bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Control of cranial ectomesenchyme fate by Nr2f nuclear receptors
Authors: Okeke Chukwuebuka , Paulding David , Riedel Alexa , Paudel Sandhya , Phelan Conrad , Teng Camilla S. , Barske Lindsey 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT
Certain cranial neural crest cells are uniquely endowed with the ability to make skeletal cell types otherwise only derived from mesoderm. As these cells migrate into the pharyngeal arches, they downregulate neural crest specifier genes and upregulate so-called ectomesenchyme genes that are characteristic of skeletal progenitors. Although both external and intrinsic factors have been proposed as triggers of this transition, the details remain obscure. Here, we report the Nr2f nuclear receptors as intrinsic activators of the ectomesenchyme program: zebrafish nr2f5 single and nr2f2;nr2f5 double mutants show marked delays in upregulation of ectomesenchyme genes, such as dlx2a, prrx1a, prrx1b, sox9a, twist1a and fli1a, and in downregulation of sox10, which is normally restricted to early neural crest and non-ectomesenchyme lineages. Mutation of sox10 fully rescued skeletal development in nr2f5 single but not nr2f2;nr2f5 double mutants, but the initial ectomesenchyme delay persisted in both. Sox10 perdurance thus antagonizes the recovery but does not explain the impaired ectomesenchyme transition. Unraveling the mechanisms of Nr2f function will help solve the enduring puzzle of how cranial neural crest cells transition to the skeletal progenitor state.
Finding food in the dark: how trajectories of a gymnotiform fish change with spatial learning
Authors: Mirmiran Camille , Fraser Maia , Maler Leonard 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT
We analyzed the trajectories of freely foraging Gymnotus sp., a pulse-type gymnotiform weakly electric fish, swimming in a dark arena. For each fish, we compared the its initial behavior as it learned the relative location of landmarks and food with its behavior after learning was complete, i.e. after time/distance to locate food had reached a minimal asymptotic level. During initial exploration when the fish did not know the arena layout, trajectories included many sharp angle head turns that occurred at nearly completely random intervals. After spatial learning was complete, head turns became far smoother. Interestingly, the fish still did not take a stereotyped direct route to the food but instead took smooth but variable curved trajectories. We also measured the fish's heading angle error (heading angle – heading angle towards food). After spatial learning, the fish's initial heading angle errors were strongly biased to zero, i.e. the fish mostly turned towards the food. As the fish approached closer to the food, they switched to a random search strategy with a more uniform distribution of heading angle errors.
Magnetic resonance radiomic feature performance in pulmonary nodule classification and impact of segmentation variability on radiomics
Authors: Koo Chi Wan , Kline Timothy L , Yoon Joo Hee , Vercnocke Andrew J , Johnson Mathew P , Suman Garima , Lu Aiming , Larson Nicholas B 
Published: November 2022

Objective: Investigate the performance of multiparametric MRI radiomic features, alone or combined with current standard-of-care methods, for pulmonary nodule classification. Assess the impact of segmentation variability on feature reproducibility and reliability. Methods: Radiomic features were extracted from 74 pulmonary nodules of 68 patients who underwent nodule resection or biopsy after MRI exam. The MRI features were compared with histopathology and conventional quantitative imaging values (maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax] and mean Hounsfield unit [HU]) to determine whether MRI radiomic features can differentiate types of nodules and associate with SUVmax and HU using Wilcoxon rank sum test and linear regression. Diagnostic performance of features and four machine learning (ML) models were evaluated with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) assessed the segmentation variation impact on feature reproducibility and reliability. Results: Elevn diffusion-weighted features distinguished malignant from benign nodules (adjusted p < 0.05, AUC: 0.73–0.81). No features differentiated cancer types. Sixty-seven multiparametric features associated with mean CT HU and 14 correlated with SUVmax. All significant MRI features outperformed traditional imaging parameters (SUVmax, mean HU, apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], T1, T2, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging values) in distinguishing malignant from benign nodules with some achieving statistical significance (p < 0.05). Adding ADC and smoking history improved feature performance. Machine learning models demonstrated strong performance in nodule classification, with extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) having the highest discrimination (AUC = 0.83, CI=[0.727, 0.932]). We found good to excellent inter- and intrareader feature reproducibility and reliability (CCC≥0.80). Conclusion: Eleven MRI radiomic features differentiated malignant from benign lung nodules, outperforming traditional quantitative methods. MRI radiomic ML models demonstrated good nodule classification performances with XGBoost superior to three others. There was good to excellent inter- and intrareader feature reproducibility and reliability. Advances in knowledge: Our study identified MRI radiomic features that successfully differentiated malignant from benign lung nodules and demonstrated high performance of our MR radiomic feature-based ML models for nodule classification. These new findings could help further establish thoracic MRI as a non-invasive and radiation-free alternative to standard practice for pulmonary nodule assessment.
Enhanced CT-based texture analysis and radiomics score for differentiation of pleomorphic adenoma, basal cell adenoma, and Warthin tumor of the parotid gland
Authors: Chen Fangfang , Ge Yaqiong , Li Shuang , Liu Mengqiu , Wu Jiaoyan , Liu Ying 
Published: November 2022

