bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and long‐term outcomes for parapharyngeal metastases of well‐differentiated thyroid cancer during 131I therapy and follow‐up
Authors: Deng Xian‐Zhao , Shi Ya‐Fei , Shen Chen‐Tian , Song Hong‐Jun , Wang Jian , Fan You‐Ben , Luo Quan‐Yong , Qiu Zhong‐Ling 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveParapharyngeal metastases (PPM) are rarely observed in patients with well‐differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC). Radioiodine (131I) therapy has been the main treatment for metastatic and recurrent DTC after thyroidectomy. This study was performed to evaluate the clinicopathological features and long‐term outcomes associated with survival of patients with PPM at the end of follow‐up.DesignIn total, 14,984 consecutive patients with DTC who underwent 131I therapy after total or near‐total thyroidectomy from 2004 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours v1.1 and logistic regression analysis. The disease status was determined using dynamic risk stratification. Disease‐specific survival (DSS) was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method and a Cox proportional hazards model.PatientsSeventy‐five patients with PPM from WDTC were enroled in this study. Their median age at the initial diagnosis of PPM was 40.2 ± 14.1 years, and the patients comprised 32 men and 43 women (male:female ratio, 1.00:1.34). Of the 75 patients, 43 (57.33%) presented with combined distant metastases. Fifty‐seven (76.00%) patients had 131I avidity and 18 had non‐131I avidity. At the end of follow‐up, 22 (29.33%) patients showed progressive disease. Sixteen of the 75 patients died; of the remaining 59 patients, 6 (8.00%) had an excellent response, 6 (8.00%) had an indeterminate response, 10 (13.33%) had an biochemical incomplete response, and 37 (49.33%) had a structural incomplete response. Multivariate analysis confirmed that age at initial PPM diagnosis, the maximal size of PPM, and 131I avidity had significant effects on progressive disease of PPM lesions (p = .03, p= .02, and p < .01, respectively). The 5‐ and 10‐year DSS rates were 98.49% and 62.10%, respectively. Age of ≥55 years at initial diagnosis of PPM and the presence of concomitant distant metastasis were independently associated with a poor prognosis (p = .03 and p = .04, respectively).ConclusionThe therapeutic effect for PPM was closely associated with 131I avidity, age at initial PPM diagnosis, and maximal size of PPM at the end of follow‐up. Age of ≥55 years at initial diagnosis of PPM and the presence of concomitant distant metastasis were independently associated with poor survival.
Do Retinal Neurons Also Represent Somatosensory Inputs? On Why Neuronal Responses Are Not Sufficient to Determine What Neurons Do
Authors: Elber‐Dorozko Lotem , Loewenstein Yonatan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHow does neuronal activity give rise to cognitive capacities? To address this question, neuroscientists hypothesize about what neurons “represent,” “encode,” or “compute,” and test these hypotheses empirically. This process is similar to the assessment of hypotheses in other fields of science and as such is subject to the same limitations and difficulties that have been discussed at length by philosophers of science. In this paper, we highlight an additional difficulty in the process of empirical assessment of hypotheses that is unique to the cognitive sciences. We argue that, unlike in other scientific fields, comparing hypotheses according to the extent to which they explain or predict empirical data can lead to absurd results. Other considerations, which are perhaps more subjective, must be taken into account. We focus on one such consideration, which is the purposeful function of the neurons as part of a biological system. We believe that progress in neuroscience critically depends on properly addressing this difficulty.
