bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidermal necrolysis in the context of immuno‐oncologic medication as well as kinase inhibitors and biologics
Authors: Ziemer Mirjana , Fries Viviane , Paulmann Maren , Mockenhaupt Maja 
Published: June 2022

SummaryBackgroundStevens‐Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are severe, primarily drug‐induced reactions of skin and mucosa. Since they differ in the extent of skin detachment but not in etiology, they are grouped together as epidermal necrolysis (EN). Due to nationwide registration, representative data are available at the German Center for the Documentation of Severe Skin Reactions (dZh). Here, an increasing number of case notifications in the context with new immuno‐oncologic drugs, kinase inhibitors and biologics have been observed.Material and methodsOf 4,150 cases notifications between January 2003 and February 2019, 102 cases with exposure to these drug groups underwent systematic analysis, validation and causality assessment.ResultsTwo cases of EN to vemurafenib were confirmed and one case to afatinib and pembrolizumab, respectively. In 14 EN cases other drugs – predominantly allopurinol or cotrimoxazole – were the causative agent. Fourteen cases were EN‐like reactions: six bullous lichenoid drug eruptions (DE) to pembrolizumab (2), obinutuzumab, nivolumab, rituximab, infliximab/nivolumab, and eight multiforme‐like DE to rituximab (2), adalimumab, ramucirumab, bevacizumab, vemurafenib, sorafenib (2). Lichenoid DE were differentiated from EN through histopathology and by the protracted course of EN, multiforme‐like DE by variable skin manifestations with only sparse epidermolysis or mucosal involvement.ConclusionsA correct diagnosis is highly relevant in terms of prognosis and use of these drugs in malignoma treatment. Re‐exposure is contraindicated in EN, but possible in other DE after rigorous risk‐benefit evaluation.
Die Zecke und ich: Parasiten‐Wirt‐Interaktionen zwischen Zecken und Menschen
Authors: Schön Michael P. 
Published: June 2022

ZusammenfassungZecken, insbesondere Schildzecken (Ixodidae), die zu den bedeutendsten Überträgern gefährlicher Infektionserreger gehören, saugen für längere Zeit an ihren Wirten. Mit dieser Lebensweise haben sich zahlreiche Anpassungen bei Zecken und ihren Wirten entwickelt, deren pharmakologische Bedeutung zunehmend erkannt wird. Viele bioaktive Substanzen im Zeckenspeichel kommen als Grundlagen neuer Medikamente in Frage.So können Komponenten des Zeckenzements zu Gewebeklebern oder Wundverschlüssen entwickelt werden. Analgetisch und antipruritisch wirkende Speichelbestandteile inhibieren Histamin und Bradykinin, andere Zeckenmoleküle binden Opioid‐oder Cannabinoid‐Rezeptoren. Zeckenspeichel hemmt den extrinsischen, den intrinsischen oder den gemeinsamen Schenkel der Blutgerinnung, was Implikationen für die Behandlung verschiedener thromboembolischer Krankheiten hat. Ebenso wirkt er vasodilatierend und beeinflusst die Wundheilung. Das breite Spektrum immunmodulatorischer und ‐suppressiver Wirkungen des Zeckenspeichels, wie die Inhibition vieler Chemokine oder zellulärer Immunreaktionen, könnte zur Entwicklung von Medikamenten gegen Entzündungen bei Autoimmunkrankheiten oder Infektionen beitragen. Durch die Entwicklung moderner Impfstoffe gegen Zecken kann schließlich die Ausbreitung ernster Infektionen eingedämmt werden. Die medizinische Bedeutung der komplexen Interaktionen von Zecken mit ihren Wirten wird zunehmend erkannt und in erste klinische Anwendungen überführt. Anhand ausgewählter Beispiele wird hier ein Überblick über die gegenseitigen Anpassungen von Zecken und Wirten gegeben, wobei der Fokus auf deren Bedeutung für medizinische Entwicklungen liegt.
