bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel smartphone scleral‐image based tool for assessing jaundice in decompensated cirrhosis patients
Authors: Kazankov Konstantin , Nixon‐Hill Miranda , Kumar Rahul , Amin Ahmed , Alabsawy Eman , Chikhlia Anmol , Leung Terence S. , Mookerjee Rajeshwar P. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackground and AimSerum bilirubin is an established marker of liver disease. Reliable tools for non‐invasive assessment of jaundice in cirrhosis patients, at risk of clinical decompensation, are highly desirable. While smartphone‐based imaging has been described in neonatal jaundice, it has not been investigated in advanced cirrhosis patients.MethodsWe included 46 hospitalized patients with acute cirrhosis decompensation and jaundice. Scleral images using an Android smartphone were taken to derive “Scleral Color Values (SCV),” which were matched with same day serum bilirubin measurements. In 29 patients, repeat SCV and bilirubin measurements were performed over time. We analyzed the relationship of SCV and its dynamics with serum bilirubin, clinical scores, and patient outcomes.ResultsOf 46 patients, 26 (57%) had alcoholic hepatitis as the decompensation precipitant. Seven patients died during admission; a further 12 following hospital discharge. SCV had an excellent linear correlation with serum bilirubin (rho = 0.90, P < 0.001); changes in SCV and serum bilirubin across different time points, were also closely associated (rho = 0.77, P < 0.001). SCV correlated significantly with CLIF Consortium Acute Decompensation score (rho = 0.38, P < 0.001) and grade of Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure (rho = 0.42, P = 0.039). SCV was higher in patients who died, however, not significantly (86.1 [IQR 83.0–89.7] vs 82.3 [IQR 78.5–83.3], P = 0.22). The associations of SCV with clinical parameters mirrored those of serum bilirubin.ConclusionSmartphone‐based assessment of jaundice shows excellent concordance with serum bilirubin and is associated with clinical parameters in acute cirrhosis decompensation. This approach offers promise for remote assessment of cirrhosis patients at‐risk of decompensation, post hospital discharge.
Estimating carbon footprints from large scale financial transaction data
Authors: Trendl Anna , Owen Anne , Vomfell Lara , Kilian Lena , Gathergood John , Stewart Neil , Leake David 
Published: December 2022

AbstractFinancial transactions are increasingly used by consumer apps and financial service providers to estimate consumption‐based carbon emissions. This approach promises a low‐resource, ultra‐fast, and highly scalable approach to measuring emissions at different levels of potential policy intervention—spanning the national, subnational, local, and individual level. Despite this potential, there is a lack of research exploring the validity of this approach to carbon profiling. Here we address this oversight in three ways. First, we provide a step‐by‐step description of our approach toward estimating carbon footprints from micro‐level transaction data generated by more than 100,000 customers of a large retail bank in the United Kingdom. Second, we quantitatively compare emission estimates obtained from transaction data with those calculated from a more standard data source used in carbon profiling, the largest household expenditure survey in the United Kingdom. Third, we offer a detailed qualitative comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of transactions versus alternative data sources (such as survey data), across key dimensions including data availability, data quality, and data detail. We find that financial transactions offer a credible alternative to survey‐based sources and, if made more widely accessible, could provide important advantages for profiling emissions. These include objective, micro‐level data on consumption behaviors, larger sample sizes, and longitudinal, frequent data capture.
Efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid filler on the treatment of horizontal neck lines
Authors: Rongthong Awika , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Maiprasert Mart , Cembrano Kathryn Anne Guico , Voravutinon Nataya , Rakchart Sarawalai , Sermswan Kanchana , Koonngam Pongsiri 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundInjection of hyaluronic acid fillers (HA) fillers for horizontal neck line correction and rejuvenation has gained popularity in recent years despite conflicting reports on its efficacy and safety. Most published reports are retrospective studies that commonly use the sharp needle technique. In this prospective study, we therefore aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of an HA filler (Belotero Balance®, Merz Aesthetics) on the treatment of horizontal neck lines by blunt cannula injection technique.Materials and MethodsThirty subjects were enrolled and treated with HA filler injections on the neck region using a blunt cannula injection technique into the deep dermis. Standardized photographic documentation was done at baseline, immediately after injection, and at 2‐week, 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month follow‐up after treatment. The rejuvenation effect was graded by the patients themselves and two blinded dermatologists using comparative photographs. Side effects were likewise recorded at each follow‐up visit.ResultsAll 30 subjects completed treatment and attended every follow‐up visit. The study participants comprised both females and males aged 20–69 years with mild, moderate, and severe neck lines based on the Horizontal Neck Wrinkle Severity Scale (HNWS) (Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open, 2019, 7, 2366). All patients received approximately 3 ml of HA fillers for the entire treatment area. Both patient and physician ratings revealed peak benefits at 1‐month post‐treatment, with a significant decline at 3 months, which was sustained until 6 months after the procedure. Only one patient developed bruising related to the treatment, which resolved spontaneously without any additional medication.ConclusionThe study demonstrated efficacy in improving the appearance of horizontal neck lines after one session of HA filler injection. The results showed peak improvement at 1 month, but with sustained rejuvenation effects up to 6 months after injection.
Ultra‐minimal pinhole blepharoplasty: A minimally invasive technique for the correction of eyelid bags
Authors: Yu Haicheng , Ren Liming , Zou Yi , Guo Ying , Zhu Haijun , Qiu Weiming , Xu Kai 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy and complications of ultra‐minimal pinhole blepharoplasty in the treatment of eyelid bags.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients with eyelid bags treated using a minimally invasive blepharoplasty technique between May 2018 and June 2021. The postoperative course and complications and patient satisfaction were analyzed.ResultsA total of 460 patients (136 males and 324 females) were included with a mean age of 42.12 ± 9.76 years. The mean operative time was 24.3 min. After the operation, the patients had no infection, numbness, or lower eyelid varus, valgus, or withdrawal. Nine patients developed transient binocular diplopia, which disappeared 0.5–1 h after surgery. Two patients developed chemosis, which disappeared after therapy. Six months after the operation, 440 (95.65%) patients were satisfied with improvement in their fat bulge. A total of 434 (94.78%) patients were satisfied with improvement in their tear groove.ConclusionUltra‐minimal pinhole blepharoplasty is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for eyelid bags.
Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of topical tacrolimus 0.03% and topical calcipotriol 0.005% mixed with betamethasone dipropionate versus topical clobetasol 0.05% in treatment of alopecia areata: A clinical and trichoscopic study
Authors: Nassar Amany , Elradi Mona , Radwan Mona , Albalat Waleed 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia areata (AA) is a common non‐scarring hair loss disorder that affects children and adults with a great psychological burden because of its recurrent and sometimes treatment‐refractory nature.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitor, topical potent steroid combined with vitamin D analogue versus topical superpotent steroid in treatment of localized AA.Patients and MethodsSixty subjects with chronic (>1 year) localized (SALT score < 25%) AA, confirmed clinically and dermoscopically, were randomized into three groups. Group I used topical 0.03% tacrolimus (Tarolimus®), group II used topical potent steroid combined with vitamin D analogue (Daivobet®). and group III used topical superpotent steroid (Dermovate®). All patients continued a daily therapy for three successive months and were followed up for three other months. Assessment was done using PULL test, SALT score, and dermoscopic comparison before and after therapy.ResultsGroup II showed comparable statistical results to group III with lower values in a non‐statistically significant way. Group I achieved the least improvement among all groups.ConclusionCombined vitamin D analogues with potent steroid appears to be a more convenient treatment for localized AA than superpotent steroids because of less side effects and comparable efficacy. Tacrolimus needs further research or formula customization to be used as a topical therapy for AA.