Interleaving Effects in Blindfolded Perceptual Learning Across Various Sensory Modalities
Authors: Abel Roman 
Published: April 2023

AbstractResearch on sequence effects on learning visual categories has shown that interleaving (i.e., studying the categories in a mixed manner) facilitates category induction as compared to blocking (i.e., studying the categories one by one), but learners are unaware of the interleaving effect and prefer blocking. However, little attention has been paid to sequence effects in perceptual learning across further sensory modalities. The present (preregistered) research addresses this shortcoming by using auditory (birdcalls), olfactory (tealeaves), gustatory (ingredient mixtures), and tactile (stones) stimuli across four analog experiments. The number of participants per experiment was determined based on a medium effect size of interleaving. Participants studied six categories (with six exemplars, respectively) either interleaved or blocked. No single experiment showed a significant effect of interleaving. We ran a comprehensive meta‐analysis based on the data from all experiments, which revealed a significant small effect of interleaving, demonstrating its applicability to perceptual learning across all sensory modalities. Learners in the interleaved condition underestimated their classification performance. Overall, learners did not rate interleaving as less effective than blocking, which is at odds with previous studies that consistently demonstrated a metacognitive preference of blocking. Our findings suggest that learners rely less on conventional beliefs about the effectivity of study sequence when dealing with unfamiliar (blindfolded) perceptual learning tasks.
What Flips Attention?
Authors: Cleary Anne M. , Irving Zachary C. , Mills Caitlin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA central feature of our waking mental experience is that our attention naturally toggles back and forth between “external” and “internal” stimuli. In the midst of an externally demanding task, attention can involuntarily shift internally with no clear reason how or why thoughts momentarily shifted inward. In the case of external attention, we are typically exploring and encoding aspects of our external world, whereas internal attention often involves searching for and retrieving potentially relevant information from our memory networks. Cognitive science has traditionally focused on understanding forms of internal and external attention separately, leaving a mystery about what sparks the seemingly automatic shifts between the two. Specifically, what shifts attentional focus from being outward‐directed to being inward‐directed? We present a candidate mechanism: Familiarity‐detection.
Extinction risk patterns in a biodiversity hotspot—The case of Thesium (Santalaceae) in the Greater Cape Floristic Region
Authors: Zhigila Daniel A. , Muasya A. Muthama , Verboom G. Anthony 
Published: April 2023

AbstractEcologically specialized plants are expected to be at greater risk of extinction than generalists due to climate change. Such risk is greatest in biodiversity hotspots such as the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR), which accommodates both ecological specialists and generalists. Thesium L., a genus with the highest number of species in Santalaceae and the most diverse in Africa, offers an appropriate system for evaluating both the correlates of range extent and specialization and the relative extinction risks associated with both. We hypothesized that range size, ecological specialization, and consequent climatically modulated extinction risks are all phylogenetically structured, such that climate change will precipitate a disproportionate loss of phylogenetic diversity in the GCFR Thesium. Past and future species distribution ranges were predicted using MaxEnt models based on present‐day occurrences and environmental conditions. Of the 101 Thesium species modeled, 70% have had large range sizes during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), 50% currently have a large range size, and future conditions are predicted to allow 40% to obtain large range sizes. Between the LGM and the present, 17% of species are thought to have undergone a contraction of available range space in the present time whereas 37% are expected to expand their ranges into the future, while 51% of species will experience range contractions. Of the 65 species currently ranked as Least Concern in the South African Red List, 24% will likely shift into higher extinction risk categories. Interestingly, 8.5% of ecological specialists, although having experienced a range reduction from the LGM to the present, are predicted to persist in the face of future climate change. However, the range extent, ecological specialization, and extinction risk are phylogenetically random and therefore should have a negligible impact on the phylogenetic diversity of the GCFR Thesium.
