bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Melinex film for flat embedding tissue sections in LR White
Authors: von Ruhland C. J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTissue slices can undergo distortions during processing into resin for light and electron microscopy as a result of differential shrinkage of the various tissue components, and this may necessitate removal of a considerable amount of material from the final resin‐embedded tissue block to ensure production of complete sections of the sample. To mitigate this problem, a number of techniques have been devised that ensure the sample is held flat during the final curing/polymerisation of the resin. For embedding in acrylic resins, oxygen must be excluded as it inhibits polymerisation, and methods devised for epoxy resin embedding are generally unsuitable. The method describes the preparation and use of air‐tight flat‐embedding chambers prepared from Melinex film and provides an inexpensive, technically simpler, and versatile alternative to chambers formed from either Thermanox coverslips or Aclar films that have previously been advocated for such purposes.Lay description: Tissue slices can undergo distortions during processing into resin for light and electron microscopy as a result of differential shrinkage of the various tissue components. Such distortions may necessitate removal of a considerable amount of material to ensure production of complete sections of the sample. For embedding in acrylic resins, oxygen must be excluded as it inhibits polymerisation, and methods devised for epoxy resin flat‐embedding are generally unsuitable. Air‐tight flat‐embedding chambers prepared from either Thermanox coverslips, or a combination of PTFE‐coated glass slides, polycarbonate film gaskets, and Aclar film have been advocated for such purposes. Thermanox coverslips are expensive and limited in size to 22 mm × 60 mm, and the alternative method is technically complicated. Melinex film is commercially available as 210 mm × 297 mm sheets and is approximately 1/20th the price of Thermanox and less than half the price of Aclar film. The method describes the preparation and use of embedding chambers made from Melinex film, glass slides and double‐sided adhesive tape as a technically simpler, inexpensive and versatile alternative to both Thermanox coverslips and the Aclar film method.
Navigating Laser Treatments for Scars: The Physical and Emotional Journey
Authors: Haykal Diala , Cartier Hugues , Boixeda Pablo 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe physical and emotional burden that scars impose on people's lives has been the concern of dermatological research for quite some time. Usually, the available literature on the topic draws a grim image containing solely dry medical facts. The present study deviates from this approach by reflecting a solution‐centered study which has also touched on the quotidian life of an average person. The overall intention of the present experiment was to inspect how a holistic approach to scars in dermatology can be crucial for the patient's quality of life.MethodsThis pilot study compiles data collected through the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) from the same set of patients within the span of a year. Sixty patients with diverse scar profiles were asked to rate POSAS and DLQI in every session. A combination of EBDs was used based on the scar examination. Student's t‐test was run to validate the data.ResultsThe evaluations by POSAS and DLQI indicate significant improvement in the physical aspect of the scar as well as the patient quality of life a year after the first treatment. According to mean values collected from POSAS, there is a direct correlation between average patient evaluations and physician assessments. Thus, EBDs prove to be efficient in improving the QoL of scar patient. The 20 patients who had reported mild side effects after treatments recovered fully within a few days after the sessions. No patient reported severe side effects.DiscussionApart from the physical indications that scars bring about into patients' lives, the psychological repercussions caused by scars have a major effect on the QoL of the patients. These repercussions can be divided into individual and social. At the individual level, scars have a profoundly negative effect on the image of the self which leads to several different psychological complications by time. At the social level, scars affect the radius of physical movement besides the quality of the patient's activities. Therefore, EBDs as effective treatment methods can improve itchiness, pain, and so forth, of the patient, and can also improve the psychological aspect.ConclusionAll in all, the present study aims to produce a more panoramic perspective on the concern of scars in the field of dermatology, centering around EBDs as a solution for improving scar patient QoL. With a focus on the efficacy of EBDs in the scar treatment, and with reference to studies on the topic, it is safe to assume that the earlier the scar treatment initiates, the better the outcomes. Departing from this point, in the future of cosmetic dermatology, prepping the skin by EBD treatments before surgery is imaginable.
