patients over 50 years of age with suspected severe lumbar disc degeneration.
Trajectories of self-reported pain-related health outcomes and longitudinal effects on medication use in rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective cohort analysis using the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD)
Authors: Pisaniello Huai Leng , Lester Susan , Russell Oscar , Black Rachel , Tieu Joanna , Richards Bethan , Barrett Claire , Lassere Marissa , March Lyn , Buchbinder Rachelle , Whittle Samuel L , Hill Catherine L 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveTo determine distinct trajectories of self-reported pain-related health status in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their relationship with sociodemographic factors and medication use.Methods988 Australian Rheumatology Association Database participants with RA (71% female, mean age 54 years, mean disease duration 2.3 years) were included. Distinct multi-trajectories over 15-year follow-up for five different self-reported pain-related health outcome measures (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, visual analogue scores for pain, arthritis, global health and the Assessment of Quality of Life utility index) were identified using latent variable discrete mixture modelling. Random effects models were used to determine associations with medication use and biologic therapy modification during follow-up.ResultsFour, approximately equally sized, pain/health status groups were identified, ranging from ‘better’ to ‘poorer’, within which changes over time were relatively small. Important determinants of those with poorer pain/health status included female gender, obesity, smoking, socioeconomic indicators and comorbidities. While biologic therapy use was similar between groups during follow-up, biologic therapy modifications (plinear<0.001) and greater tendency of non-tumour necrosis factor inhibitor use (plinear<0.001) were observed in those with poorer pain/health status. Similarly, greater use of opioids, prednisolone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was seen in those with poorer pain/health status.ConclusionIn the absence of disease activity information, distinct trajectories of varying pain/health status were seen from the outset and throughout the disease course in this RA cohort. More biologic therapy modifications and greater use in anti-inflammatories, opioids and prednisolone were seen in those with poorer pain/health status, reflecting undesirable lived experience of persistent pain in RA.
Robust partially linear trend filtering for regression estimation and structure discovery
Authors: Deng Hao , Han Yuxiang , Tao Yanfang 
Published: July 2023

Partially linear additive models (PLAMs) have attracted much attention in the statistical machine learning community due to their interpretability and flexibility in data-driven prediction and inference. Since the performance of PLAMs is closely related to the structure information of linear and nonlinear components, several approaches have been proposed for regression estimation and data-driven structure discovery. However, the existing automatic discovery strategy is limited to the mean regression framework and is usually sensitive to non-Gaussian noises, e.g. skewed noise and heavy-tailed noise. To further improve the robustness of PLAMs, this paper proposes a Robust Partially Linear Trend Filtering (RPLTF) for regression estimation and structure discovery by integrating the mode-induced error metric and the trend filtering-based nonlinear approximation into regularized PLAMs. Besides the computing algorithm of RPLTF, we establish its upper bound on generalization error in theory. Empirical examples are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Exploring holographic dark energy with Hubble’s and Granda–Oliveros horizons as the infrared cut-off in non-static plane symmetric space-time
Authors: Shekh S. H. , Muzammil M. , Mapari R. V. , Khapekar G. U. , Dixit A. 
Published: July 2023

