bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a long‐term hypertrophic scar model by injection of anhydrous alcohol: A rabbit model
Authors: Zu Wenxuan , Jiang Banghong , Liu Hongwei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe processes of hypertrophic scar formation are extremely complex, and current animal models have limitations in terms of the complete characterization of lesions. An ideal animal model is indispensable for exploring the complex progression of scar formation to elucidate its pathophysiology and to perform therapeutic testing. This study aimed to establish a long‐term, consistent and easily testable animal model by injecting anhydrous alcohol into the dorsal trunk dermis of rabbits. The rabbits were injected with different amounts of anhydrous alcohol. Anhydrous alcohol was infiltrated into the subcutaneous and superficial fascia. The optimal amount of anhydrous alcohol was determined by measuring the area and thickness of the scar. The typical model was established by determining the optimum dosage, and then we analysed the histological characteristics and fibrosis‐associated protein expression. The dermal scar was generated by treating with 2 ml/kg anhydrous alcohol and displayed histopathologic features that characterize human hypertrophic scarring, including a parallel collagen fibre orientation, dermal and epidermal thickening, broad collagen deposition and the loss of dermal adnexal structures. The expression of fibrotic pan‐markers was also enhanced. Moreover, the scar features and duration were compared between the anhydrous alcohol model and the rabbit ear model. Our results show that injecting anhydrous alcohol in the rabbit model thickened the dermal tissue, stimulated dermal fibroproliferation and resulted in hypertrophic scars with protein and histologic features similar to those seen in humans. Taken together, the findings from this study show that our model could be a feasible and useful tool for further research on the pathogenesis of hypertrophic scars.
Allergic contact dermatitis: a significant environmental and occupational skin disease
Authors: Olusegun Olufunmilayo A. , Martincigh Bice S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis review article seeks to provide an overview of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) as a significant environmental and occupational skin disease, the phases of ACD, its causes from the occupational and environmental perspectives, its detection, the effects of ACD with respect to the social, psychological, occupational, and financial perspectives, and its cure and/or prevention. Human skin is very sensitive and as the largest organ in the body, it is highly prone to direct and indirect contact with the substances from its environment. The skin reacts to these substances (xenobiotics) differently depending on the individual’s tolerance level or threshold. Allergic contact dermatitis is a significant environmental and occupational skin disease that should not be ignored in our society because it can affect the quality of life of an affected individual. There are multiple causes of ACD, and these causes of ACD have been discussed from two perspectives: environmental and occupational. The effects of ACD can be psychological, social, financial, and occupational. There is need for more public enlightenment on the effects of ACD as well as a precise understanding that it is not a contagious disease so as to significantly reduce the psychological and social effects of ACD on these patients.
One‐ versus two‐surgeon active stone retrieval procedures for flexible ureteroscopy: An off‐site simulator comparative study
Authors: Okada Shinsuke , Hamamoto Shuzo , Inoue Takaaki , Minagawa Shingo , Morikawa Hirofumi , Matsuda Tadashi , Miura Hiroyasu ,   the SMART Study Group
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of the one‐surgeon basketing technique compared to the conventional two‐surgeon method for flexible ureteroscopy.MethodsSeven urologists (three trained and four less‐trained surgeons) extracted three renal stones using each technique with an off‐site simulator. We analyzed the task completion time, the number of times the basket forceps were opened and closed, and unexpected events during stone‐catching, for both techniques.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the total task completion time between the one‐surgeon (102.0 [interquartile range 63.5–164.0] s) and two‐surgeon (99.5 [interquartile range 75.0–145.3] s) techniques. However, the time it took the trained surgeons to extract all stones was significantly shorter with the one‐surgeon than with the two‐surgeon technique (19.0 [interquartile range 18.0–20.0] s vs 34.0 [interquartile range 25.0–40.0] s; P = 0.049). Among the less‐trained surgeons, the opposite effect was observed, but this difference was not statistically significant (96.5 [interquartile range 61.0–134.5] s vs 64.0 [interquartile range 51.5–77.0] s; P = 0.489). The number of times the forceps were opened and closed during stone‐catching was significantly lower with the one‐surgeon technique than with the two‐surgeon technique (5.0 [interquartile range 4.0–5.0] times vs 9.0 [interquartile range 6.0–14.5] times; P = 0.018).ConclusionsThe one‐surgeon technique can offer comparable efficacy to the two‐surgeon technique. If surgeons are sufficiently trained, a one‐surgeon basketing technique for performing flexible ureteroscopy might become a new technical modality for extracting renal stones.
