bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical study on the comparison of dermoscopic images using two wavelengths of near‐ultraviolet‐visible light
Authors: Togawa Yaei , Yamamoto Yosuke , Matsue Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundLight absorption by melanin is greater in the ultraviolet spectrum than in the visible light spectrum. Purple light in the near‐ultraviolet–visible region (380–430 nm) also corresponds to a highly absorptive wavelength of melanin. Therefore, images captured under purple light are remarkably suited to detect subtle alterations in skin pigment contents.ObjectivesWe compared two prototype dermoscopy cameras (DZ‐D100; Casio Computer Co., Ltd.): one with a 385 nm light (P385) and the other with a 405 nm light (P405), to clarify which wavelength could more clearly show dermoscopic structures.MethodsSixteen Japanese patients with 19 lesions, who visited our department were photographed with the P385 and P405 cameras under the same conditions. We evaluated the visual perception of lines, dots/clods, lesion borders and background around the lesion, as well as exposure, including appropriate brightness and underexposure, using the scores.ResultsUnderexposure was significantly less in the P385 image than in the P405 image (p < 0.0001), while lines (p < 0.01) and lesion borders (p < 0.05) were significantly more distinct. Furthermore, visual perception of lines (p < 0.01) and lesion borders (p < 0.05) were significantly better in the P385 images. However, other visual perception items showed no significant differences between the two images. One exception was with the dermoscopy of melanocytic naevus in a patient with albinism, where the lines and dots/clods were clear in the P405 image but blurred in the P385 image.ConclusionsWhen used as a complement to conventional dermoscopy images, the P385 images are thought to be less underexposed and easier to use in diagnosing lesions in slightly pigmented skin types, including in the Japanese who were the participants of this study. Meanwhile, the P405 images are potentially useful in the evaluation of light skin‐type lesions.
Chronic cough, itch, skin pain and other unpleasant skin sensations are frequently associated: Results from survey on 8077 individuals
Authors: Ficheux Anne‐Sophie , Brenaut Emilie , Taieb Charles , Misery Laurent 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundNeuronal sensitisation frequently occurs in patients with pain, itch and cough.ObjectivesTo study the association of chronic pruritus, as well as other unpleasant skin sensations (especially skin pain), and chronic cough.MethodsAn online questionnaire survey was conducted on a representative sample of 8077 individuals aged 18–75 years from four European countries.ResultsThe frequency of chronic unpleasant symptoms was estimated regardless of the severity: tingling (20.7%), stinging (17.6%), cough (14.2%), pruritus (13.5%), burning (11.4%) and skin pain (10.7%). A significant decrease was observed with age. The presence of chronic cough was impressively associated with the presence of unpleasant skin sensations, with a specific highlight on pruritus [odds ratio (OR) = 8.20] and skin pain (OR = 6.18). After removing subjects who reported asthma and/or pruriginous skin diseases, the same trend was observed among people without asthma and/or pruriginous skin diseases.ConclusionsThis study shows that chronic cough, pruritus and other skin sensory disorders are very frequent, with a decrease with age, and were commonly associated together. These results were observed in the absence or presence of an allergic, atopic or immune context, suggesting that sensitisation to one symptom could favour sensitisation to others.