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) radiomics analysis for differentiating pleomorphic adenoma (PA), Warthin tumor (WT), and basal cell adenoma (BCA). Methods: A total of 189 patients with PA (n = 112), WT (n = 53) and BCA (n = 24) were divided into a training set (n = 133) and a test set (n = 56). The radiomics features were extracted from plain CT and contrast-enhanced CT images. After dimensionality reduction, plain CT, multiphase-enhanced CT, integrated radiomics signature models and radiomics score (Rad-score) were established and calculated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was taken for the assessment of the model performance, and then comparison was conducted among these models. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was adopted to assess the clinical benefits of the models. Diagnostic performances including sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the radiologists were evaluated. Results: Seven, nine, fourteen, and fourteen optimal features were used to constructed plain scan, arterial phase, venous phase, and integrated radiomics signature models, respectively. ROC analysis showed these four models were able to differentiate PA from BCA and WT, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of 0.79, 0.90, 0.87, and 0.94 in the training set, and 0.79, 0.89, 0.86, and 0.94 in the test set, respectively. The integrated model had better diagnostic performance than single-phase radiomics model, but it had similar diagnostic performance to that of the radiomics model based on the arterial phase (p > 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the diagnosis of PA were 0.86, 0.46, and 0.70 for the non-subspecialized radiologist and 0.88, 0.77, and 0.84 for the subspecialized radiologist, respectively. Six venous phase parameters were finally selected in differentiating WT from BCA. The predictive effect of the model was favorable, with AUC value of 0.95, sensitivity of 0.96, specificity of 0.83, and accuracy of 0.92. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the diagnosis between WT and BCA were 0.26, 0.87, and 0.45 for the non-subspecialized radiologist and 0.85, 0.58, and 0.77 for the subspecialized radiologist, respectively. Conclusion: The CT-based radiomics analysis showed favorable predictive performance for differentiating PA, WT, and BCA, thus may be helpful in the clinical decision-making.
The effect of the combination of thiotriazoline and corvitin on the values of some parameters of the cellular and humoral immune system during the experimental reproduction of allergic alveolitis under immobilization stress
Authors: Galii-Lutska V. 
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the combination of corvitin and thiotriazoline for the correction of levels of T- and B-lymphocytes, circulating immune complexes (CIC) of the blood of male guinea pigs (GP) if experimental allergic alveolitis (EAA) and immobilization stress (IS) are combined. The study was performed on 50 male GP weighing 180-210 g. EAA was reproduced by the method of O.O. Orekhov, Yu.A. Kyrylov. The production of IS was carried out by the method of P.D. Horizontov. The content of T- and B-lymphocytes in the blood was determined by the method of E.F. Chernushenko, L.S. Kogosova. CIC were detected by the method of Haskova V., Kaslik J., Math J., Matejckava M. The withdrawal from the experiment was carried out by the method of decapitation after previous administration of nalbuphine hydrochloride in the experimental group (EG) of intact GP; in the EG of EAA and IS during the study days corresponding to the stages of development of IS: 1st – anxiety, 14th – resistance, 24th – exhaustion; EG of EAA with IS on the 24th day after pharmacocorrection with the above-mentioned combination of drugs. There was a progressive decrease in the level of T-lymphocytes by 33,47% (p<0,01), 36,23% (p<0,01) and 39,62% (p<0,01), an increase in B-lymphocytes by 27,82% (p<0,01), 131,13% (p<0,01) and 44,37% (p<0,01), an increase in CIC by 41,15 % (p<0,01), 46,62% (p<0,01), and 50,78% (p<0,01) on the 1st, 14th and 24th days respectively, compared to the indicators of the control group under the combination of EAA and IS. An increase in T-lymphocytes by 40% (p<0,01), a decrease in B-lymphocytes by 24,31% (p<0,01), and a decrease in the level of CIC by 26,08% (p<0,01) were observed in the EG using corvitin and tiotriazoline relative to the corresponding indicators of the EG with a combination of EAA and IS without pharmacological interventions on 24th day of the experiment. The results indicate an immunocorrective effect of the combination of corvitin and thiotriazoline which is manifested by activation of the cellular and suppression of the humoral link of immunity of GP exposed to EAA and IS.
Statistically significant improvement in peristomal skin condition due to adhesive breakdown prevention by novel barrier ring with assisted flow
Authors: Quigley Mary , Unnithan Parvathy , Lynch Noreen , Purtill Helen , Buckley Martin , Andrews Emmet , Joyce Myles , Mulcahy Tanya , Duckworth Taylor 
Published: November 2022

