bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the pipeline: Perceived barriers to applying to dental school among pipeline program alumni
Authors: Burns Lorel E. , Pezzullo Cheryline , Amable Rose J. , Mayorga Lenny , Mejia Eugenia E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurpose/ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to increase the understanding of perceived barriers to applying to dental school experienced by underrepresented minority (URM), pipeline program alumni.MethodsA qualitative study of alumni of New York University College of Dentistry pipeline programs, aimed at increasing the number of URM and low‐income students in the dental profession, was conducted in 2020. Focus groups were convened to examine perceived barriers to applying to dental school and identified through a combination inductive and deductive thematic analysis.ResultsTwenty‐three pipeline program alumni, ranging in age from 18 to 30 years old, participated in focus groups held between January and April 2020. All students identified as underrepresented minorities and 78% were first generation college students. Fifteen (65%) of the participants had not yet applied to dental school. Eight participants (35%) had applied to dental school, 3 (13%) were currently enrolled in dental school, and 5 (22%) were matriculating into dental school in Fall 2020. The following themes emerged as the most prominent challenges to applying to dental school: pre‐health advisors (e.g., lack of knowledge about the pre‐dental process and discouragement), and the cost of the application process (e.g., application fees, DAT and DAT preparation course costs, and interview costs).ConclusionThrough pre‐dental pipeline programs, participants have access to informational resources and mentorship; however, despite participation in these programs, perceived barriers are still prevalent. Identification of the alumni's perceived barriers offer targeted areas where increased intervention may be helpful to reduce challenges and strengthen the pipeline.
Green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using Acorus calamus extract and their antibiofilm activity against bacterial pathogens
Authors: Altaf Mohammad , Manoharadas Salim , Zeyad Mohammad Tarique 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe emergence of multidrug resistance in bacterial pathogens has increased drastically and it has become prevalent in clinical infections. In last few decades, there is a large gap in the discovery of new antibiotics with novel mode of action. The situation of antimicrobial resistance has become so alarming that if not action is taken, infectious diseases will become major cause of global mortality and morbidity by 2050. The growing interest of researchers in nanotechnology and their possible application in healthcare is being seen as a new hope in discovery of novel antimicrobial agents. Among various approaches employed for the nanoparticle synthesis, biological methods are considered more advantageous and environment friendly. Biofilms are considered as novel target for the development of new antimicrobial entities. In this study, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2‐NPs) were synthesized using Acorus calamus aqueous extract and tested for the antibiofilm activity both against Gram +ve and Gram −ve bacteria. The average size of synthesized CeO2‐NPs was found to be 22.03 nm. The biofilms of the test bacteria were inhibited by more than 75% by the treatment with CeO2‐NPs. The quantitative biofilm data were further verified by light microscopy, electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy. The confocal and electron microscopic analysis confirmed that treatment with CeO2‐NPs reduced the development and colonization of the bacteria on solid support. Moreover, it was found that the colonization and biofilm development by test bacteria were fairly reduced on the glass surface. Moreover, a dose‐dependent inhibition of preformed biofilms was also found. The exopolysaccharides (EPS) production by the test bacteria were substantially reduced by the supplementation of CeO2‐NPs in culture media. The findings of this study highlight the efficacy of cerium oxide nanoparticles against bacterial pathogens that may be exploited for the development of new alternative antimicrobial agent.
The Nomogram of MRI‐based Radiomics with Complementary Visual Features by Machine Learning Improves Stratification of Glioblastoma Patients: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Xu Yuyun , He Xiaodong , Li Yumei , Pang Peipei , Shu Zhenyu , Gong Xiangyang 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundGlioblastomas (GBMs) represent both the most common and the most highly malignant primary brain tumors. The subjective visual imaging features from MRI make it challenging to predict the overall survival (OS) of GBM. Radiomics can quantify image features objectively as an emerging technique. A pragmatic and objective method in the clinic to assess OS is strongly in need.PurposeTo construct a radiomics nomogram to stratify GBM patients into long‐ vs. short‐term survival.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationOne‐hundred and fifty‐eight GBM patients from Brain Tumor Segmentation Challenge 2018 (BRATS2018) were for model construction and 32 GBM patients from the local hospital for external validation.Field Strength/Sequence1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI Scanners, T1WI, T2WI, T2FLAIR, and contrast‐enhanced T1WI sequencesAssessmentAll patients were divided into long‐term or short‐term based on a survival of greater or fewer than 12 months. All BRATS2018 subjects were divided into training and test sets, and images were assessed for ependymal and pia mater involvement (EPI) and multifocality by three experienced neuroradiologists. All tumor tissues from multiparametric MRI were fully automatically segmented into three subregions to calculate the radiomic features. Based on the training set, the most powerful radiomic features were selected to constitute radiomic signature.Statistical TestsReceiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test.ResultsThe nomogram had a survival prediction accuracy of 0.878 and 0.875, a specificity of 0.875 and 0.583, and a sensitivity of 0.704 and 0.833, respectively, in the training and test set. The ROC curve showed the accuracy of the nomogram, radiomic signature, age, and EPI for external validation set were 0.858, 0.826, 0.664, and 0.66 in the validate set, respectively.Data ConclusionRadiomics nomogram integrated with radiomic signature, EPI, and age was found to be robust for the stratification of GBM patients into long‐ vs. short‐term survival.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage2
Being pregnant in the COVID‐19 pandemic: Effects on the placenta in all aspects
Authors: Seymen C. Merve 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), which had spread to the world from Wuhan (China) in late December, was announced as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. In addition to acute respiratory syndrome symptoms, this virus also affects nonrespiratory organs, according to existing data. ACE2 and TMPRSS2, which play a critical role in the entrance of SARS‐COV‐2 into the cell, are coexpressed in placental development stages, so the placenta also carries a risk for this virus. Many studies have shown that this virus causes some histopathological changes in the placenta. The vertical transmission of the virus is not yet clear, but available data have shown that the indirect effects of the virus can be seen on the fetus. This article focuses on revealing the effects of the virus on the placenta in all aspects.