Kill rates on native ungulates by Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and New Mexico
Authors: Smith Julia B. , Greenleaf Allison R. , Oakleaf John K. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) reintroduction began in 1998 in Arizona, USA, with 11 individuals initially; wolves from this population dispersed into New Mexico, USA, the following year. Numbers of wolves have steadily increased (≥241 individuals in Dec 2022) and the size of the recovery area has expanded in both states. Understanding kill rates is fundamental to the recovery and management of Mexican wolves to properly maintain a healthy and sustainable population of wolves and their prey species. We used global positioning system (GPS) cluster analysis to locate kill sites and estimate kill rates on native ungulate prey taken in the recovery area by 10 Mexican wolf groups during winter (15 Feb–15 Mar) and 8 wolf groups during summer (15 Jun–15 Jul) in 2015–2017. Elk (Cervus canadensis) composed 94% of the native ungulates documented at Mexican wolf kill sites (n = 139); the remaining 6% were mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus; n = 9). Two‐thirds of all wolf‐killed native ungulates were elk calves. We estimated kill rates as ungulate biomass killed/wolf/day. From combined results for all years, we estimated that each Mexican wolf killed on average 9.0 ± 5.4 kg (±95% CI) of ungulate biomass per day during winter and 7.8 ± 6.2 kg during the summer. Our estimates of kill rates could be overestimated if Mexican wolves obtained a substantial amount of their biomass from scavenging, particularly during 4 months of hunting seasons (Sep–Dec) not captured in winter and summer. Using data from the first 2 years of the study (2015, 2016), we developed a logistic regression model to predict probability of an elk kill occurring at a GPS cluster as a function of hours spent by a collared wolf at that GPS cluster and size of the wolf group. Applying this model to the final year of the study (2017) resulted in similar numbers of predicted (n = 16.1 and 27.2 in winter and summer, respectively) and observed numbers (n = 15 and 26) of elk kills. Additionally, the demographic composition of the 2017 elk kills closely matched that of the previous 2 years. The results of this study indicate similar predation patterns of Mexican wolves to those of wolves in northern locations and can help wildlife managers plan for potential effects from a larger population of wolves across a broad area in Arizona and New Mexico.
Amelioration of a saline‐alkaline soil using biochar and compost: Impacts on plant growth, soil biological and chemical characteristics
Authors: Howell Cassandra R. , Jenkins Sasha N. , Abbott Lynette K. , Mickan Bede S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractLand degradation reduces productivity and biodiversity, and requires restoration of both soil condition and vegetation to re‐establish ecosystem services. Organic amendments can improve soil biological and chemical properties, thereby enhancing revegetation success in severely degraded soil. This study investigated the use of compost and biochar to support revegetation and soil restoration. Soil was collected from a severely degraded creek bed in an agricultural farm in south‐western Australia (UWA Farm Ridgefield) and amended with compost (2.5% and 5%) and biochar (5% and 10%), both alone and in all pairwise combinations. Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) seedlings were grown for 10 weeks in glasshouse conditions. Following harvest, plant growth and soil chemical properties were analysed. DNA was extracted from rhizosphere soil for bacterial diversity profiling with subsequent putative functional genes relating to carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling using an in‐silico approach. Compost improved growth of root and shoot biomass. Both compost and biochar improved the alkaline soil by reducing pH and increasing nitrate, phosphorus and potassium levels. Compost addition also had a significant effect on rhizosphere bacterial community structure, decreasing alpha diversity and altering beta diversity indices. Amendment of soil also changed the relative abundance of putative nutrient cycling genes, with an increase in the potential for denitrification, carbon and phosphorus cycling and a decrease in ammonification potential. Application of this compost‐biochar combination improved plant growth and soil condition by altering both chemical and biological characteristics of the soil, and therefore may provide an effective management strategy for supporting restoration in a degraded landscape.