Energy‐Based Device Management of Nodular Reaction Following Poly‐D, L‐Lactic Acid Injection for Tear Trough Rejuvenation
Authors: Seo Suk Bae , Wan Jovian , Yi Kyu‐Ho 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPoly‐D,L‐lactic acid (PDLLA) is used for tear trough rejuvenation but can cause complications like nodular reactions. This report describes using a radiofrequency device to manage these nodules.Case PresentationA 42‐year‐old woman developed firm, non‐inflammatory nodules 3 weeks after receiving PDLLA (Juvelook) injections in the tear trough area. The nodules were firm and not associated with erythema or tenderness.InterventionThe monopolar radiofrequency device was used directly on the nodules with 150 shots at an energy level 115 J, 28.75 J/cm². The treatment resulted in complete resolution of the nodules within 24 hours.ResultsThe radiofrequency treatment effectively resolved the nodular reaction without recurrence, highlighting the device's compatibility with the unique structure of Juvelook's PDLLA.ConclusionRadiofrequency therapy is effective for managing nodular reactions following PDLLA injections. Further research is needed to optimise protocols and improve the safety of biostimulator treatments in cosmetic procedures.
Safety and Efficacy of an Injectable Solution Enriched With Sodium Hyaluronate, Amino Acids, and Peptides in Relation to Superficial Facial Connective Tissues (Dermis and Retinacular Cutis)
Authors: Shelemba Evgeniya , Olshanska Olha , Benoit Anne Gaelle , Rumyantseva Elena 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSkin aging research often focuses on the dermis, overlooking the significance of the retinacular cutis (RC) in aging. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy, safety, and effect of an injectable solution containing hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and peptides, on facial sagging and laxity by targeting the RC.MethodsThis single‐center observational study recruited 28 female volunteers aged 25–65 years. The participants received four monthly injections of the studied solution. Objective measures included skin hydration, elasticity, color, thickness, collagen density evaluated via DermaLab Combo and high‐resolution ultrasound imaging. Subjective measures included participant satisfaction evaluated using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Adverse effects were monitored throughout the study period.ResultsSignificant improvements were observed in skin hydration, elasticity, and collagen density after treatment. Hydration increased by 25.9% at T1 (30 days after last session), sustaining a 15.9% increase at T2 (120 days after last session). Elasticity improved by 29.2% at T1 and 20.7% at T2. Collagen density increased by 20.27% at T1 and 16.71% at T2. Self‐reported GAIS scores showed consistent increases. Adverse effects were minimal and included only transient ecchymosis and mild pain.ConclusionInjections of the solution had a substantial hydrating effect, enhanced elasticity, and increased collagen density in the RC and dermis. Results persisted at the 120‐day follow‐up, indicating sustained benefits. Hence, this injectable solution may offer a safe and effective non‐invasive treatment option for improving skin laxity and sagging, targeting the RC and other deep connective tissue such as retaining ligaments.
Nanopatterns on silica scales of Mallomonas (Chrysophyceae, Stramenopiles): Unraveling UV resistance potential and diverse response to UVA and UVB radiation
Authors: Nemcova Yvonne , Knotek Petr , Jadrná Iva , Černajová Ivana , Škaloud Pavel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMallomonas thrive primarily in freshwaters and dominate plankton communities, especially in oligotrophic waters. The cells have a siliceous cell covering of regularly arranged scales. Despite their ecological importance, the intricate structure and evolutionary significance of their silica scales are still unexplored. We investigated the nanopatterns on the scales and hypothesized that they may play a role in UV shielding. UVA and UVB exposure experiments were performed with 20 Mallomonas species, categorized into four groups based on the nanopattern of the scales (plain‐scaled, meshed, striated, and papilliferous group); a fifth group consisted of the species that have extremely thick, robust scales regardless of the nanopattern. We revealed that thick scales were associated with enhanced UVB resistance, suggesting a protective role. No significant differences in UVA response were observed among the groups, except for the meshed group, which showed lower resistance, likely due to the less regular pattern on the shield. In conclusion, the scale case, composed of sufficiently silicified scales, provides effective UV protection in freshwater environments, regardless of the particular nanopattern. In increased UVB radiation, the thickness of the scales plays role. Contrary to expectations, cell size and phylogeny do not strongly predict UV resistance. The study highlights the diverse UV responses of Mallomonas, but further studies are needed to understand the role of scales/nanopatterns in the ecological adaptations of the species.