Development of a gel permeation chromatography method for analysing cellulose nitrate in museums
Authors: Kavda Stefani , Micheluz Anna , Elsässer Christina , Pamplona Marisa 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article describes the development of a suitable Gel Permeation Chromatography method for cellulose nitrate plasticised with camphor (celluloid) found in cultural heritage. Current sample preparation and dissolution methods, apart from focusing on native, nonderivatised cellulose, require long preparation times, and often employ solvents that induce degradation. This study aims to develop a systematic method for sample preparation of cellulose nitrate that uses the least sample amount possible, is nondegrading, and can be applied on differently aged samples. This is investigated through identification of a suitable solvent system and a statistically designed experiment testing the critical variables affecting the analysis, namely sample condition, sample, and salt concentration (lithium chloride) in N,N‐dimethylacetamide. The use of 0.1% sample was inadequate for analysis because it did not fully dissolve in any salt concentration, while the 0.3% negatively impacted the analysis with its high molecular weight distributions. The 0.2% cellulose nitrate in a solution of 0.5% lithium chloride in N,N‐dimethylacetamide offered the most consistent and repeatable molecular weight data. This method miniaturised the sample as much as possible and is suitable for museum objects in various ageing conditions.
A 4‐year follow‐up study of hearing acuity in a large population‐based cohort of children and adolescents
Authors: Paping Danique E. , Vroegop Jantien L. , le Clercq Carlijn M. P. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , van der Schroeff Marc P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of hearing loss among 13 year old adolescents, and to examine the change in prevalence between ages 9 and 13 years.MethodsThis study was embedded within Generation R, a population‐based prospective cohort study from fetal life onwards in the Netherlands. Pure‐tone thresholds were obtained at 0.5 to 8 kHz, and tympanometry was performed. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was defined as a low‐frequency and/or high‐frequency pure‐tone average of more than 15 dB HL in one of both ears. Audiometric signs suggestive of noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL) included the presence of a notch and/or high‐frequency hearing loss. The study was conducted from April 2012 to October 2015, and April 2016 to September 2019.ResultsA total of 4572 adolescents with a mean age of 13 years and 7 months (SD, 5 months) were included, of whom 2334 (51.0%) were girls. Within the cohort, 6.4% (95% CI, 5.7%‐7.2%) were estimated to have SNHL, and 12.4% (95% CI, 11.5%‐13.4%) met the criteria of NIHL. In total, 3675 participants were included in the longitudinal analysis. The prevalence of SNHL decreased from 8.0% to 5.3% between ages 9 and 13 years (P < .001). The prevalence of NIHL increased from 9.8% to 11.7% (P = .004), due to an increase in number of participants with a notch.ConclusionsThe prevalence of SNHL significantly decreased by 2.7% (95% CI, 1.6%‐3.9%) between ages 9 and 13 years, probably due to a change in alertness during assessment at the age of 13 years. Other possible explanations include the presence of selection bias or a decline in prevalence of conductive hearing loss. The number of participants with audiometric signs suggestive of NIHL increased by 1.9% (95% CI, 0.5%‐3.3%).Level of EvidenceLevel 3.