Predictors and Pathophysiology of Axial Postural Abnormalities in Parkinsonism: A Scoping Review
Authors: Artusi Carlo Alberto , Geroin Christian , Nonnekes Jorik , Aquino Camila , Garg Divyani , Dale Marian L. , Schlosser Darbe , Lai Yijie , Al‐Wardat Mohammad , Salari Mehri , Wolke Robin , Labou Valery Tsinda , Imbalzano Gabriele , Camozzi Serena , Merello Marcelo , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Capato Tamine , Djaldetti Ruth , Doherty Karen , Fasano Alfonso , Tibar Houyam , Lopiano Leonardo , Margraf Nils G. , Moreau Caroline , Ugawa Yoshikazu , Bhidayasiri Roongroj , Tinazzi Michele ,   the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society Task Force on Postural Abnormalities
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundPostural abnormalities involving the trunk are referred to as axial postural abnormalities and can be observed in over 20% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and in atypical parkinsonism. These symptoms are highly disabling and frequently associated with back pain and a worse quality of life in PD. Despite their frequency, little is known about the pathophysiology of these symptoms and scant data are reported about their clinical predictors, making it difficult to prompt prevention strategies.ObjectivesWe conducted a scoping literature review of clinical predictors and pathophysiology of axial postural abnormalities in patients with parkinsonism to identify key concepts, theories and evidence on this topic.MethodsWe applied a systematic approach to identify studies, appraise quality of evidence, summarize main findings, and highlight knowledge gaps.ResultsNinety‐two articles were reviewed: 25% reported on clinical predictors and 75% on pathophysiology. Most studies identified advanced disease stage and greater motor symptoms severity as independent clinical predictors in both PD and multiple system atrophy. Discrepant pathophysiology data suggested different potential central and peripheral pathogenic mechanisms.ConclusionsThe recognition of clinical predictors and pathophysiology of axial postural abnormalities in parkinsonism is far from being elucidated due to literature bias, encompassing different inclusion criteria and measurement tools and heterogeneity of patient samples. Most studies identified advanced disease stage and higher burden of motor symptoms as possible clinical predictors. Pathophysiology data point toward many different (possibly non‐mutually exclusive) mechanisms, including dystonia, rigidity, proprioceptive and vestibular impairment, and higher cognitive deficits.
Cross‐Talk between miRNAs from the Dlk1‐Dio3 Locus and Histone Methylation to Protect Male Cerebellum from Methyl Donor Deficiency
Authors: Willekens Jeremy , Mosca Pauline , Burt‐Oberecken Nathan , Laugeais Edgar , Kaoma Tony , Bernardin François , Vallar Laurent , Dimofski Pauline , Renaud Mathilde , Lambert Laetitia , Leheup Bruno , Guéant Jean‐Louis , Leininger‐Muller Brigitte , Dreumont Natacha 
Published: September 2023

ScopeDisruption of the one carbon metabolism during development, i.e., following a gestational vitamin B9 and B12 deficiencies, is involved in birth defects and brain development delay. Using a rat nutritional model, consisting of pups born to dams fed a vitamin B9 and B12 deficient diet (MDD), the study previously reports molecular and cellular alterations in the brain, in a sex dependent manner, with females being more affected than males. The study hypothesizes that epigenetic modifications could participate in the sex differences is observed.Methods and resultsThe study investigates lysine methylation of histones and expression of microRNAs in the cerebellum of MDD male and female pups. The study reports a differential regulation of H3K36Me2 and H4K20Me3 between males and females, in response to MDD. Moreover, distinct regulation of Kmt5b and Kdm2a expression by miR‐134‐5p and miR‐369‐5p from the Dlk1‐Dio3 locus, contributes to the maintenance of expression of genes involved in synaptic plasticity.ConclusionThese results could explain the neuroprotection to MDD that male pups display. The work will contribute to the understanding of the consequences of vitamin starvation on brain development, as well as how the epigenome is affected by one carbon metabolism disruption.
Contour attention network for cerebrovascular segmentation from TOF‐MRA volumetric images
Authors: Yang Chaozhi , Zhang Haiyan , Chi Dianwei , Li Yachuan , Xiao Qian , Bai Yun , Li Zongmin , Li Hongyi , Li Hua 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundCerebrovascular segmentation is a crucial step in the computer‐assisted diagnosis of cerebrovascular pathologies. However, accurate extraction of cerebral vessels from time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF‐MRA) data is still challenging due to the complex topology and slender shape.PurposeThe existing deep learning‐based approaches pay more attention to the skeleton and ignore the contour, which limits the segmentation performance of the cerebrovascular structure. We aim to weight the contour of brain vessels in shallow features when concatenating with deep features. It helps to obtain more accurate cerebrovascular details and narrows the semantic gap between multilevel features.MethodsThis work proposes a novel framework for priority extraction of contours in cerebrovascular structures. We first design a neighborhood‐based algorithm to generate the ground truth of the cerebrovascular contour from original annotations, which can introduce useful shape information for the segmentation network. Moreover, We propose an encoder‐dual decoder‐based contour attention network (CA‐Net), which consists of the dilated asymmetry convolution block (DACB) and the Contour Attention Module (CAM). The ancillary decoder uses the DACB to obtain cerebrovascular contour features under the supervision of contour annotations. The CAM transforms these features into a spatial attention map to increase the weight of the contour voxels in main decoder to better restored the vessel contour details.ResultsThe CA‐Net is thoroughly validated using two publicly available datasets, and the experimental results demonstrate that our network outperforms the competitors for cerebrovascular segmentation. We achieved the average dice similarity coefficient () of 68.15 and 99.92% in natural and synthetic datasets. Our method segments cerebrovascular structures with better completeness.ConclusionsWe propose a new framework containing contour annotation generation and cerebrovascular segmentation network that better captures the tiny vessels and improve vessel connectivity.