Background: The high incidence rate of peristomal skin complications (PSCs) indicates that current ostomy products are not meeting the needs of ostomates. Aims: To assess how switching to a novel barrier ring affects the peristomal skin health of people with an ileostomy and the usability of the novel barrier ring. Methods: Participants (aged ≥18 years) with an ileostomy for 3 months or more wore a novel barrier ring with their typical ostomy appliances for a duration of 4 weeks. The Ostomy Skin Tool (OST) was used by trained nurses to assess skin condition at time T=0 and time T=4 weeks. The participants' experience with using the novel barrier ring was also evaluated, using a questionnaire at time T=4 weeks. Findings: Among 19 participants, switching to the novel barrier ring resulted in a statistically significant improvement in peristomal skin health. The average OST score started at 6.21±3.63 (SD) at time T=0 and decreased to 3.63±3.56 at time T=4 weeks (p<0.001; Cohen's D=1.09). Conclusion: The novel barrier ring assessed shows high potential to improve peristomal skin health, even for patients who already use market-standard seals. High scores were received for usability and comfort, and the potential of the novel barrier ring to reduce leaks and increase longevity of ostomy systems was realised.
The efficacy of St John's wort oil macerates on intractable skin lesions of patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: preliminary results
Authors: Yuksekdag Sema 
Published: November 2022

Objective: St John's wort (SJW, Hypericum perforatum) has a long history of medicinal use, mainly for its antidepressive effects and for wound healing. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical study evaluating the effects of topical SJW oil macerates on the intractable skin lesions of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM). Method: SJW oil massage (twice daily for two minutes) was recommended between 2016 and 2019, only for patients with persistent or intractable skin lesions, after complete regression of granulomatous mass with two cycles of high-dose oral steroid and empiric antibiotics. Skin lesions were assessed and graded, before and after treatment, as clear, mild, moderate and severe. A questionnaire was also completed for each patient at the end of the six-week treatment. Results: A total of 21 patients with persistent IGM lesions used SJW oil after completion of the standard treatment protocol. All patients were women, and the mean age was 36.6 years. Hyperaemia (100%), scaling (61%), induration (52%) and ulcers (28%) were the predominant skin lesions. Distribution of the lesions according to the degree of severity were graded mild, moderate and severe, and seen in 35%, 41% and 23% of the patients, respectively. When compared with pre-treatment scores, there were very significant regressions (clear: 76.4%, mild: 17.6%, moderate: 3.9%, severe: 1.9%; p<0.001 for each). The overall success rate (total clearance or decrease/decline in lesions) of treatment was 94%. Conclusion: SJW oil massage seems to be very effective in patients with IGM-related persistent skin lesions.
Complications related to diabetic foot ulcer and associated social vulnerability factors at a referral centre in Brazil
Authors: Cerqueira Monique Magnavita Borba da Fonseca , Maia Helena Maria Silveira Fraga , Mercês Magno Conceição das , Santos da Natividade Marcio , Almeida Onsli dos Santos , Santana Eduardo Fernandes , Oliveira Beatriz Andrade Mafra , Araújo Marcelo 
Published: November 2022