Enhanced Uptake of Processed Bovine β‐Lactoglobulin by Antigen Presenting Cells: Identification of Receptors and Implications for Allergenicity
Authors: Teodorowicz Malgorzata , Zenker Hannah E. , Ewaz Arifa , Tsallis Theodoros , Mauser Andreas , Gensberger‐Reigl Sabrina , de Jong Nicolette W. , Hettinga Kasper A. , Wichers Harry J. , van Neerven R. J. Joost , Savelkoul Huub F. J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractScopeβ‐lactoglobulin (BLG) is a major cow milk allergen encountered by the immune system of infants fed with milk‐based formulas. To determine the effect of processing on immunogenicity of BLG, this article characterized how heated and glycated BLG are recognized and internalized by APCs. Also, the effect of heat‐induced structural changes as well as gastrointestinal digestion on immunogenicity of BLG is evaluated.Methods and resultsThe binding and uptake of BLG from raw cow milk and heated either alone (BLG‐H) or with lactose/glucose (BLG‐Lac and BLG‐Glu) to the receptors present on APCs are analyzed by ELISA and cell‐binding assays. Heated and glycated BLG is internalized via galectin‐3 (Gal‐3)and scavenger receptors (CD36 and SR‐AI) while binding to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (R AGE) does not cause internalization. Receptor affinity of BLG is dependent on increased hydrophobicity, β‐sheet exposure and aggregation. Digested glycated BLG maintained binding to sRAGE and Gal‐3 but not to CD36 and SR‐AI, and is detected on the surface of APCs. This suggests a mechanism via which digested glycated BLG may trigger innate (via RAGE) and adaptive immunity (via Gal‐3).ConclusionsThis study defines structural characteristics of heated and glycated BLG determining its interaction with APCs via specific receptors thus revealing enhanced immunogenicity of glycated versus heated BLG.
Ultrashort pulse generation from binary temporal phase modulation
Authors: Sheveleva Anastasiia , Finot Christophe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe propose and numerically validate an all‐optical scheme to generate a train of optical pulses. Modulation of a continuous wave with a periodic binary temporal phase pattern followed by a spectral phase shaping enables us to obtain ultrashort pulse trains. An ideal step phase profile as well as a profile arisen from a bandwidth‐limited device is investigated. Analytical guidelines describing pulse train formation and their characteristics are provided. Pulses with a duration of a few picoseconds at a repetition rate of 10 GHz can be expected for realistic experimental conditions.
Piezoelectric energy harvesting for self‐powered wearable upper limb applications
Authors: Liu Yuchi , Khanbareh Hamideh , Halim Miah Abdul , Feeney Andrew , Zhang Xiaosheng , Heidari Hadi , Ghannam Rami 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWearable devices can be used for monitoring vital physical and physiological signs remotely, as well as for interacting with computers. Widespread adoption of wearables is somewhat hindered by the duration time they can be used without re‐recharging. To ensure uninterrupted operation, these devices need a constant and battery‐less energy supply. Scavenging energy from the wearable's surroundings is, therefore, an essential step towards achieving genuinely autonomous and self‐powered devices. While energy harvesting technologies may not completely eliminate the battery storage unit, they can ensure a maximum duration of use. Piezoelectric energy harvesting is a promising and efficient technique to generate electricity for powering wearable devices in response to body movements. Consequently, we systematically survey the range of technologies used for scavenging energy from the human body, with a particular focus on the upper‐limb area. According to our review and in comparison to other upper limb locations, highest power densities can be achieved from piezoelectric transducers located on the wrist. For short and fast battery charging needs, we therefore review the range of materials, architectures and devices used to scavenge energy from these upper‐limb areas. We provide comparisons as well as recommendations and possible future directions for harvesting energy using this promising technique.
Porous silicon derived from 130 nm Stöber silica as lithium‐ion battery anode
Authors: Zuo Xiuxia , Cheng Ya‐Jun , Zhu Jin , Gao Jie , Xia Yonggao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMicro‐sized porous silicon‐based anode materials gain much interest due to good cycling stability, high rate performance, reasonable tap density and low processing cost. Self‐templating process is developed to construct micro‐sized macro‐/mesoporous silicon through magnesiothermic reduction of Stöber silica. The size of the silica particles plays a vital role in the structure control of the porous silicon. In this work, silica particles with a diameter of 130 nm are used as templates to guide the synthesis of micro‐sized macro‐/mesoporous silicon. The magnesiothermic reduction temperature is varied in a systematic way to reveal the self‐templating mechanism comprehensively. It is found that the silica particles with small diameter of 130 nm still exercise the self‐templating effect during the magnesiothermic reduction process in the temperature range of 700 to 900°C. Based on the experimental results, the structure‐property correlation of the porous silicon anode is unveiled. Improved electrochemical performance is demonstrated by the porous silicon compared to the commercial nano‐sized silicon.
People, nature and large herbivores in a shared landscape: A mixed‐method study of the ecological and social outcomes from agriculture and conservation
Authors: Balfour Nicholas J. , Durrant Rachael , Ely Adrian , Sandom Christopher J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

In this exploratory study, we employ an interdisciplinary approach to explore potential synergies and trade‐offs between the needs of people and nature in the context of agroecological farming and nature conservation.