Venous outflow obstruction in pediatric left lateral segment split liver transplantation
Authors: Pinelli Domenico , Sansotta Naire , Cavallin Francesco , Marra Paolo , Deiro Giacomo , Camagni Stefania , Bonanomi Ezio , Sironi Sandro , Antiga Lorenzo D’ , Colledan Michele 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundVenous outflow obstruction (VOO) is a known cause of graft and patient loss after pediatric liver transplantation (LT). We analyzed the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, management, and outcome of VOO in a large, consecutive series of left lateral segment (LLS) split LT with end‐to‐side triangular venous anastomosis.MethodsWe evaluated data collected in our prospective databases relative to all consecutive pediatric liver transplants performed from January 2006 to December 2021. We included in this study children undergoing LLS split liver transplant with end‐to‐side triangular anastomosis. Diagnosis of VOO was based on clinical suspicion and radiological confirmation.ResultsVOO occurred in 24/279 transplants (8.6%), and it was associated with lower graft weight (p = .04), re‐transplantation (p = .008), and presence of two hepatic veins (p < .0001). In presence of two segmental veins’ orifices, the type of reconstruction (single anastomosis after venoplasty or double anastomosis) was not significantly related to VOO (p = .87). Multivariable analysis indicated VOO as a risk factor for graft lost (hazard ratio 3.21, 95% confidence interval 1.22–8.46; p = .01). Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) was effective in 17/22 (77%) transplants. Surgical anastomosis was redone in one case. Overall six grafts (25%) were lost.ConclusionVOO after LLS split LT with end‐to‐side triangular anastomosis is an unusual but critical complication leading to graft loss in a quarter of cases. The occurrence of VOO was associated with lower graft weight, re‐transplantation, and presence of two hepatic veins. PTA was safe and effective to restore proper venous outflow in most cases.
Treatment options for gastrointestinal bleeding blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome: Systematic review
Authors: Rimondi Alessandro , Sorge Andrea , Murino Alberto , Nandi Nicoletta , Scaramella Lucia , Vecchi Maurizio , Tontini Gian Eugenio , Elli Luca 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesBlue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare challenging cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. We performed a systematic review of case reports and case series on BRBNS to gather information on the treatment options currently available.MethodsAll studies reporting a case of BRBNS in humans were evaluated. Papers were ruled out if CARE criteria and explanations on patient's selection, ascertainment, causality, and reporting were not respected or identified. PROSPERO 2021 CRD 42021286982.ResultsBlue rubber bleb nevus syndrome was treated in 106 cases from 76 reports. 57.5% of the population was under 18 years old, and up to 50% of the cases reported a previous treatment. Clinical success was achieved in 98 patients (92.4%). Three main types of interventions were identified: systemic drug therapy, endoscopy, and surgery. After BRBNS recurrence or previous therapy failure, systemic drug therapy emerged as a preferred second‐line treatment over endoscopy (P = 0.01), but with a higher rate of reported adverse events when compared with surgery and endoscopy (P < 0.001). Endoscopic treatment was associated with a higher number of required sessions to achieve complete eradication when compared with surgery (P < 0.001). No differences between the three main areas were found in the overall follow‐up time (P = 0.19) or in the recurrence rate (P = 0.45).ConclusionEndoscopy, surgery, and systemic drug therapy are feasible treatment options for BRBNS. Systemic drug therapy was the favorite second‐line treatment after endoscopic failure or recurrence of BRBNS, but adverse events were more frequently reported.
Use of metformin and insulin among pregnant women with gestation diabetes in the United Kingdom: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Yu Ya‐Hui , Platt Robert W. , Reynier Pauline , Yu Oriana H. Y. , Filion Kristian B. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimsThe contemporary prescription patterns of antidiabetic drugs following guideline changes recommending metformin as first‐line gestational diabetes (GDM) pharmacotherapy is underexplored. We aimed to examined use of metformin and insulin during pregnancy among women with GDM over 20 years in the United Kingdom.MethodsWe conducted a population‐based cohort study using linked data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, its pregnancy register and Hospital Episode Statistics from 1998 to 2017. We included pregnancies of women without prior diabetes history who received GDM diagnosis or initiated an antidiabetic drug after 20 weeks gestation. Patient‐level and practice‐level characteristics were compared between metformin initiators and insulin initiators. We described trends of initiating metformin as first‐line treatment and described time to initiation of rescue insulin overall, and by body mass index among metformin initiators.ResultsOur cohort included 5633 pregnancies from 5393 women with GDM, of whom 38.9% initiated pharmacotherapy (41% insulin, 59% metformin). Metformin prescriptions (as opposed to insulin) increased substantially, from <5% of pregnancies before 2007 to 42.5% in 2008. Over 85% of pregnancies that were prescribed pharmacotherapy were prescribed metformin as first‐line treatment in 2015. Among metformin initiators, 16% initiated rescue insulin, typically occurring within 40 days of metformin initiation. Choice of GDM pharmacotherapy varied by characteristics, including smoking, obesity, race/ethnicity and general practice regions.ConclusionsMetformin was the most prescribed medication for GDM, with large increases over the past 2 decades. The increasing use of oral‐antidiabetic drugs during pregnancy, consistent with other regions, highlights the need for future studies examining effectiveness and safety of antidiabetic drug use during pregnancy.