Glymphatic dysfunction correlates with severity of small vessel disease and cognitive impairment in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Xu Jiajie , Su Ya , Fu Jiayu , Wang Xiaoxiao , Nguchu Benedictor Alexander , Qiu Bensheng , Dong Qiang , Cheng Xin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeCerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is characterized by β‐amyloid deposition in cortical and leptomeningeal arterioles, which might result from glymphatic dysfunction. The aim was to explore glymphatic function in CAA using the non‐invasive diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space method.MethodsSixty‐three patients with CAA were prospectively recruited together with seventy age‐ and sex‐matched normal controls. The Mini‐Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were applied to screen global cognitive status. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were conducted to calculate the index for diffusivity along the perivascular space (ALPS index), and linear regression models were used to assess its relationships with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers, cognitive status and blood biomarkers. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to explore the role of the baseline ALPS index in disease recurrence.ResultsPatients with CAA exhibited a lower ALPS index than controls globally (p < 0.001). In addition, a lower ALPS index was related to more enlarged perivascular space in basal ganglia (p = 0.026), more lacunes (p < 0.001), higher white matter hyperintensity Fazekas score (p = 0.049), elevated total magnetic resonance imaging burden of CSVD (p = 0.034) and lower Mini‐Mental State Examination (p = 0.001) as well as Montreal Cognitive Assessment (p < 0.001) in CAA. During a median follow‐up of 4.1 years, a higher ALPS index was associated with lower disease recurrence (p = 0.022). The ALPS index was also negatively correlated with serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, neurofilament light and chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 in CAA.ConclusionsPatients with CAA showed impaired glymphatic function. The ALPS index was significantly related to CSVD severity, cognitive impairment and disease recurrence in CAA.
Applying space‐for‐time substitution to infer the growth response to climate may lead to overestimation of tree maladaptation: Evidence from the North American White Spruce Network
Authors: Wu Fang , Jiang Yuan , Zhao Shoudong , Wen Yan , Li Wenqing , Kang Muyi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUnder climate change circumstances, increasing studies have reported the temporal instability of tree growth responses to climate, which poses a major challenge to linearly extrapolating past climate and future growth dynamics using tree‐ring data. Space‐for‐time substitution (SFTS) is a potential solution to this problem that is widely used in the dendrochronology field to project past or future temporal growth response trajectories from contemporary spatial patterns. However, the projected accuracy of the SFTS in the climate effects on tree growth remains uncertain. Here, we empirically test the SFTS method by comparing the effect of spatial and temporal climate variations on climate responses of white spruce (Picea glauca), which has a transcontinental range in North America. We first applied a response surface regression model to capture the variations in growth responses along the spatial climate gradients. The results showed that the relationships between growth and June temperature varied along spatial climate gradients in a predictable way. And their relationships varied mainly along with local temperate condition. Then, the projected correlation coefficients between growth and climate using SFTS were compared against the observed. We found that the growth response changes caused by spatial versus temporal climate variations showed opposite trends. Moreover, the projected correlation coefficients using the SFTS were significantly lower than the observed. This finding suggests that applying the SFTS to project the growth response of white spruce might lead to an overestimation of the degree of tree maladaptation in future climate scenarios. And the overestimation is likely to get weaker from Alaska and Yukon Territory in the west to Quebec in the east. Although this is only a case study of the SFTS method for projecting tree growth response, our findings suggest that direct application of the SFTS method may not be applicable to all regions and all tree species.
The long‐term clinical benefits and economic costs associated with increased use of prophylaxis among patients with haemophilia A in China: Population‐based predictions from 2018 to 2033
Authors: He Xiaoning , Wang Xu , Dong Chaohui , Zhao Mingyue , Wu Jing 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimTo predict the long‐term benefits and economic costs of the improvements in haemophilia care in China demonstrated by increasing use of prophylaxis, compared with the current status.MethodsCity‐level predictions from 2018 to 2033 were conducted for five representative cities in China. The long‐term clinical and economic outcomes in the scenario where haemophilia care has significantly improved and the existing scenario of haemophilia care were calculated and compared. The model input data were obtained from local records, expert interviews, published literature, and other sources. Outcome measures including number of bleeds and joint bleeds, number of target joints, disability rate, direct and indirect costs were calculated at the patient and population levels.ResultsThe long‐term predictions for 2033 demonstrated significantly improved bleed control and joint outcomes due to increased use of prophylaxis. The total number of averted bleed events per patient ranged from 3.9 in Shenyang to 16.1 in Zhengzhou in 2033, and the population‐level averted bleed events ranged from 1963 in Xiamen to 14,868 in Zhengzhou. The treatment improvement also leads to significant economic costs driven by increase in clotting factor costs (more than 90%). At the population level, the additional total costs were highest in Zhengzhou (CNY 177.4 million) and lowest in Shenyang (CNY 45.4 million), due to their different population sizes and various existing treatment regimens. The outpatient and hospitalization costs decreased, while the factor costs increased.ConclusionThe long‐term prophylaxis is associated with avoided bleed events and disabilities. The improved treatment regimens are also associated with a significant economic burden, driven by factor costs.