Ecological investigations of giant Phaeocystis colonies in Viet Nam: II. Photosynthesis—irradiance characteristics and nitrogen uptake
Authors: Meng Rui , Smith Walker O. , Cao Ruobing , Doan‐Nhu Hai , Nguyen‐Ngoc Lam 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPhaeocystis globosa is a marine phytoplankton species that forms deleterious blooms in temperate and tropical waters. In some locations, “giant” colonies form, although the controls on its size are unknown. During a “giant” colony bloom, measurements were completed to characterize photosynthesis–irradiance relationships, nitrogen uptake kinetics, and nitrogen–irradiance relationships of P. globosa colonies to understand its growth characteristics and their relationship to colony size. The photosynthetic capacity (Fv/Fm) varied from 0.65 to 0.68 among colony sizes ranging from 3.0 to 11.0 mm, indicating that all colonial cells were physiologically robust. The maximum chl a‐specific photosynthetic rates () ranged from 0.89 to 1.92 μg C · μg−1 chl · h−1, were maximal in the mid‐sized colonies (5.5–6.5 mm) and decreased with size. The relatively low values may be related to the high cellular chl a of colonial cells and their acclimation to in situ irradiance. Nitrate and values were greater than those of ammonium, although N affinity was greater for ammonium. No differences in light‐limited rates in either nitrate or ammonium uptake among colony sizes were observed, and no dark uptake occurred. Both ammonium and nitrate uptake showed a saturation response as a function of irradiance. While the driving forces for the formation of giant colonies remain unknown, their impacts on coastal systems are substantial and a further assessment of their growth is warranted.
Do Anglo‐Saxon directors affect leverage?
Authors: Volonté Christophe 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe investigate the impact of Anglo‐Saxon directors on leverage of Swiss listed companies. Higher leverage increases a company's risk profile, and individuals with an Anglo‐Saxon cultural background are considered less risk averse than others. Using a sample of 1556 firm‐year observations from 2005 to 2015, we find empirical evidence supporting our hypothesis that Anglo‐Saxon directors increase leverage. The result is robust to the inclusion of a battery of control variables, fixed effects, and instrumental variable estimation.
Teaching the Critical Comparative Study of Religion as Engaged Global Citizenship
Authors: Rondolino Massimo A. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIn this article, I make a case for bridging what I see as the competing demands faced by teacher‐scholars in higher education: our institutional orientations, our students' motivations, and our aspirations as scholars and educators. I contend that teaching about religion, broadly understood, regardless of theoretical and methodological orientation (be it within religious studies, for example, or theology, or philosophy of religion, or ethics, etc.) can be an impactful experience in the practice and cultivation of engaged global citizenship. Drawing from my own courses, and my use of the Reacting to the Past (RTTP) roleplay pedagogy, I show how a critically self‐aware practice is foundational to this goal, and how an integrated cross‐cultural comparative and collaborative method provides a powerful tool to accomplish this in dynamic and equitable ways.
The effect of soaring housing prices on the quality of export products: Evidence from China
Authors: Jin Yousen , Mao Haitao , Tang Sam Hak Kan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of rising housing prices on the quality of export products. When housing prices increase, the collateral value of firms can rise, easing financial constraints and potentially boosting investment in innovation and product quality. However, higher housing prices can also lead firms to divert investments from their core business operations to the housing sector, where returns are relatively higher. This diversion can negatively affect product quality. We empirically investigate this relationship using Chinese firm‐level data, matched with customs and city‐level data from 2000 to 2013. Our results show that during China's housing boom, rising housing prices significantly reduced the quality of export products. The negative impact of speculative investment in the housing sector outweighed the positive effects of eased credit constraints. Firms with real estate investments and industries with low external financial dependence were more affected by rising housing prices. Additionally, government restrictions on home purchases helped mitigate the negative impact of rising housing prices on export product quality.
СТАНДАРТИЗАЦИЯ ИММУНОФЕРМЕНТНОЙ ТЕСТ-СИСТЕМЫ НА ОСНОВЕ ПЕРИПЛАЗМАТИЧЕСКИХ БЕЛКОВ БРУЦЕЛЛ ДЛЯ СЕРОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО МОНИТОРИНГА БРУЦЕЛЛЕЗА ЖИВОТНЫХ.