Ecological field studies and management surveys from six sites were combined with a participatory‐deliberative appraisal exercise using the Multi‐Criteria Mapping (MCM) method. All six study sites and all four land use options in the appraisal were characterised by the use of large herbivores for agricultural and/or conservation purposes, to varying degrees, and were located in South‐East England.

MCM participants identified habitat and species diversity, soil health, food production, provision of education and recreational access, as the principal benefits associated with successful management of such sites. Taken overall, their appraisals indicated that a combination of land uses may be best suited to delivering these diverse benefits, but with agroecological (While organic and biodynamic agriculture are subject to legal definition, agroecology offers a more flexible approach and can be viewed as ‘a development pathway from input‐intensive industrial systems through to highly sustainable, ecological systems’—see Laughton, R. (2017) ‘A Matter of Scale’, Land Workers Alliance and Centre for Agroecology, Coventry University) farming being perceived as a particularly effective multi‐purpose option.

Five of the six sites were used for recreational purposes, and in total we recorded five times more humans than wild mammals. Ecological data from the sites indicated that the most conservation‐oriented sites performed best in terms of species richness and activity (birds, mammals, bats and invertebrates) and number of species of conservation concern. However, beta diversity metrics indicated important variation in the species assemblages recorded within and between sites. Whereas both agroecological farms in our study produced the greatest weight of saleable meat per unit area, the site that produced the most meat also demonstrated consistently strong performance across many biodiversity metrics.

Overall, expert perspectives and the performance of our study sites suggests that combinations of diverse approaches to the management of large herbivores, within a ‘wildlife‐friendly’ envelope, are consistent with providing for the diverse needs of people and nature within shared landscapes.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Real‐world case series and summary of current literature of infants and toddlers with severe hemophilia A with inhibitor on prophylaxis with emicizumab
Authors: Garcia Jessica , Zia Ayesha 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEmicizumab is a recombinant, humanized, and a bispecific monoclonal antibody that bridges activated factor (F) IX and FX in place of FVIII to restore hemostasis in persons with hemophilia A (PHA). Data on the efficacy and safety of emicizumab in young children is limited. Immunologic naivety, physiologically decreased production of vitamin K dependent proteins, specifically FIX, and enhanced clearance of emicizumab in infants may support decreased emicizumab effectiveness. We report on the facilitation of care rendered by using emicizumab in young PHA with inhibitors and extend data on the efficacy and safety in PHA < 3 years.
A comparison of decision and timing of safety related labeling changes for new drugs approved both in Japan and the United States
Authors: Hoshino Yuko , Narukawa Mamoru 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeIt is important to make the most up‐to‐date drug safety information available to the public in a timely manner so that health care professionals and patients can consider the information. The aim of the present study was to investigate the consistency and simultaneity of safety related updates in product labeling in Japan and the United States.MethodsNew safety label changes that were made for new drugs approved concurrently both in Japan and the United States in the recent 5 years were identified and reviewed for concordance and time lag analysis. Factors associated with the time lag were also investigated.ResultsDespite similar medical practices, population health and regulation in the countries, a low level of concordance (40/115, 34.8%) in the decision of labeling change was found in 31 new active substances. Only 3/40 (7.5%) of the concordant changes were made simultaneously. Labeling change orders issued by regulators and domestic postmarketing adverse event reports were associated with a significant difference in the timing of labeling change between the countries.ConclusionsWe found a low level of concordance between regulators in the decision of labeling changes and the timeliness of the changes. The low concordance and time lag highlighted the need for further international collaboration between regulators and industry and greater transparency in the decision‐making process for the label change.
Mouse model of Alzheimer's disease demonstrates differential effects of early disease pathology on various brain regions
Authors: Deng Liting , Gupta Vivek K. , Wu Yunqi , Pushpitha Kanishka , Chitranshi Nitin , Gupta Veer B. , Fitzhenry Matthew J. , Moghaddam Masoud Zabet , Karl Tim , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini , Graham Stuart L. , Haynes Paul A. , Mirzaei Mehdi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDifferent parts of the brain are affected distinctively in various stages of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Identifying the biochemical changes in specific brain regions is key to comprehend the neuropathological mechanisms in early pre‐symptomatic phases of AD. Quantitative proteomics profiling of four distinct areas of the brain of young APP/PS1 mouse model of AD was performed followed by biochemical pathway enrichment analysis. Findings revealed fundamental compositional and functional shifts even in the early stages of the disease. This novel study highlights unique proteome and biochemical pathway alterations in specific regions of the brain that underlie the early stages of AD pathology and will provide a framework for future longitudinal studies. The proteomics data were deposited into the ProteomeXchange Consortium via PRIDE with the identifier PXD019192.