The current analysis uses the non-static plane symmetric space-time to dynamically examine the holographic dark energy model as candidates of IR cut-offs (specifically Hubble’s and Granda–Oliveros cut-off). Any other cut-off is just a specific example of the Nojiri–Odintsov cut-off, which is the most universal [S. Nojiri and S. D. Odintsov, Gen. Relativity Gravitation 38 (2006) 1285]. Using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, we estimate the best fit values for the model parameters imposed from the combined datasets of CC+SC+BAO. Now, it has been found that the characteristics of space-time that have been addressed and formulated using both models are flat universe and observed that the model appears to be in good agreement with the observations. In addition, we investigate the behavior of equation of state (EoS) parameters along with the energy conditions. Finally, we found that in both the cut-offs the models predict that the present and late universe are accelerating and the EoS parameter behaves like the quintessence model.
Early detection of chronic kidney disease using recursive feature elimination and cross-validated XGBoost model
Authors: Kumar Mukesh 
Published: July 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is listed among the top 20 leading causes of death worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for effective methods of early disease prediction for chronic conditions. This paper presents a novel strategy for the early diagnosis of CKD, leveraging machine learning (ML) methods to support researchers in their pursuit of preventative approaches. The study incorporates data from 400 patients, analyzing a comprehensive set of 25 attributes. The missing values in the dataset handled by mean and mode statistics were employed for numerical and nominal dimensions respectively. The recursive feature elimination (RFE) with cross-validation (CV) technique was utilized to identify the most crucial attributes. The resulting predictive model achieved positive outcomes in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and [Formula: see text]-measure across all implemented classification algorithms (random forest (RF), Naive Bayes (NB), decision tree (DT), multi-layer neural network (MLNN), partial decision tree algorithm (PART), repeated incremental pruning to produce error reduction (RIPPER), [Formula: see text] Star and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost)). Notably, the XGBoost classification algorithm demonstrated an impressive accuracy of up to 99.5%. The utilization of predictive models is indispensable for healthcare professionals, as they play a pivotal role in enabling early detection of CKD and mitigating the risk of kidney failure occurrence. This research offers valuable insights into the development of reliable methods for the early identification of CKD, providing a promising avenue for enhancing patient outcomes and reducing the burden of this prevalent chronic condition.
Short- to Mid-term Results of Patient-Specific Polymethylmethacrylate Radial Head Prosthesis in Complex Radial Head Fractures Using 3-Dimensional Mold System
Authors: JAVADI Aidin , AHMADI Zahra , KACHOOEI Amir R. 
Published: July 2023

Background: We used antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement to make a patient-specific radial head prosthesis (RHP) by applying the 3-dimensional (3D) designing technique in patients with Mason types 3 and 4 radial head fractures. The aim of this study is to report the short- to mid-term outcomes of this procedure. Methods: This is a prospective study of all patients who underwent a patient-specific PMMA bone cement RHP at our institute over a 1-year period from May 2017 to June 2018. The outcome measures included range of motion, grip strength, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain at rest and at activity, disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI). Radiographs of the elbow ere obtained at final follow-up and any complications were also recorded. Results: Our study included eight patients with a mean follow-up of 18 months (13–20 months). The mean arc of extension–flexion and supination–pronation of the operated side was 86% and 96% of the unaffected side, respectively. Mean grip strength was 86% of the unaffected side. The mean VAS for pain at rest was 0 and during activity was 2 out of 10. The mean DASH score was 8 out of 100 (0–22), showing minimal disability and ability to cope with most living activities. MEPI showed four excellent, three good and one fair result. One patient complained of proximal forearm pain that appeared 1 year after surgery. No patient complained of ulnar nerve symptoms requiring intervention. No RHP was removed during the follow-up. Conclusions: PMMA RHP can be used safely as an alternative to metal prostheses to restore valgus and axial stability of the forearm. The use of 3D printing optimised the design and surgical technique of radial head arthroplasty, and we need further studies to assess the long-term follow-ups. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Distal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty – A Systematic Review
Authors: XU Joshua , GILPIN Bradley , MCCARRON Luke , SIVAKUMAR Brahman , GRAHAM David 
Published: July 2023

Background: Arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) can result in significant functional limitations and pain. While arthrodesis is the most common surgical intervention, this can decrease grip strength and have other limitations. DIPJ arthroplasty may be an appealing alternative in select patient with this study aiming to review the outcomes of this procedure. Methods: A search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Embase and Ovid Medline from date of inception to April 2022. Relevant studies were included if they reported on complications and functional outcomes of DIPJ arthroplasty. Data was then extracted and analysed. Results: Seven studies were included including 171 patients with 269 digits. The mean age was 62.1 years, with 81% of the cohort being female. The indication for surgery was osteoarthritis in 97% of patients. Surgical approaches varied from dorsal transverse, dorsal T-incision, dorsal H-incision to radial incisions. A silicone implant was used in all patients. A total of 97.7% of patients were satisfied with their outcome, and pain improved or eliminated in all patients where it was reported. Joint stability was noted in 97.4% of cases. The mean preoperative DIPJ range of motion was 24° and improved to 36° post-operation. The mean preoperative extensor lag was 24° and reduced to 13° post operation. The rate of re-operation was 7.1%. Conclusions: DIPJ arthroplasty may be a viable alternative to arthrodesis in certain settings, providing high patient satisfaction, improvements in digital range of motion and relief of pain. However, the available literature is sparse, and limited by low-quality studies and heterogenous outcome reporting. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)
A Phase II Study of Durvalumab for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Unresponsive Urothelial Carcinoma In Situ of the Bladder
Authors: Li Roger , Sexton Wade J. , Dhillon Jasreman , Berglund Anders , Naidu Shreyas , Borjas Gustavo , Rose Kyle , Kim Youngchul , Wang Xuefeng , Conejo-Garcia Jose R. , Jain Rohit K. , Poch Michael A. , Spiess Philippe E. , Pow-Sang Julio , Gilbert Scott M. , Zhang Jingsong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
Immune checkpoint blockade holds promise for treating bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). In this phase II study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of durvalumab, a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody, against BCG-unresponsive carcinoma in situ (CIS).