Authors: Каукабаева Г.К. , Ескендирова С.З. , Булашев А.К. , Билялов Е. , Мухлис Ш.Е. , Мухамбетова А.Е. , Ахметкаримова Ж.С. , Нуркина А.К. , Темирова А.С. 
Published: September 2024

Бруцеллез является актуальной проблемой животноводства нашей страны вследствие низкой специфичности и объективности используемых серологических методов. Одним из потенциалов повышения чувствительности и специфичности иммуноферментной диагностики бруцеллезной инфекции наиболее эффективно применение комплекса иммунодоминантных белков бруцелл, серологически активных на различных стадиях заболевания.
Осуществлена препаративная наработка, выделение и очистка рекомбинантных антигенов – периплазматических белков бруцелл. Проведена оптимизация и стандартизация концентрации иммунокомпонентов и параметров протокола постановки иммуноферментной тест-системы.
Иммуноферментная тест-система на основе комбинации рекомбинантных антигенов бруцелл показала высокую аналитическую чувствительность определения противобруцеллезных антител во всех коммерческих позитивных контрольных референс-сыворотках – международной бруцеллезной референс-сывороткой, моноспецифическими anti-abortus и anti-melitensis, коммерческими бруцеллезными сыворотками крови («Щелковский биокомбинат», «Покровский завод биопрепаратов» и НПО «Антиген»). Высокие титры сывороточных антител в непрямом ИФА соответствовали уровню специфической активности серопозитивных референс-сывороток (исходным характеристикам, указанных сертификатом производителя). Достоверность результатов выявления зараженных бруцеллезом животных испытуемым ИФА подтверждена показателями серологической активности пяти сывороток крови аборт-плодов с выделенной гемокультурой бруцелл из цельной крови и положительной ПЦР.
Аналитическая специфичность иммуноферментной тест-системы (способность дифференцировать целевой аналит - специфические противобруцеллезные антитела в исследумом образце) определяли путем тестирования перекрестной реактивности с гетерологичными сыворотками животных, инфицированных родственными видами микроорганизмов – Yersinia enterocolitica 09, Escherichia coli и Salmonella . Аналитическая специфичность детекции противобруцеллезных антител в непрямом ИФА подтверждена отрицательными значениями оптической плотности (ОП) всех коммерческих негативных контрольных референс-сывороток и гетерологичных сывороток крови, инфицированных родственными видами микроорганизмов – Yersinia enterocolitica 09, Escherichia coli и Salmonella .
Осуществлена оценка диагностической эффективности иммуноферментной тест-системы на 1785 образцах сывороток крови от естественно инфицированных бруцеллезом животных из неблагополучных хозяйств и 877 образцах отрицательных сывороток крови животных из благополучных хозяйств из различных регионов страны. Результаты проведенных исследований подтверждает, что испытуемая иммуноферментная тест-система способна достоверно выявлять специфические противобруцеллезные антитела у инфицированных животных и подтверждать серонегативность животных.
ВЫДЕЛЕНИЕ НОВЫХ ШТАММОВ ДРОЖЖЕЙ ДЛЯ ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ФУНГИЦИДА
Authors: Туякова А.К. , Сатенова А.М. , Абильхадиров А.С. , Уразова М.С. , Шайхин С.М. 
Published: September 2024

Основной причиной огромных потерь плодов и овощей в период хранения является микробное загрязнение, преимущественно фитопатогенными грибами. Эти организмы встречаются во время сбора урожая, транспортировке и хранения. В процессе своей жизнедеятельности они выделяют микотоксины, что отрицательно сказывается на здоровье населения. Использование синтетических фунгицидов является эффективным для борьбы с болезнетворными микроорганизмами, но их интенсивное применение оказывает негативное воздействие на экосистемы. Влияние синтетических агентов на окружающую среду, стимулирует исследователей на внедрение безопасных и эффективных методов для снижения потерь урожая, альтернативные химическим фунгицидам.
Целью настоящей работы являлось выделение изолятов дрожжей и проведение скрининга их способности ингибировать мицелиальный рост фитопатогенных грибов, а также активности в формировании биопленки.