BCG‐induced protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection: Evidence, mechanisms, and implications for next‐generation vaccines
Authors: Foster Mitchell , Hill Philip C. , Setiabudiawan Todia Pediatama , Koeken Valerie A. C. M. , Alisjahbana Bachti , van Crevel Reinout 
Published: March 2021

SummaryThe tuberculosis (TB) vaccine Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) was introduced 100 years ago, but as it provides insufficient protection against TB disease, especially in adults, new vaccines are being developed and evaluated. The discovery that BCG protects humans from becoming infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and not just from progressing to TB disease provides justification for considering Mtb infection as an endpoint in vaccine trials. Such trials would require fewer participants than those with disease as an endpoint. In this review, we first define Mtb infection and disease phenotypes that can be used for mechanistic studies and/or endpoints for vaccine trials. Secondly, we review the evidence for BCG‐induced protection against Mtb infection from observational and BCG re‐vaccination studies, and discuss limitations and variation of this protection. Thirdly, we review possible underlying mechanisms for BCG efficacy against Mtb infection, including alternative T cell responses, antibody‐mediated protection, and innate immune mechanisms, with a specific focus on BCG‐induced trained immunity, which involves epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming of innate immune cells. Finally, we discuss the implications for further studies of BCG efficacy against Mtb infection, including for mechanistic research, and their relevance to the design and evaluation of new TB vaccines.
Comparing the socio‐economic implications of the 1918 Spanish flu and the COVID‐19 pandemic in India: A systematic review of literature
Authors: Sharma Aadya , Ghosh Dibyashree , Divekar Neha , Gore Manisha , Gochhait Saikat , Shireshi S.S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe focus of the present study is to compare and assess the socio‐economic implications of the 1918 influenza pandemic and the COVID‐19 pandemic in India. Both pandemics are similar in the nature of their disease and spread, and have had a far‐reaching impact on society and economies worldwide. To achieve their objective, the researchers adopted the method of systematic literature review (SLR). The findings of the review have been categorised in four subsections: comparison of 1918 influenza and COVID‐19 pandemics in a global context; economic consequences of a pandemic in India; social consequences of a pandemic in India; and the pandemic mitigation measures adopted by India. The findings suggest there are similarities in the socio‐economic implications of the two pandemics and also indicate that developing countries face more severe implications of such pandemics as compared to developed countries. The research findings from the review of literature are followed by the recommendations made by the researchers.
Mobile learning applications to improve invertebrate zoology online teaching
Authors: Verdes Aida , Navarro Carlos , Álvarez‐Campos Patricia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe use of new technologies including personal mobile devices has become an indispensable tool in our daily lives, and thus its presence in education is becoming ever more ubiquitous. In the current scenario imposed by the COVID‐19 pandemic, in which in‐person presence in classrooms has been enormously reduced at all educational levels, the use of mobile learning and cutting‐edge methods can greatly improve the way students learn and enhance their online‐learning experience. Mobile applications, combined with extended reality technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are powerful tools that connect real and virtual environments and allow higher interaction for the user. We have leveraged the advantages of mobile learning and extended reality technologies to develop a series of mobile applications and associated educational activities for university‐level courses involving invertebrate zoology field work. In particular, we have developed (a) a VR SCUBA diving video to explore the diversity of a marine protected area; (b) an AR mobile app to visualize 3D models of marine invertebrates; and (c) a mobile‐based catalogue to explore the terrestrial biodiversity of one of the most diverse regions of Spain. Here we provide detailed information describing the design and creation of these tools, as well as their application in class, to facilitate and encourage their use in higher education. Despite the relatively recent application of these technologies in education, they have an enormous potential: they improve student motivation and learning, can be adapted to different learning styles, reduce social inequalities, and facilitate inclusiveness and diversity practices in the classroom.