Sauna bathing, renal function and chronic kidney disease: Cross‐sectional and longitudinal findings from the KIHD study
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Kauhanen Jussi , Laukkanen Jari A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundIt is uncertain if passive heat therapies are associated with adverse renal outcomes. We sought to evaluate the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of the frequency of sauna bathing with renal function measures and chronic kidney disease (CKD).Materials and MethodsBaseline self‐reported sauna bathing habits were assessed in 2071 men aged 42–61 years with normal kidney function. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum levels of creatinine, potassium (K) and sodium (Na) were measured, with only 11‐year measurements of K and Na 11 years in a random subset of participants due to logistical reasons. Study participants were followed up for CKD diagnosed using KDOQI guidelines, which were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Registry. The associations of frequency of sauna bathing with renal function measures were evaluated using regression analyses. Hazard ratios (HRs; 95% CIs) were estimated for CKD.ResultsThere were no significant changes in baseline levels of estimated GFR, creatinine and Na comparing 4–7 sauna sessions/week versus 1 sauna session/week; there was a slight increase in K .05 mmoL/L (95% CI, .00, .10; p = .033). There were no significant changes in levels of serum K and Na at 11 years. After 25.7 years overall median follow‐up, 188 CKD cases were recorded. Comparing 4–7 sauna sessions/week with 1 sauna session/week, there was no evidence of an association with CKD .84 (95% CI, .46–1.53; p = .56).ConclusionsCross‐sectional and longitudinal observational evidence suggests that frequent sauna bathing is not associated with impaired renal function or the future risk of CKD.
Effects of a past contest on the future winning probability in a hyper‐aggressive fruit fly
Authors: Amino Kai , Matsuo Takashi 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn various animal taxa, prior experience of contests influences the consequences of subsequent contests. A well‐known example is the winner and loser effects, in which winners have a higher winning probability, whereas losers become more likely to lose in the subsequent contests. Previous studies have suggested that the intensity of past contests also affects the future winning probability in two ways: modulating the extent of the winner–loser effect or decreasing the winning probability of both winners and losers. However, the number of studies that investigated the effect of both the contest outcome and intensity has been limited. Here, we analyzed the effect of past fighting experience in a hyper‐aggressive fruit fly Drosophila prolongata to ask (1) whether the winner–loser effect exists in this species and (2) how the contest intensity influences the subsequent winning probability. To disentangle the multiple factors affecting the winning probability, we employed the experimental design involving both body size manipulation and the comparison of different intervals between the two contests. The results did not support the existence of the winner–loser effect: both winners and losers of the first contest showed decreased winning probability in the second contest. With a short interval (2 h), contest intensity negatively influenced the winning probability in winners, though the significance level of its effect was marginally above the statistical threshold. In contrast, contest intensity had no effect in losers. Notably, contest intensity positively correlated with the winning probability after the longer interval (1 d) in both winners and losers, suggesting that it reflects the intrinsic fighting potential of individuals. The possible mechanisms underlying the observed results were discussed. Our study illustrates the transient influence of past contests other than the winner–loser effect.