The tissue‐specific metabolic effects of the PPARα agonist ciprofibrate in insulin‐resistant male individuals: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover study
Authors: de Wit‐Verheggen Vera H. W. , Vanweert Froukje , Raiko Juho , Liénard Viktor , Schaart Gert , Gemmink Anne , Nascimento Emmani B. M. , Hesselink Matthijs K. C. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Wierts Roel , Joris Peter J. , Haas Joel , Montaigne David , Staels Bart , Phielix Esther , Schrauwen Patrick , Schrauwen‐Hinderling Vera B. , van de Weijer Tineke 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveInsulin resistance is characterized by ectopic fat accumulation leading to cardiac diastolic dysfunction and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment with the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPARα) agonist ciprofibrate has direct effects on cardiac and hepatic metabolism and can improve insulin sensitivity and cardiac function in insulin‐resistant volunteers.MethodsTen insulin‐resistant male volunteers received 100 mg/d of ciprofibrate and placebo for 5 weeks in a randomized double‐blind crossover study. Insulin‐stimulated metabolic rate of glucose (MRgluc) was measured using dynamic 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET). Additionally, cardiac function, whole‐body insulin sensitivity, intrahepatic lipid content, skeletal muscle gene expression, 24‐hour blood pressure, and substrate metabolism were measured.ResultsWhole‐body insulin sensitivity, energy metabolism, and body composition were unchanged after ciprofibrate treatment. Ciprofibrate treatment decreased insulin‐stimulated hepatic MRgluc and increased hepatic lipid content. Myocardial net MRgluc tended to decrease after ciprofibrate treatment, but ciprofibrate treatment had no effect on cardiac function and cardiac energy status. In addition, no changes in PPAR‐related gene expression in muscle were found.ConclusionsCiprofibrate treatment increased hepatic lipid accumulation and lowered MRgluc, without affecting whole‐body insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, parameters of cardiac function or cardiac energy status were not altered upon ciprofibrate treatment.
Public perceptions of an avian reintroduction aiming to connect people with nature
Authors: White Rachel L. , Jones Lizzie P. , Groves Lucy , Hudson Michael A. , Kennerley Rosalind J. , Crowley Sarah L. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Species reintroductions are an increasingly popular conservation tool, typically aiming to achieve direct conservation benefits. Socio‐cultural drivers also exist but have, to date, received very little attention in research and policy.

As a case study, we focus on the recent and ongoing reintroduction of the white stork Ciconia ciconia to England, key drivers of which include connecting people with nature, providing local socio‐economic benefits and inspiring environmental restoration.

We surveyed 3531 people in Britain to establish and explore baseline perceptions toward white storks and their reintroduction, including their cultural salience. Findings were compared and evaluated between (i) self‐selecting and nationally representative samples and (ii) residents living close to release sites versus non‐locals.

In contrast to self‐selecting participants, most of the nationally representative sample had never heard of nor seen a white stork and were unaware of the reintroduction. Attitudes were more positive in the self‐selecting sample and neutral or uncertain in the nationally representative sample. Consequently, to assess views of both engaged communities and wider publics, we recommend reintroductions adopt a similar two‐mode sampling strategy to that used here when undertaking social feasibility assessments/public consultations.