Of mudsnails, terrapins, and flukes: Use of trematodes as a field‐based project in parasitology research
Authors: Eugene Adriana , Burke Russell L. , Williams Jason D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe present an exercise for counting trematode cysts on mudsnails that can be implemented as a field‐based project in course work by students or by volunteers. The exercise involves the digenetic trematodePleurogonius malaclemys, which infects diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) as its definitive host, and eastern mudsnails (Tritia obsoleta) as its intermediate host. The trematode forms macroscopic metacercarial cysts on the shells and opercula of the mudsnails, and the life cycle is completed when terrapins ingest the intermediate hosts with cysts. Previous research has suggested that quantifying cysts on mudsnails can be a relatively simple method to estimate terrapin population sizes where terrapins co‐occur with mudsnails. Three non‐professional scientist groups (including students and volunteers) were tested in their estimates of prevalence and intensity data compared to verified cyst counts. Prevalence data were relatively accurate (~76–78%) and reliable (68–89%) across the groups. The intensity of cysts (on shells and opercula of mudsnails) were mostly within 12% of the verified counts (total mean intensity of 1.81–2.97 cysts/parasitized mudsnail) but varied significantly in two cases due to false positives (likely due to sand grains or debris scored as cysts) or negatives (likely due to missed cysts behind the operculum). The exercise can be completed as a lab or series of labs in courses, and data from such projects could be used in terrapin conservation efforts, particularly in helping scientists determine where terrapins occur. We discuss modification of the exercise for other trematode species in regions around the world and hope this expands recognition by the public of the important role of parasites in ecosystems.
Structural characterization and magnetic properties of single‐crystalline (La0.6Pr0.4)0.67Ca0.33MnO3 nanowires
Authors: Xia Weiren , Leng Kai , Tang Qingkai , Yang Li , Xie Yuting , Wu Zhiwei , Yi Kang , Zhu Xinhua 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHerein, structural and magnetic properties of single‐crystalline (La0.6Pr0.4)0.67Ca0.33MnO3 nanowires synthesized via a hydrothermal process are reported. The nanowires are crystallized in an orthorhombic structure (Pnma space group). Their lattice parameters follow the relationship a ≈ c ≈ b/√2 These nanowires exhibited a clean and smooth surface with diameters of 60‐120 nm and an average length of approximately 2.0 μm. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the single‐crystalline nature of the nanowires growing along the [100] direction. The nanowires demonstrated magnetic hysteresis loops at low temperatures and a weak exchange bias (EB) effect. Paramagnetic (PM)–ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition occurred at a Curie temperature (TC) of 224 K, and strong irreversibility between zero‐field‐cooled (ZFC) and field‐cooled (FC) magnetization (MZFC and MFC, respectively) curves was observed at 273 K. The MZFC curve exhibited a significantly broad peak with a maximum at a freezing temperature (Tf) of 134 K. Relative difference between MFC and MZFC in the nanowires [(MFC − MZFC)/MFC] rapidly increased below Tf and reached approximately 50% below 35 K. The effective magnetic moment deduced from the Curie constant is larger than the theoretical value, indicating short‐range FM interactions in the nanowires. A positive PM TC (θp) implies dominant FM interactions in the nanowires, and θp > TC observed herein indicates the existence of short‐range ordered states above TC.
