bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of serial standing computed tomography for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of a horse with acute myonecrosis of the head
Authors: Boorman S. , Zetterström S. , Hamersky J. , Velloso Álvarez A. , Boone L. , Hanson R. R. , Caldwell F. 
Published: May 2021

SummaryAn 11‐year‐old American Quarter Horse gelding was referred to the JT Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital at Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, for investigation of acute and severe right‐sided facial swelling and nasal discharge. Standing computed tomographic (CT) examination of the head identified severe soft tissue swelling surrounding the right mandible, emphysema within the soft tissues tracking along fascial planes and right‐sided caudal and rostral maxillary sinusitis. Using CT identification and ultrasound guidance, several targeted fasciotomies were created into the right masseter, cranial cervical musculature, supraorbital space and caudo‐medial aspect of the mandible. The right‐sided sinusitis was treated by right conchofrontal sinus trephination and lavage. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures obtained from the fasciotomy sites and conchofrontal sinus both yielded Prevotella intermedia and Peptostreptococcus asaccharolyticus. During hospitalisation, serial, standing CT examinations were performed for monitoring case progression and guiding further fasciotomies in the face of continued myonecrosis. Follow‐up CT performed at 1 month showed resolution of the emphysema and presence of chronic right ventral conchal sinusitis. The sinusitis was treated by fenestration of the right ventral concha with a diode laser via the nasal passage.
Topical cannabis‐based medicines – A novel adjuvant treatment for venous leg ulcers: An open‐label trial
Authors: Maida Vincent , Shi Runjie Bill , Fazzari Francesco Gabriele Tatangelo , Zomparelli Lydia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVenous leg ulcers are highly prevalent lower limb integumentary wounds that remain challenging to heal despite the use of evidence‐based compression therapies. A multitude of adjuvant treatments has been studied but none have demonstrated enough efficacy to gain adoption into treatment guidelines. Global attention on Cannabis‐Based Therapies is increasing and has been driven by quantum scientific advancements in the understanding of the endocannabinoid signalling system. Topical Cannabis‐Based Medicines represent a novel treatment paradigm for venous leg ulcers in terms of promoting wound closure. Fourteen complex patients with sixteen recalcitrant leg ulcers were treated with Topical Cannabis‐Based Medicines in conjunction with compression bandaging, every second day, to both wound bed and peri‐wound tissues. The cohort had a mean age of 75.8 years and was medically complex as reflected by a mean M3 multimorbidity index score of 2.94 and a mean Palliative Performance Scale score of 67.1%. Complete wound closure, defined as being fully epithelialized, was achieved among 11 patients (79%) and 13 wounds (81%) within a median of 34 days. All three remaining patients demonstrated progressive healing trends but were lost to follow‐up. The treatments were well tolerated, and no significant adverse reactions were experienced. The rapid wound closure of previously non‐healing venous leg ulcers among elderly and highly complex patients suggests that Topical Cannabis‐Based Medicines may become effective adjuvants in conjunction with compression therapy. This may also indicate that they may have an even broader role within integumentary and wound management. Therefore, this treatment paradigm warrants being subjected to controlled trials.
Pure mode I and pure mode II fracture resistance of modified hot mix asphalt at low and intermediate temperatures
Authors: Zarei Mohammad , Abdi Kordani Ali , Zahedi Mohsen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAngular cracks are one of the types of cracks in asphalt mixtures that can be created due to the location of coarse aggregates as well as the weakness of the soft asphalt matrix (SAM). In this study, pure mode I was modeled to simulate the fracture behavior of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixture containing angular cracks using the extended finite element method (XFEM). To improve HMA performance, calcium lignosulfonates (CL) additive and polyester fiber (PE), which were both environmentally and economically justifiable, were used. Numerical and experimental results showed that the proposed samples in both pure mode I (angular crack) and pure mode II (vertical crack) were able to model the fracture behavior of HMA; therefore, it can be used as suitable samples to study the pure mode crack deformation of HMA at low and intermediate temperatures. Also, the presence of coarse aggregate in the ligament section of the samples turned out to be an important factor in increasing fracture energy, fracture toughness, and reducing brittleness.