Objective: To analyse the prevalence and associated social vulnerability factors of complications related to diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) among individuals followed up in a public care centre in Brazil. Method: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with individuals followed up at the diabetic foot service of the State Referral Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology Assistance (CEDEBA) between December 2019 and October 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive analysis and comparison of the prevalence of complications related to DFU were carried out. The factors associated with the outcome variables were verified by hierarchical logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 253 participants in this study, 30.4% had an active ulcer, 57.1% had a previous ulcer and 45.1% had an amputation. Lower limb ulcers were positively associated with male sex (prevalence ratio (PR): 1.22 (1.04–1.43)) and negatively associated with age >60 years (PR: 0.71 (0.61–0.83)), screening for diabetic foot (PR: 0.79 (0.67–0.92)) and the use of public transport to access CEDEBA (PR: 0.82 (0.71–0.96)). On the other hand, amputations were positively associated with male sex (PR: 1.61 (1.23–2.11)) and not working (PR: 3.83 (1.48–9.95)) and negatively associated with age >60 years (PR: 0.57 (0.45–0.74)) and the use of public transport to access CEDEBA (PR: 0.63 (0.49–0.81)). Conclusion: The prevalence of complications was higher than in previous studies, and associated with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Further research should be encouraged to investigate the role that determinants of health play in the course of the disease, contributing to the construction of strategies that incorporate formulations developed in the social and economic spheres to broaden the impact of health actions on the prevention of major diabetic foot complications.
Maggot debridement therapy and complementary wound care: a case series from Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Mustapha Ahmed , Ibrahim Bashir Mohammed , Oyebanji Azeez-Akande , Abubakar Firdausi , Ibrahim Mustapha , Ibrahim Jalo Rabiu , Aminu Aliyu , Akbarzadeh Kamran , Azam Malekian , Sheshe Abdulrahman Abba , Ganiyu Oseni Oyediran , Abubakar Mohammed Kabir , Salisu Waliu Jahula , Kordshouli Razieh Shabani , Adamu Almukhtar Yahuza , Takalmawa Hamisu , Daneji Isa , Aliyu Mansur , Ibrahim Muhammad Getso , Kabuga Auwal Idris , Abdullahi Alhassan Sharrif , Abbas Mohammad Adamu 
Published: November 2022

Objective: Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is an emerging procedure involving the application of sterile maggots of the Dipteran species (commonly Lucilia sericata) to effect debridement, disinfection and promote healing in wounds not responding to antimicrobial therapy. Data on MDT in sub-Saharan Africa (including Nigeria) are scarce. This study aimed to use medicinal grade maggots as a complementary method to debride hard-to-heal necrotic ulcers and thereby promote wound healing. Method: In this descriptive study, we reported on the first group of patients who had MDT at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria. The first instar larvae of Lucilia sericata were applied using the confinement (free-range) maggot therapy dressing method under aseptic conditions. Results: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) grade III–IV constituted more than half of the wounds (53.3%), followed by necrotising fasciitis (30%), and post-traumatic wound infection (10%). Others (6.7%, included pyomyositis, surgical site infection and post traumatic wound infection). The median surface area of the wounds was 56cm 2 . Of the 30 patients, half (50%) had two MDT cycles with a median time of four days. Of the wounds, 22 (73%) were completely debrided using maggots alone while eight (27%) achieved complete debridement together with surgical debridement. Wound culture pre-MDT yielded bacterial growth for all the patients and Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant isolate in 17 wounds (56.7%) while Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes were predominant in five wounds (16.7%) each. Only four (13.3%) wound cultures yielded bacterial growth after MDT, all Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: A good prognosis was achieved post-MDT for various wounds. MDT effectively debrides and significantly disinfects wounds involving different anatomical sites, thus enhancing wound healing and recovery. MDT is recommended in such wounds.
Assessment of factors related to individuals who were never treated during mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in Ambon City, Indonesia
Authors: Titaley Christiana Rialine , Worrell Caitlin M. , Ariawan Iwan , Taihuttu Yuniasih M. J. , de Lima Filda , Naz Sazia F. , Que Bertha J. , Krentel Alison 
Published: November 2022