Structural origin of thermally induced refractive index changes in Yb3+/Al3+/P5+/F−‐co‐doped silica glass
Authors: Guo Mengting , Wang Shikai , Zhao Tongyao , Shao Chongyun , Feng Suya , Yu Chunlei , Ren Jinjun , Hu Lili 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this work, the relationship among the thermal history, refractive index (RI), and structures of Yb3+/Al3+/P5+/F−‐co‐doped silica glass is studied. We reveal the structural origin of the thermally induced RI change in the Heraeus F300 and Yb3+/Al3+/P5+/F−‐co‐doped silica glasses with different states of thermal history by advanced solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance and Raman scattering techniques, and the effect of the thermal history on the beam quality of Yb3+‐doped large‐mode‐area photonic crystal fiber (LMA PCF). The structural analysis demonstrates that the RI change in the glass is inextricably linked to the change in the AlPO4 domains, coordination number of the Al and Si–O–Si rings. An intimate and direct connection of the thermally induced physical behaviors is developed with the structural pictures of glasses, and the beam quality of the LMA PCF is greatly improved by proper thermal annealing. The results provide a significant reference for the precise manipulation of the numerical aperture of Yb3+‐doped active fiber.
Up‐regulation of circRNA_0068481 promotes right ventricular hypertrophy in PAH patients via regulating miR‐646/miR‐570/miR‐885
Authors: Guo Hong‐mei , Liu Zi‐peng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCircRNA‐0068481 and several miRNAs are important in the pathogenesis of right ventricular hypertrophy (VH), while the inhibition of eye absent transcriptional coactivator and phosphatase 3 (EYA3) was proved to reverse vascular remodelling in rats. In this study, we tried to study the diagnostic value and mechanistic role of circRNA_0068481 in the diagnosis of RVH in PAH patients. qPCR was done to measure circRNA‐0068481, miR‐646, miR‐750, miR‐885 and EYA3 mRNA expression. Luciferase assay was done to explore the regulatory relationship between circRNA‐0068481/EYA3 and the miRNAs. Western blot was done to measure EYA3 expression in AC16 cells. The expression of circRNA‐0068481, miR‐646 and miR‐570 showed a considerable capability to diagnose RVH in PAH patients. The luciferase activity of circRNA‐0068481 was remarkably suppressed by miR‐646, miR‐570 or miR‐885. The luciferase signal of EYA3 was also inhibited by miR‐646, miR‐570 and miR‐885. Up‐regulation of circRNA‐0068481 expression in AC16 significantly decreased miR‐646, miR‐570 and miR‐885 expression, and up‐regulated EYA3 expression, whereas circRNA‐0068481 down‐regulation significantly increased miR‐646, miR‐570 and miR‐885 expression, and repressed EYA3 expression. CircRNA_0068481 sponged several miRNAs including miR‐646, miR‐570 and miR‐885. These miRNAs were all found to target the expression of EYA3 mRNA, which is involved in the onset of right ventricular hypertrophy. Therefore, it can be concluded that the up‐regulation of circRNA_0068481 can predict the diagnosis of right ventricular hypertrophy in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients.
Diet quality and periodontal disease: Results from the oral infections, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance study (ORIGINS)
Authors: DeMayo Francesco , Molinsky Rebecca , Tahir Muna J. , Roy Sumith , Genkinger Jeanine M. , Papapanou Panos N. , Jacobs David R. , Demmer Ryan T. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsThis study examined the cross‐sectional association between diet quality and periodontal disease.Materials and methodsIn the Oral Infections, Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance Study (ORIGINS), 923 individuals completed the National Cancer Institute's validated Diet History Questionnaire 1, from which the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) scores and A Priori Diet Quality Scores (APDQS) were calculated. Mean probing depth (MPD), mean clinical attachment loss (MAL) and % of sites bleeding on probing (%BOP) were derived from full‐mouth periodontal exams. Multivariable adjusted linear and logistic regression models assessed the associations between diet quality and MPD, MAL, %BOP, and the odds of periodontitis (defined via the CDC/AAP classification).ResultsAlternative Healthy Eating Index and APDQS were not associated with MPD, MAL, or periodontitis. While AHEI was also not associated with %BOP, the APDQS was associated with %BOP (p = .03). Higher nut consumption was related to lower MPD (p = .03) and periodontitis odds (p = .03). Higher red meat consumption was associated with higher MPD (p = .01) and %BOP (p = .05). Higher trans‐fatty acid consumption was also associated with increased %BOP (p = .05).ConclusionOverall diet quality scores were not associated with periodontal status. Future studies are necessary to replicate the associations observed in this study to minimize the risk of false discovery.