Clinical outcomes of using erythritol powder by means of air polishing with ultrasonic debridement in the treatment of initial periodontal pockets in hand of dental students: A split‐mouth, randomized, comparative, controlled study. Part I
Authors: Albonni Hala , Alseirafi Walaa , Tekleh Hiba , Abo Orabi Feras , Alhaj Mouaaid , Almasri Dima , Hamadh Hussen , Sawaf Hazem 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this trial was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and patient acceptance of using the erythritol powder air polishing with mechanical debridement in non‐surgical periodontal therapy.MethodsThe trial was conducted as a split‐mouth design study of 6 weeks’ duration including 13 patients with gingivitis and stage I periodontitis with grade A. Each patient received ultrasonic debridement and polishing (UD+P) on one side, whereas the contralateral side was treated by erythritol powder air polishing and ultrasonic instrumentation (EPAP+UI) when required. Clinical variables were as follows: papillary bleeding index (PBI), bleeding on probing (BOP), full mouth plaque index (FMPI), calculus index (CI), modified gingival index (MGI), probing pocket depth (PPD), the time needed and rate the pain for each group.ResultsThe FMPI, MGI, CI, PBL and BOP parameters improved significantly for both treatment procedures; however, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups at any of the examinations intervals, except for MGI and CI which showed a significant reduction at 2 weeks compared with baseline. PPD was significantly decreased in EPAP+UI group. Perceived pain intensity was lower for EPAP+UI group than UD+P group without any significant difference during follow‐up periods between the two groups. Seven patients favoured air polishing. The treatment's time was (24.92 ± 9.260 and 34.08 ± 9.106) minutes for the test and control side, respectively.ConclusionThis study generally revealed no significant differences in clinical outcomes between two groups for gingivitis and stage I periodontitis treatment. However, EPAP+UI had higher patient's preference and less time‐consuming compared with UD+P.
Anatomical distribution of basal cell carcinoma in Israel using relative tumor density scores
Authors: Winder Gilad , Kawar Manar , Shalom Avshalom 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundUltraviolet radiation (UVR) is considered a major risk factor for the development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Calculating the relative tumor density (RTD) by adjusting the proportion of BCC lesions relative to the skin surface area at a specific site enables comparison of the proportion of tumors at different anatomical sites and better understanding of the association with sun exposure.ObjectivesTo characterize anatomical distribution of BCC in the Israeli population using RTD score.MethodsA retrospective, cross‐sectional study that includes all histologically confirmed BCC samples obtained from a major national pathological institute, which receives specimens from numerous surgeons throughout Israel, during the first trimester of 2012.ResultsA total of 1,712 skin lesions were diagnosed as BCC during the study period. RTD in the head and neck area was the highest over the body (RTD = 6.6). We found that RTD over the upper arms in males was higher than the proportion of skin surface area (RTD = 1.1). A comparison of RTD values in subsites of the head and neck region indicates that men have higher RTD values for the ears, neck, and scalp than women. However, the nose and eyes areas have female predominance.ConclusionsUsing RTD scores, our study demonstrates the unique UVR exposure pattern in the Mediterranean climate of Israel and supports the notion that UVR is an important risk factor for the development of BCC lesions.
Association between long noncoding RNA taurine‐upregulated gene 1 and microRNA‐377 in vitiligo
Authors: Alhelf Maha , Rashed Laila A. , Ragab Noura , Elmasry Maha F. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundTaurine‐upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) is one of the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that plays a role in melanogenesis. MicroRNA‐377 (miRNA‐377) is a conserved noncoding RNA that regulates angiogenesis and promotes oxidative stress. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are components of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. PPAR‐γ activators stimulate melanogenesis. Interleukin (IL)‐17 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several immunological diseases. This work aimed at detecting the expression levels of lncRNA TUG1, miRNA‐377, PPAR‐γ, and IL‐17 among vitiligo subjects and to investigate their possible role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.MethodsThis study was conducted on 30 healthy controls and 30 vitiligo patients. LncRNA TUG1 and miRNA‐377 were detected in serum by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Also, expressions of PPAR‐γ and IL‐17 were assessed in tissue by real‐time PCR.ResultsLncRNA TUG1 and PPAR‐γ levels were significantly downregulated in the vitiligo group compared with the control group. On the other hand, miRNA‐377 and IL‐17 were significantly upregulated in the vitiligo group compared with the control group.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the dysregulated expressions of lncRNA TUG1 and miRNA‐377 in patients with vitiligo suggesting that both contributed to the pathogenesis of vitiligo that might be through PPAR‐γ downregulation and IL‐17 upregulation.