Background
One challenge to achieving Lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination is the persistent coverage-compliance gap during annual mass drug administration (MDA) and the risk of ongoing transmission among never treated individuals. Our analysis examined factors associated with individuals who were never treated during MDA.

Methods
Data were derived from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in Waihaong and Air Salobar Health Center in 2018 and 2019. We analyzed information from 1915 respondents aged 18 years or above. The study outcome was individuals who self-reported never treatment during any round of MDA. All potential predictors were grouped into socio-demographic, health system, therapy and individual factors. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with never treatment in any year of MDA.

Results
Nearly half (42%) of respondents self-reported they were never treated during any round of MDA. Factors associated with increased odds of never treatment were respondents working in formal sectors (aOR = 1.75, p = 0.040), living in the catchment area of Waihaong Health Center (aOR = 2.33, p = 0.029), and those perceiving the possibility of adverse events after swallowing LF drugs (aOR = 2.86, p<0.001). Respondents reporting difficulty swallowing all the drugs (aOR = 3.12, p<0.001) and having difficulties remembering the time to swallow the drugs (aOR = 1.53, p = 0.049) also had an increased odds of never treatment. The highest odds of never treatment were associated with respondents reporting almost none of their family members took LF drugs (aOR = 3.93, p<0.001). Respondents confident that they knew how to swallow LF drugs had a reduced odds (aOR = 0.26, p<0.001) of never treatment.

Conclusions
Efforts to reassure community members about adverse events, specific instructions on how to take LF drugs, and improving awareness that MDA participation is part of one’s contribution to promoting community health are essential drivers for uptake with LF drugs during MDA.
Bovine tuberculosis in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer): Progression of pathology during infection
Authors: Lakin Hilary Ann , Tavalire Hannah , Sakamoto Kaori , Buss Peter , Miller Michele , Budischak Sarah A. , Raum Kristina , Ezenwa Vanessa O. , Beechler Brianna , Jolles Anna 
Published: November 2022

Background
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a zoonotic disease of global importance endemic in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in sub-Saharan Africa. Zoonotic tuberculosis is a disease of global importance, accounting for over 12,000 deaths annually. Cattle affected with BTB have been proposed as a model for the study of human tuberculosis, more closely resembling the localization and progression of lesions in controlled studies than murine models. If disease in African buffalo progresses similarly to experimentally infected cattle, they may serve as a model, both for human tuberculosis and cattle BTB, in a natural environment.

Methodology/Principal findings
We utilized a herd of African buffalo that were captured, fitted with radio collars, and tested for BTB twice annually during a 4-year-cohort study. At the end of the project, BTB positive buffalo were culled, and necropsies performed. Here we describe the pathologic progression of BTB over time in African buffalo, utilizing gross and histological methods. We found that BTB in buffalo follows a pattern of infection like that seen in experimental studies of cattle. BTB localizes to the lymph nodes of the respiratory tract first, beginning with the retropharyngeal and tracheobronchial lymph nodes, gradually increasing in lymph nodes affected over time. At 36 months, rate of spread to additional lymph nodes sharply increases. The lung lesions follow a similar pattern, progressing slowly, then accelerating their progression at 36 months post infection. Lastly, a genetic marker that correlated to risk of M. bovis infection in previous studies was marginally associated with BTB progression. Buffalo with at least one risk allele at this locus tended to progress faster, with more lung necrosis.

Conclusions/Significance
The progression of disease in the African buffalo mirrors the progression found in experimental cattle models, offering insight into BTB and the interaction with its host in the context of naturally varying environments, host, and pathogen populations.