Patients and Methods:
Patients with BCG-unresponsive CIS-containing NMIBC received durvalumab IV at 1,500 mg every 4 weeks for up to 12 months. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR) rate at month 6, defined by negative cystoscopy, urine cytology, and absence of high-grade recurrence on bladder mapping biopsy. The null hypothesis specified a CR rate of 18% and alternative hypothesis of 40%. According to the Simon two-stage design, if ≤3/13 patients achieved CR during stage 1, the trial is stopped due to futility.

Results:
Between March 8, 2017, and January 24, 2020, 17 patients were accrued whereas 4 withdrew from study treatment after bladder biopsy at month 3 was positive for CIS. Two of 17 (12%) achieved a CR at month 6, with duration of response of 10 and 18 months, respectively. A single grade 3 lipase elevation was attributed to durvalumab, and immune-related adverse events were observed in 7/17 (41%) patients. Only 1/17 patients had high programmed death-ligand 1 expression pretreatment. On RNA sequencing, complement activation genes were elevated posttreatment, along with enrichment of tumor-associated macrophage signature.

Conclusions:
Durvalumab monotherapy conferred minimal efficacy in treating BCG-unresponsive CIS of the bladder, with 6-month CR of 12%. Complement activation is a potential mechanism behind treatment resistance.
A Population of Tumor-Infiltrating CD4+ T Cells Co-Expressing CD38 and CD39 Is Associated with Checkpoint Inhibitor Resistance
Authors: Mitra Ankita , Thompson Brian , Strange Ann , Amato Carol M. , Vassallo Melinda , Dolgalev Igor , Hester-McCullough Jonathan , Muramatsu Tomoaki , Kimono Diana , Puranik Amrutesh S. , Weber Jeffrey S. , Woods David 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
We previously showed that elevated frequencies of peripheral blood CD3+CD4+CD127−GARP−CD38+CD39+ T cells were associated with checkpoint immunotherapy resistance in patients with metastatic melanoma. In the present study, we sought to further investigate this population of ectoenzyme-expressing T cells (Teee).

Experimental Design:
Teee derived from the peripheral blood of patients with metastatic melanoma were evaluated by bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and flow cytometry. The presence of Teee in the tumor microenvironment was assessed using publically available single-cell RNA-seq datasets of melanoma, lung, and bladder cancers along with multispectral immunofluorescent imaging of melanoma patient formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens. Suppressive function of Teee was determined by an in vitro autologous suppression assay.

Results:
Teee had phenotypes associated with proliferation, apoptosis, exhaustion, and high expression of inhibitory molecules. Cells with a Teee gene signature were present in tumors of patients with melanoma, lung, and bladder cancers. CD4+ T cells co-expressing CD38 and CD39 in the tumor microenvironment were preferentially associated with Ki67− CD8+ T cells. Co-culture of patient Teee with autologous T cells resulted in decreased proliferation of target T cells. High baseline intratumoral frequencies of Teee were associated with checkpoint immunotherapy resistance and poor overall survival in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Conclusions:
These results demonstrate that a novel population of CD4+ T cells co-expressing CD38 and CD39 is found both in the peripheral blood and tumor of patients with melanoma and is associated with checkpoint immunotherapy resistance.