The effect of egg white diet on phosphorus control in dialysis patients
Authors: Azmandian Jalal , Shamspour Najmeh , Alinaghi Langari Tahereh , Talaei Khales Soflaei Behrouz , Alinaghi Langari Ahmad , Ahmadipour Habibeh , Mousavi Maryam , Masoumi Hamed 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionNutritional interventions have been envisaged to improve hyperphosphatemia and malnutrition, two important risk factors associated with mortality in dialysis patients. We evaluated the effects of egg white consumption on serum phosphate and malnutrition in dialysis patients.MethodsIn an open‐label, per protocol clinical trial, conducted in Kerman dialysis centers, 150 hemodialysis patients aged ≥18 years with serum phosphorus ≥5.5 mg/dl were included in the study. All participants limited their intake of foods containing phosphorus for 4 weeks, and then they were divided into a control and an intervention group. The control group continued their ordinary diet and the participants in the intervention group consumed a Telavang egg white pack (containing six egg whites, 96 calories, 24 g protein) as a substitute for meat products 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Finally, changes in serum albumin, phosphorus, calcium, PTH, and cholesterol were measured.FindingsAt the baseline, there were no significant differences in the laboratory variables between the two groups. After 8 weeks, serum cholesterol (124.3 ± 38.1, vs. 135.8 ± 28.8, p = 0.003) and phosphorus levels (4.5 ± 1.03, vs. 6.7 ± 1.5, p = 0.001) were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group. Also, serum albumin (4.5 ± 0.07 vs. 3.7 ± 0.4, p = 0.001) was significantly higher in the intervention group. Moreover, phosphorus, PTH, and cholesterol levels in the intervention group were significantly lower than their baseline values (p = 0.001).ConclusionThe results showed that the egg white could be a useful source of protein for dialysis patients, as it simultaneously reduces serum phosphorus and cholesterol, and increases serum albumin.
Primary impact of simultaneous use of double devices through one‐working channel when performing flexible ureteroscope with ureteral access sheath for single ureteral stone: In bench and retrospective clinical study
Authors: Inoue Takaaki , Hamamoto Shuzo , Okada Shinsuke , Yamamichi Fukashi , Fujita Masaichiro , Tominaga Koki , Fujisawa Masato 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the simultaneous use of two devices versus a single device through a single working channel in flexible ureteroscopy using a ureteral access sheath for single ureteral stones.MethodsIn a bench study, the time to (i) set laser fiber, (ii) exchange laser fiber and nitinol basket through working channel, and (iii) pull out the device from working channel were measured 10 times in each step. In a clinical study, 156 patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy with a ureteral access sheath for a ureteral stone in middle and upper ureter between April 2019 and November 2021 were assessed. One device was used at a time for 79 patients (S‐Group) and two were simultaneously used for 77 (D‐Group). Surgical outcomes and complications were compared.ResultsIn the bench study, the mean time to change from laser fiber to basket and from basket to laser fiber through the working channel were 26.1 ± 3.7 s and 23.6 ± 2.0 s (p = 0.084), respectively, which were significantly longer than the laser setup time (p < 0.001). In the clinical study, although the stone‐free rate was not significantly different between the groups (S‐Group 89.8%, D‐Group 93.5%; p = 0.412), the median operation time was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) and the rate of postoperative stenting was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in the D‐Group. There were no significant between‐group differences in intra‐ and post‐operative complications.ConclusionThe simultaneous use of two devices through a single working channel is safe and could help save the time needed to exchange the laser fiber and nitinol basket.