Experimental evaluation of deep learning method in reticulocyte enumeration in peripheral blood
Authors: Wang Geng , Zhao Tianci , Fang Zhejun , Lian Heqing , Wang Xin , Li Zepeng , Wu Wei , Li Bairui , Zhang Qian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionReticulocytes (RET) are immature red blood cells, and RET enumeration in peripheral blood has important clinical value in diagnosis, treatment efficacy observation, and prognosis of anemic diseases. For RET enumeration, flow cytometric reference method has shown to be more precise than the manual method by light microscopy. However, flow cytometric method generates occasionally spurious RET counts in some situations. The manual method, which is subjective, imprecise, and tedious, currently remains as an accepted reference method. As a result, there is a need for manual method to be more objective, precise, and rapid.Methods40 EDTA‐K2 anticoagulated whole blood samples were randomly selected for the study. 784 microscopic images were taken from blood slides as dataset, and all mature RBCs and RETs in these images were located and labeled by experienced experts. Then, we leverage a Faster R‐CNN deep neural network to train a RET detection model and evaluate the model.ResultsBoth the recall and precision rate of the model are more than 97%, and average analysis time of a single image is 0.21 seconds.ConclusionThe deep learning method shows outstanding performance including high accuracy and fast speed. The experimental results show that the deep learning method holds the potential to act as a rapid computer‐aid method for manual RET enumeration for cytological examiners.
Green‐light laser en bloc resection versus conventional transurethral resection for initial non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fan Jinhai , Wu Kaijie , Zhang Nan , Yang Tao , Liu Nan , Jiang Yumei , Bai Xiaojing , Wang Xinyang , He Dalin 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo compare the safety and outcomes between green‐light laser en bloc resection and transurethral resection of bladder tumor.MethodsA single‐center, randomized controlled trial was carried out from August 2014 to September 2018. Patients with initial non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer were randomized to green‐light laser en bloc resection or transurethral resection of bladder tumor. The primary outcomes were pathological findings and perioperative events. The secondary outcome was tumor recurrence.ResultsA total of 233 patients were randomized to the transurethral resection of bladder tumor group (117 patients) and the green‐light laser en bloc resection group (116 patients). The resection time was longer in the green‐light laser en bloc resection group (P = 0.022); however, no differences were identified in overall operative time (P = 0.255). Nine patients (7.7%) had an obturator nerve reflex during transurethral resection of bladder tumor. The estimated volume of blood loss was significantly lower in the green‐light laser en bloc resection group (P = 0.012). The green‐light laser en bloc resection group had a higher rate of T1 bladder cancer (P = 0.031). A total of 104 patients (89.7%) treated with green‐light laser en bloc resection had detrusor muscle presence in the specimen, whereas 37 (31.9%) patients had the presence of muscularis mucosae, which was significantly higher than the corresponding number of transurethral resection of bladder tumor patients (P = 0.005 and 0.002, respectively). After a median follow‐up period of 48 months, just five patients had tumor recurrence (three in the transurethral resection of bladder tumor group and two in the green‐light laser en bloc resection group), and there was no difference between these two groups.ConclusionsCompared with transurethral resection of bladder tumor, green‐light laser en bloc resection is more effective due to less obturator nerve reflex and the same recurrence rate. Most importantly, green‐light laser en bloc resection can provide better tumor specimens for pathological examinations.