Home Birth in Rural Zambia: The Role of Intimate Partner Violence and Autonomous Decision‐Making
Authors: Beck Dana , Veliz Philip T. , Munro‐Kramer Michelle , Ngoma Thandiwe , Scott Nancy , Kaiser Jeanette L. , Musonda Gertrude , Lori Jody R. 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionSkilled care is indicated as a measure to prevent the deaths of pregnant women across sub‐Saharan Africa. Despite this, many women continue to give birth at home. There has been little attention as to how the experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) or autonomous decision‐making about place of birth influences home births in rural Zambia. This study explores how markers of sociocultural gender inequities (prevalence of IPV and autonomous decision‐making) correlate with home birth in rural Zambia.MethodsThis secondary analysis uses quantitative data from a baseline household survey with women who had given birth within the past 13 months in rural Zambia. Control variables shown to be significant in the literature were included in the model, and binary logistic regression was used to assess the influence of IPV and autonomous decision‐making on home birth.ResultsThis sample included 2381 women from rural Zambia, of whom 384 reported a home birth within the past 13 months. Women who were autonomously making the decision about where to give birth were more likely to have a home birth (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.729; SE, 0.210; 95% CI, 1.362‐2.194; P < .001). Self‐report of experiencing physical IPV in the past 2 weeks was not significant in predicting home birth (AOR, 0.783; SE, 0.181; 95% CI, 0.496‐1.234; P = .293). Women who self‐identified as Tumbuka or other, were able to afford school fees, had completed secondary education or higher, were married, and had 4 or more antenatal care visits were significantly less likely to report a home birth.DiscussionThis quantitative analysis did not corroborate findings from other research that implicates IPV as a predictor of home birth. Additionally, autonomous decision‐making was not associated with a decrease in home births. Future work should incorporate qualitative or mixed methods strategies to comprehensively explore household‐ and facility‐level interventions to promote facility birth.
Cryptic diversity and significant cophylogenetic signal detected by DNA barcoding the rust fungi (Pucciniaceae) of Cyperaceae–Juncaceae
Authors: Léveillé‐Bourret Étienne , Eggertson Quinn , Hambleton Sarah , Starr Julian R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPlants play important roles as habitat and food for a tremendous diversity of specialist animals and fungi. The disappearance of any plant species can lead to extinction cascades of its associated biota. In consequence, documenting the diversity and specificity of plant‐associated organisms is of high practical relevance in biodiversity conservation. Here, we present the first large‐scale molecular investigation into the diversity, host specificity, and cophylogenetic congruence of an especially rich plant–fungal association, the rust fungi (Pucciniaceae) of Cyperaceae and Juncaceae. Using the largest rust fungi DNA barcoding dataset published to date (252 sequences, 82 taxa), we reject the presence of a global ITS2‐28S barcode gap, but find a local gap in Cyperaceae–Juncaceae rusts, and suggest the existence of many cryptic species in North America, with some broadly circumscribed species possibly corresponding to >10 cryptic species. We test previous hypotheses of correlations between the phylogenies of rust fungi and their Cyperaceae–Juncaceae hosts using a combination of global‐fit and event‐based cophylogenetic methods. A significant cophylogenetic signal is detected between rusts and their hosts, but the small number of cospeciations argues for preferential host jumps as the driving process behind these correlations. In addition, temporal congruence between the origin of major Carex clades and their rusts suggests that host diversification may have promoted parasite diversification. Finally, we discuss the relevance of rust infection patterns to the systematics of Cyperaceae, highlight some taxonomic problems uncovered by the analyses, and call attention to the promise of DNA barcoding for bridging knowledge gaps in poorly studied plant‐associated microorganisms.