Eighty‐six percent of participants supported the reintroduction overall. Reasons provided for support were diverse, relating to perceived or experienced socio‐cultural benefits and values, general biodiversity enrichment, and moral impetus to restore formerly native species. Criticisms, raised by a minority, related to uncertainty/disagreement about the white stork's formerly native status; rigour of the ecological risk assessment; and a perceived lack of transparency regarding how the project supports conservation efforts.

Given that reintroductions have underexplored potential to (re)establish socio‐cultural relationships between people, wildlife and landscapes, and these are increasingly cited as justifications for reintroductions, we encourage further discussion and research in this area.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Outcomes of fetal reduction versus expectant management in dichorionic triamniotic triplets
Authors: Meng Xinlu , Huang Jiaqi , Yuan Pengbo , Wang Xueju , Shi Xiaoming , Zhao Yangyu , Wei Yuan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the outcomes of dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplets who underwent fetal reduction (FR) to singletons or twins with those managed expectantly.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of DCTA triplets with three living fetuses at 11–14 weeks over a 7‐year period. Pregnancy outcomes were compared following different management strategies.ResultsOf 108 included patients, 22 underwent expectant management (EM), 28 were reduced to dichorionic diamniotic twins, and 58 to singletons. The median gestational age at birth for EM, FR to twins, and singletons was 33.1 weeks, 37.0 weeks, and 38.6 weeks, respectively (P < 0.001). Prematurity before 37 and 34 weeks was less common following FR to singletons and twins than in ongoing triplets (18.9%, 46.2% and 90.5%, P < 0.001; 13.2%, 26.9% and 57.1%, P < 0.001). Neonatal birth weight was higher in triplets reduced to singletons and twins compared with EM cases (3140g, 2315g, and 1860g, P < 0.001). However, rates of miscarriage, pregnancies with ≥1 survivor, maternal complications, and adverse neonatal outcomes were comparable among the three groups.ConclusionsIn our experience, FR in DCTA triplets could reduce prematurity risk compared to EM, but it confers no survival advantage. Fetal reduction to singletons may result in more favorable outcomes than those reduced to dichorionic twins.
Validation of an ICD‐10 case‐finding algorithm for endometrial cancer in US insurance claims
Authors: Djibo Djeneba Audrey , Margulis Andrea V. , McMahill‐Walraven Cheryl N. , Saltus Catherine W. , Shuminski Patricia , Kaye James A. , Johannes Catherine B. , Libertin Mark , Graham Shelli 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the positive predictive value (PPV) of an endometrial cancer case finding algorithm using International Classification of Disease 10th revision Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM) diagnosis codes from US insurance claims for implementation in a planned post‐marketing safety study. Two algorithm variants were evaluated.MethodsProvisional incident endometrial cancer cases were identified from 2016 through 2020 among women aged ≥50 years. One algorithm variant used diagnosis codes for malignant neoplasms of uterine sites (C54.x), excluding C54.2 (malignant neoplasm of myometrium); the other used only C54.1 (malignant neoplasm of endometrium). A random sample of medical records of recent incident provisional cases (2018–2020) was requested for adjudication. Confirmed cases showed biopsy evidence of endometrial cancer, documentation of cancer staging, or hysterectomy following diagnosis. We estimated the PPV of the variants with 95% confidence intervals (CI) excluding cases that had insufficient information.ResultsOf 294 provisional cases adjudicated, 85% were from outpatient settings (n = 249). Mean age at diagnosis was 69.3 years. Among the 294 adjudicated cases (identified with the broader algorithm variant), the same 223 were confirmed endometrial cancer cases by both algorithm variants. The PPV (95% CI) for the broader algorithm variant was 84.2% (79.2% and 88.3%), and for the variant using only C54.1 was 85.8% (80.9% and 89.8%).ConclusionWe developed and validated an algorithm using ICD‐10‐CM diagnosis codes to identify endometrial cancer cases in health insurance claims with a sufficiently high PPV to use in a planned post‐marketing safety study.