Fine‐scale spatial genetic structure in a locally abundant native bunchgrass (Achnatherum thurberianum) including distinct lineages revealed within seed transfer zones
Authors: Osuna‐Mascaró Carolina , Agneray Alison C. , Galland Lanie M. , Leger Elizabeth A. , Parchman Thomas L. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAnalyses of the factors shaping genetic variation in widespread plant species are important for understanding the evolutionary history and local adaptation and have applied significance for guiding conservation and restoration decisions. Thurber's needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum) is a widespread, locally abundant grass that inhabits heterogeneous arid environments of western North America and is of restoration significance. It is a common component of shrubland steppe communities in the Great Basin Desert, where drought, fire, and invasive grasses have degraded natural communities. Using a reduced representation sequencing approach, we generated SNP data at 5677 loci across 246 individuals from 17 A. thurberianum populations spanning five previously delineated seed zones from the western Great Basin. Analyses revealed a pronounced population genetic structure, with individuals forming consistent geographical clusters across a variety of population genetic analyses and spatial scales. Low levels of genetic diversity within populations, as well as high population estimates of linkage disequilibrium and relatedness, were consistent with self‐fertilization as a contributor to population differentiation. Variance partitioning and partial redundancy analysis (pRDA) indicated local adaptation to environment as additionally influencing the spatial distribution of genetic variation. The environmental variables driving these results were similar to those implicated in recent genecological work which inferred local adaptation for seed zone delineation. Our analyses also revealed a complex evolutionary history of A. thurberianum in the Great Basin, where previously delineated seed zones contain distantly related populations. Our results indicate evolutionary history, mating system, and differentiation across distinct geographic and environmental scales have shaped genetic variation in A. thurberianum and illustrate how numerous aspects of population genetic variation might require consideration for restoration planning.
Link between obesity and atopic dermatitis: Does obesity predispose to atopic dermatitis, or vice versa?
Authors: Yang Shuyun , Zhu Tingting , Wakefield Joan S. , Mauro Theodora M. , Elias Peter M. , Man Mao‐Qiang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTwo serious health conditions, obesity and atopic dermatitis (AD), share some pathological features such as insulin resistance, leptin resistance and inflammation, and a growing body of evidence suggests a link between obesity and AD. Obesity predisposes an individual to and/or worsens AD, whereas AD increases the risk of obesity. Obesity and AD's interactions are mediated by cytokines, chemokines and immune cells. Obese individuals with AD are more resistant to anti‐inflammatory therapy, while weight loss can alleviate AD. In this review, we summarize the evidence linking AD and obesity. We also discuss the pathogenic role of obesity in AD, and vice versa. Because of the connection between these two conditions, mitigation of one could possibly prevent the development of or alleviate the other condition. Effective management of AD and weight loss can enhance the wellness of individuals with both of these conditions. However, proper clinical studies are warranted to validate this speculation.
Analysis of biomechanical properties of mouse skin dermis through atomic force microscopy: Application to demonstrate a sexual dimorphism
Authors: Prigent Laura , Mercier‐Gouy Perrine , Bovio Simone , Aubert Alexandre , Liot Sophie , Lambert Elise , Valcourt Ulrich 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAn in‐depth understanding of the mechanical properties of the dermis is indispensable to improve wound healing or slow‐down skin ageing. Despite crucial research issues for dermatological and cosmetic industries, very little is known about the mechanical behaviour of the dermis at nanoscale level. This knowledge is relevant not only to human skin but also to mouse skin since this animal model is widely used in basic and preclinical studies for skin biology and health. Here, we describe an original protocol that we developed to specifically measure the mechanical properties of mouse dermis using atomic force microscopy‐based nano‐indentation approach. Using horizontal cryosections (i.e. parallel to the skin surface) performed at different depths through the dermis of dorsal skin, our protocol allowed us to detect nanoscale mechanical changes between female and male dermis samples. We found that the dermis was softer (i) in females than in males and (ii) with depth within the dermis of male mice. We also quantified compositional differences between female and male skin dermis and found that increased extracellular matrix gene expression and type V collagen staining were associated with increased dermal stiffness in male mice, compared with females. Our results demonstrating a sexual dimorphism in the nanomechanical properties and molecular composition of mouse dermis, open the way to better consider sex‐related cutaneous differences to understand skin disease and to stimulate the development of female versus male‐specific products with more appropriate dermatological treatments and cosmetic interventions.