Heterologous expression of a substance which inhibits receptivity and calling in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)
Authors: Kiran T. , Mangala J. N. , Anjana K. , Manjulakumari D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe accessory glands of male moths secrete several proteins, which are known to affect post‐mating behaviour in females such as calling, reduction in receptivity, rate of egg maturation and laying, sperm maintenance and release and formation of mating plug. Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is a polyphagous pest of numerous crops and it is widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent where it causes severe economic losses. In the present study, receptivity‐ and calling‐inhibiting substance (RCIS), a peptide secreted from the accessory glands of male H. armigera, was sequenced, cloned and expressed in a prokaryote, Escherichia coli. RCIS is a peptide comprising 58 amino acids and had a theoretical molecular weight of 6.03 kDa. It showed 64% similarity with pheromonostatic peptide 1, identified in Helicoverpa zea (Kingan et al., 1995) but differed regarding deletion of four and one amino acids at positions 14–17 and 44, respectively, and insertion of one and five amino acids at position 38 and the terminal position of RCIS, respectively. H. armigera females injected with recombinant RCIS showed reduced receptivity and calling behaviour (in 70–80% of the treated individuals), and mating frequencies decreased by 80%. Recombinant RCIS may be employed to artificially induce non‐receptivity in virgin females in order to prevent reproduction.
Role of cancer‐associated fibroblast subpopulations in immune infiltration, as a new means of treatment in cancer
Authors: Mhaidly Rana , Mechta‐Grigoriou Fatima 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe tumor microenvironment (TME) has been identified as one of the driving factors of tumor progression and invasion. Within this microenvironment, cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) have multiple tumor‐promoting functions and play key roles in drug resistance, through multiple mechanisms, including extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, production of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, and modulation of metabolism and angiogenesis. More recently, a growing body of evidence has shown that CAF also modulate immune cell activity and suppress anti‐tumor immune response. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on CAF heterogeneity in terms of identity and functions. Moreover, we analyze how distinct CAF subpopulations differentially interact with immune cells, with a particular focus on T lymphocytes. We address how specific CAF subsets contribute to cancer progression through induction of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Finally, we highlight potential therapeutic strategies for targeting CAF subpopulations in cancer.
Development of a core outcome domain set for clinical research on capillary malformations (the COSCAM project)
Authors: Langbroek G.B. , Wolkerstorfer A. , Horbach S.E.R. , Spuls P.I. , Kelly K.M. , Robertson S.J. , van Raath M.I. , Al‐Niaimi F. , Kono T. , Boixeda P. , Laubach H.J. , Badawi A.M. , Troilius Rubin A. , Haedersdal M. , Manuskiatti W. , van der Horst C.M.A.M. , Ubbink D.T. ,   the COSCAM study group
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundDue to a large variety in treatment outcomes reported in therapeutic trials and lacking patient‐relevant outcomes, it is hard to adequately compare and improve current therapies for patients with capillary malformations (CMs). The Core Outcome Set for Capillary Malformations (COSCAM) project aims to develop a core outcome set (COS) for use in future CM trials, in which we will first develop a core outcome (sub)domain set (CDS). Here, we describe the methods for the development of a CDS and present the results of the first development stage.MethodsThe COSCAM project is carried out according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Skin Core OUtcomes Set INitiative (CS‐COUSIN) and the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative. During the first stage, we identified all potentially relevant outcome subdomains based on a systematic review, two focus group sessions and input from patient representatives of Dutch patient organizations and the COSCAM‐founding group. In stage two, we will present the subdomains in a three‐round e‐Delphi study and online consensus meeting, in which CM patients, parents/caregivers and CM experts worldwide rate the importance of the proposed subdomains, hereby finalizing the core outcome (sub)domains of the CDS.ResultsA total of 67 potential outcome subdomains were included; sixteen were previously used in the literature, 20 were proposed by Dutch patients and their parents/caregivers (n = 13) in focus group sessions and 38 were suggested by the experts of the COSCAM‐founding group. Seven were excluded because of overlap.ConclusionThe final CDS may serve as a minimum standard in future CM trials, thereby facilitating adequate comparison of treatment outcomes. After this CDS development, we will select appropriate outcome measurement instruments to measure the core outcome subdomains.