On the role of metaheuristic optimization in bioinformatics
Authors: Calvet Laura , Benito Sergio , Juan Angel A. , Prados Ferran 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMetaheuristic algorithms are employed to solve complex and large‐scale optimization problems in many different fields, from transportation and smart cities to finance. This paper discusses how metaheuristic algorithms are being applied to solve different optimization problems in the area of bioinformatics. While the text provides references to many optimization problems in the area, it focuses on those that have attracted more interest from the optimization community. Among the problems analyzed, the paper discusses in more detail the molecular docking problem, the protein structure prediction, phylogenetic inference, and different string problems. In addition, references to other relevant optimization problems are also given, including those related to medical imaging or gene selection for classification. From the previous analysis, the paper generates insights on research opportunities for the Operations Research and Computer Science communities in the field of bioinformatics.
Habitat change and its consequences on reef fish specialization in biogeographic transition zones
Authors: Lin Yuting Vicky , Hsiao Wanchien Victoria , Chen Wei‐Jen , Denis Vianney 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimReef fishes are commonly recognized as sentinels of the ongoing tropicalization in biogeographic transition zones between temperate and tropical areas. Despite the reliance of these marine ectotherms on the benthos, the importance of benthic habitat has rarely been considered as a factor constraining fish distribution. Therefore, our study aims at examining the consequences of both temperature and benthic variations on the fish fauna and diagnosing potential sentinels of these environmental changes.LocationTaiwan, West Pacific.TaxonTeleostei (184 species).MethodsWe examined how the partitioning of habitats can influence the specialization of fish fauna along a latitudinal gradient. We diagnosed ‘specialist’ and ‘generalist’ fishes in this partitioning. For each specialist, we further evaluated whether its distribution is constrained by temperature, benthic habitat or both factors combined. The change in sea surface temperature over the last three decades was also monitored.ResultsFish fauna showed the highest specialization when tropical and subtropical partitions of habitat were considered. Fifty‐one tropical specialists, 7 subtropical specialists and 21 possible generalists were identified. Among specialists, 13 species were associated with temperature, 19 with habitat and 26 with both factors. Steady warming occurred across latitudes, but was accentuated in the winter of subtropical habitat.Main ConclusionsOur results suggested that the distribution of some specialist fishes was constrained only by temperature while the distribution of some others also depended on the availability of benthic habitats. Consequently, under global warming, the distribution of some specialists might shift in a manner that follows the movement of isotherms, while the distribution of others might also be conditioned by the poleward shifts of benthos. A temporal mismatch between the emergence of suitable thermal environments and the arrival of some specialists may exist. Therefore, the tropicalization of high‐latitude areas may be characterized by different waves of colonization.
Effects of artificial intelligence‐assisted dental monitoring intervention in patients with periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shen Kang‐Ling , Huang Chiung‐Lin , Lin Ying‐Chun , Du Je‐Kang , Chen Fu‐Li , Kabasawa Yuji , Chen Chih‐Chang , Huang Hsiao‐Ling 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effects of an at‐home artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted dental monitoring application on treatment outcomes in patients with periodontitis.Materials and MethodsParticipants with periodontitis were recruited and randomly assigned to an AI (n = 16), AI and human counselling (AIHC; n = 17), or control (CG; n = 20) group. All participants received non‐surgical periodontal treatment. We employed an AI‐assisted tool called DENTAL MONITORING® (DM) intervention, a new technological AI monitoring product that utilizes smartphone cameras for intra‐oral scanning and assessment. Patients in the AI and AIHC groups received additional (a) DM or (b) DM, respectively, with real‐person counselling over 3 months. Periodontal parameters were collected at baseline and follow‐ups. A mixed‐design model analysed the follow‐up effects over time.ResultsThe AI and AIHC groups, respectively, exhibited greater improvement in probing pocket depth (PPD) (mean diff = −0.9 ± 0.4 and −1.4 ± 0.3, effect size [ES] = 0.76 and 1.98), clinical attachment level (mean diff = −0.8 ± 0.3 and −1.4 ± 0.3, ES = 0.84 and 1.77), and plaque index (mean diff = −0.5 ± 0.2 and − 0.7 ± 0.2, ES = 0.93 and 1.81) at 3‐month follow‐up than the CG did. The AIHC group had a greater reduction in PPD (ES = 0.46) and clinical attachment level (ES = 0.64) at the 3‐month follow‐up compared with the AI group.ConclusionsUsing AI monitoring at home had a positive effect on treatment outcomes for patients with periodontitis. Patients who received AI‐assisted health counselling exhibited better treatment outcomes than did patients who received AI monitoring alone.
The effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on active periodontal therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Van Ravensteijn Myrlon M. , Timmerman Mark F. , Brouwer Ester A. G. , Slot Dagmar Else 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAim“Host modulatory therapy” (HMT) with ω‐3 fatty acids aims at reducing inflammation. With HMT as an adjunct, a better result of periodontal therapy is expected. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis (MA) was to examine the additional effect of ω‐3 fatty acids to non‐surgical periodontal therapy (SRP) on the probing pocket depth (PPD) and the clinical attachment level (CAL).Materials and MethodsMEDLINE‐PubMed and Cochrane‐CENTRAL libraries were searched up to January 2021 for randomized controlled trials in patients with chronic periodontitis, treated with SRP/placebo as controls and SRP/ω‐3 fatty acids as the test group.ResultsThe search identified 173 unique abstracts, and screening resulted in 10 eligible publications. Descriptive analysis showed a significant effect on the PPD and CAL in favour of the groups with ω‐3 fatty acids in the majority of comparisons. MA revealed that adjunctive use of ω‐3 fatty acids to SRP resulted in 0.39 mm more PPD reduction (95% CI: −0.58; −0.21) and 0.41 mm more CAL gain (95% CI: −0.63; −0.19) than SRP alone.ConclusionsIn patients with periodontitis, dietary supplementation with ω‐3 fatty acids as an adjunct to SRP is more effective in reducing the PPD and improving the CAL than SRP alone. If SRP is indicated, the use of ω‐3 fatty acids can be considered for a moderate extra added effect on PPD reduction and CAL gain. The strength of this recommendation is moderate.
Systematic and scoping reviews to assess biological parameters
Authors: Feres Magda , M. Duarte Poliana , Figueiredo Luciene C. , Gonçalves Cristiane , Shibli Jamil , Retamal‐Valdes Belen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionAn evidence synthesis approach compiling biological/laboratory data is effective in advancing health‐related knowledge. However, this approach is still underused in the oral health field.MethodsThis commentary discusses the opportunities and challenges of systematic and scoping reviews of laboratory data in dentistry. Special focus is on the potential of these reviews to elucidate etiological and treatment concepts of oral diseases, such as periodontitis and peri‐implantitis.ResultsThe following difficulties associated with such studies are discussed: (i) selection of ideal study design, (ii) assessment of “risk of bias” and definition of “certainty of evidence”, (iii) evidence assembly and summary, and (iv) the paper review process.DiscussionDespite those challenges, high‐quality reviews integrating laboratory data may generate relevant scientific information and help identify new avenues for future investigations. Experts in different oral health topics should build a process capable of helping researchers assemble and interpret these types of data.
Phylogenetic analysis of Starmerella apis in honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Michalczyk Maria , Sokół Rajmund , Lipczyńska‐Ilczuk Karolina , Bancerz‐Kisiel Agata 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHoney bees are among the most effective pollinators that promote plant reproduction. Bees are highly active in the pollen collection season, which can lead to the transmission of selected pathogens between colonies. The clade Starmerella comprises yeasts that are isolated mainly from bees and their environment. When visiting plants, bees can come into contact with Starmerella spp. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and phylogenetic position of S. apis in bee colonies. Bee colonies were collected from nine apiaries in three regions. Ten colonies were sampled randomly from each apiary, and pooled samples were collected from the central part of the hive in each colony. A total of 90 (100%) bee colonies from nine apiaries were examined. Starmerella apis was detected in 31 (34.44%) samples, but related species were not identified. The 18S rRNA amplicon sequences of S. apis were compatible with the GenBank sequences of Starmerella spp. from India, Japan, Syria, Thailand, and the USA. The amplicon sequences of S. apis were also 99.06% homologous with the sequences deposited in GenBank under accession numbers JX515988 and NG067631.This is the first study to perform a phylogenetic analysis of S. apis in Polish honey bees.