Выделение дрожжей из микробиоты почвы, ризо и филлосферы плодоовощных культур (виноград, томат, персик и т.д) проводили стандартными микробиологическим методами. Идентификация штаммов проводилась методом MALDI-TOF масс-спектрометрии с применением прибора Microflex, а также по сравнительному анализу нуклеотидной последовательности гена 16S рРНК. Изучение антагонистической активности против фитопатогенов (Penicillium expansum и Botrytis cinerea) проводили методом совместного культивирования дрожжей и фитопатогенных грибов. Количественное определение биоплёнок определяли на 96-ти луночном планшете путем окрашивания кристаллическим фиолетовым.
В результате исследований было выделено 110 изолятов микробов, из которых 35 изолятов оказались дрожжами. Из них Candida lusitaniae (17), Aureobasidium pullulans (15), Metschnikowia pulcherrima (1), Hanseniaspora uvarum (1).
Оценка образования биопленок штаммами дрожжей показала, что после 72-часовой инкубации многие штаммы дрожжей были способны прикрепляться к лунке микротитровального планшета после трех промываний. Изоляты C1b, C17b, AP3, AP9, AP8 имели самые высокие показатели оптической плотности окрашенной биопленки (ОП≥0,293).
Штаммы Metschnikowia pulcherrima A2, Hanseniaspora uvarum 15, Candida lusitaniae 7 и Aureobasidium pullulans 8 показали наиболее высокие показатели по ингибированию роста фитопатогенных грибов Penicillium expansum и Botrytis cinerea.
В результате работы были отобраны 11 штаммов дрожжей с максимальными показателями биологической активности. Биофунгицидная активность отобранных штаммов будет изучаться на плодах плодоовощных культур.
Gut microbiome and metabolome profiling in coal workers’ pneumoconiosis: potential links to pulmonary function
Authors: Yu Xiao , Xiong Tao , Yu Lu , Liu Gaisheng , Yang Fan , Li Xueqin , Wei Yangyang , Wang Xiaojing , Wei Shuting , Jiang Yi , Kong Xiaomei , Ren Shouan , Shi Yiwei 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a severe occupational disease resulting from prolonged exposure to coal dust. However, its pathogenesis remains elusive, compounded by a lack of early detection markers and effective treatments. Although the impact of gut microbiota on lung diseases is acknowledged, its specific role in CWP is unclear. This study aims to explore changes in the gut microbiome and metabolome in CWP, while also assessing the correlation between gut microbes and alterations in lung function. Fecal specimens from 43 CWP patients and 48 dust-exposed workers (DEW) were examined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbiota and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for metabolite profiling. We observed similar gut microbial α-diversity but significant differences in flora composition (β-diversity) between patients with CWP and the DEW group. After adjusting for age using multifactorial linear regression analysis (MaAsLin2), the distinct gut microbiome profile in CWP patients revealed an increased presence of pro-inflammatory microorganisms such as
Klebsiella
and
Haemophilus
. Furthermore, in CWP patients, alterations in gut microbiota—particularly reduced α-diversity and changes in microbial composition—were significantly correlated with impaired pulmonary function, a relationship not observed in DEW. This underscores the specific impact of gut microbiota on pulmonary health in individuals with CWP. Metabolomic analysis of fecal samples from CWP patients and DEW identified 218 differential metabolites between the two groups, with a predominant increase in metabolites in CWP patients, suggesting enhanced metabolic activity in CWP. Key altered metabolites included various lipids, amino acids, and organic compounds, with silibinin emerging as a potential biomarker. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis linked these metabolites to pathways relevant to the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, studies on the interaction between microbiota and metabolites showed positive correlations between certain bacteria and increased metabolites in CWP, further elucidating the complex interplay in this disease state. Our findings suggest a potential contributory role of gut microbiota in CWP pathogenesis through metabolic regulation, with implications for diagnostic biomarkers and understanding disease mechanisms, warranting further molecular investigation.

IMPORTANCE
The findings have significant implications for the early diagnosis and treatment of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, highlighting the potential of gut microbiota as diagnostic biomarkers. They pave the way for new research into gut microbiota-based therapeutic strategies, potentially focusing on modifying gut microbiota to mitigate disease progression.