Development and validation of the Physician's Global Assessment of Fingernail Psoriasis
Authors: Hudgens S. , Rich P. , Geng Z. , Williams D. , Fleischer A. , Ganguli A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSeveral clinician‐rated scoring systems are available to assess nail psoriasis severity, but only one has been partially validated.ObjectiveTo develop and validate the Physician’s Global Assessment of Fingernail Psoriasis (PGA‐F), a new clinician‐rated severity scale.MethodsA literature review, concept elicitation, pilot cognitive debriefing and clinical expert consultations informed the development of the PGA‐F. A multistage mixed‐methods analysis consisted of practising dermatologist cognitive interviews (n = 10) for instrument clarity, relevance and comprehensiveness. Inter‐rater reliability (IRR) of ratings from dermatologists (n = 22) and clinical trial investigators (n = 8) was tested using many‐facet Rasch analysis. Concurrent validity between the PGA‐F and modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) at screening and baseline was assessed along with the degree of discrimination. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for single raters at multiple assessments determined IRR.ResultsThe PGA‐F synthesizes severity ratings across multiple disease features that classify individuals into 1 of 5 levels (clear to severe). Cognitive interviews confirmed content validity: all (n = 10, 100%) participants who agreed clinical criteria were consistent with nail psoriasis; no mismatched severity levels; and training photographs were realistic representations. All PGA‐F items were locally independent and targeted patients along the severity continuum with complementary precision (item fit statistics: < the 1.5 acceptability threshold; exact agreements among the dermatologists [44%] and trial investigators [61.5%] exceeded 40% of acceptability threshold). Clinician reliability exceeded the threshold of acceptability for dermatologists and clinical trial investigators: 0.85 and 0.73, respectively. There was adequate correlation (>0.30) between mNAPSI and PGA‐F at baseline and Week 26 with significant discrimination of severity and monotonic increases in the mNAPSI for each level of categorical severity on the PGA‐F. ICC results for each type of IRR indicate that clinicians were consistent in individual patient ratings.ConclusionThe PGA‐F is a rapid, valid and reliable clinician‐rated severity scale for use in clinical practice and research.
Investigation of functional, textural, and thermal properties of soluble complex of whey protein–xanthan gum hydrogel
Authors: Pilevaran Majid , Tavakolipour Hamid , Naji‐Tabasi Sara , Elhamirad Amir Hossein 
Published: May 2021

AbstractExtensive employment of hydrogels in various industry especially food areas of applications is considered to be of prime importance. The current research is focused on producing a heat‐induced hydrogel consisting of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and different concentrations of xanthan gum (XG) (0, 0.01, 0.3, and 0.6%) to develop the texture and thermal stability of WPC hydrogel. The soluble complex of WPC–XG, which was created in pH 6, was used to fabricate hydrogels. The Fourier transform infrared, scanning electronic microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), X‐ray, swelling index, water‐holding capacity (WHC), porosity, and rheology measurement of hydrogels were investigated. The highest amount of porosity was created in WPC‐0.6% XG hydrogel (88%) (p < .05) and was in agreement with SEM results. The WPC–XG hydrogel, especially at 6% of XG, displayed the utmost power to keep water under the centrifugation process (~50%). Nevertheless, the WPC hydrogel had the lowest WHC rather than other hydrogel mixtures. The presence of XG in hydrogel resulted in less elasticity in comparison with WPC hydrogel. According to the DSC result, the WPC–XG composite hydrogel had more thermal stable hydrogel. As a result, the soluble complex of WPC–XG improved the formation of a three‐dimensional network structures.Practical ApplicationsHydrogels are able to preserve the stability of the functional compounds, allow targeted and controlled release, improve texture, applied as a fat replacement in the food industry. Improvement textural characteristic of natural hydrogels with high thermal stability during food processing is important for use in the food industry. Therefore, the aim of this research is to use a soluble complex of whey protein concentrate–xanthan gum for development elastic and thermal stable hydrogels.