Poly‐L‐Lactic acid increases collagen gene expression and synthesis in cultured dermal fibroblast (Hs68) through the TGF‐β/Smad pathway
Authors: Zhu Wenqing , Dong Chengzhi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectivePoly‐L‐Lactic Acid (PLLA) is a synthetic polymer which possesses biocompatible and biodegradable properties, and is widely used in the clinical filler material. This study focuses on the potential role of PLLA on the collagen production of dermal fibroblasts and its mechanism.MethodsThe dermal fibroblast Hs60 was treated with different concentration of PLLA. RT‐qPCR was conducted for the determination of mRNA levels of collagen type I (COL1) alpha 1 (COL1A1), COL1 alpha 2 (COL1A2), elastin, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP‐1), and TIMP‐2. Procollagen Type I C‐peptide (PIP) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) Kit assay was carried out to analyze procollagen production. Western Blot was employed to examine the effect of PLLA and transforming frown factor (TGF‐β) receptor‐specific inhibitor (SB431542) on protein levels of COL1A1 and TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway related proteins.ResultsWith the increase of PLLA concentration, the production of procollagen gradually increased, and both protein and mRNA levels of COL1A1 and COL1A2 gradually increased (p < 0.001). Elevated PLLA concentrations increased elastin, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 levels and attenuated MMP‐1 expression. PLLA increased TGF‐β levels in a dose‐dependently manner. p‐Smad2 and p‐Smad3 protein levels were also increased by PLLA, but the influences were reversed by SB431542 (p < 0.001). Similarly, increased levels of COL1A1, COL1A2, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 caused by PLLA were significantly inhibited by SB431542, whereas MMP‐1 was typically elevated (p < 0.001).ConclusionPoly‐L‐Lactic Acid promotes the collagen production of dermal fibroblasts by activating the TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway. The findings may lay a foundation for clinical material applications of PLLA.
Selective photothermolysis with a novel 1726 nm laser beam: A safe and effective solution for acne vulgaris
Authors: Goldberg David , Kothare Amogh , Doucette Margot , Kaur Arshdeep , Ronan Stephen , Fromowitz Jeffrey , Hamidi‐Sakr Amer 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundSelective photothermolysis on sebaceous glands is an effective method for treating acne vulgaris (AV); however, safety, efficacy, and discomfort hinder its utilization in clinical settings.AimsThe primary objective is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel 1726 nm laser with contact cooling to treat AV.MethodsSeventeen patients aged 18 to 36 were enrolled and treated in this IRB‐approved, single‐center, open‐label study. Patients received up to three facial laser sessions up to seven weeks apart. Follow‐up visits happened ten days post‐session and at the 4 and 12 weeks following the final session. The investigator assessed the severity of device‐related adverse events (AEs). Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) and inflammatory lesion counts (ILC) were used as metrics to evaluate acne resolution and skin condition enhancement. Patients' perspectives on satisfaction and comfort using this technology were assessed using Subject Experience Questionnaires (SEQ).ResultsSafety assessment showed mild and transient AEs. All subjects tolerated anesthetics‐free treatments well, with a mean treatment discomfort score of 4.9 ± 1.5. Compared to baseline, a statistically significant reduction in ILC (p = 0.003) of 52% to 56% is achieved four to twelve weeks following treatment. Long‐term follow‐ups showed progressive improvement 24 months post‐treatment with a 97% reduction in ILC. SEQs revealed high subject satisfaction (71%) with psychosocial improvement three months post‐treatment.ConclusionThe novel 1726 nm laser appears safe and effective for treating mild‐to‐severe acne. Acne resolution is apparent within the first month and progresses beyond the study duration.
The double bind of “Shame”: The colonial ramifications in Tahitian language revitalization
Authors: Misaki Mai 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis article discusses the multifaceted and shifting nature of “shame” (ha'amā) associated with Tahitian, one of the Indigenous languages of French Polynesia. Despite congregants at the Mā'ohi Protestant Church contesting the colonial degradation of Mā'ohi Indigeneity and promoting the spiritual significance of Indigenous languages, the idea of shame and awkwardness attached to speaking practices remains the largest psychological obstacle for language revitalization. This research establishes that while “language empowerment” attempts to reverse colonial stigma, the site of “shame” is shifting from its colonial associations to an age‐based habit and, further, to the speakers' failure in owning it.
Gingival tissue samples from periodontitis patients demonstrate epithelial–mesenchymal transition phenotype
Authors: Saliem Saif S. , Bede Salwan Y. , Abdulkareem Ali A. , Abdullah Bashar H. , Milward Michael R. , Cooper Paul R. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the expression of key epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in gingival tissue samples collected from patients with periodontitis.BackgroundEpithelial–mesenchymal transition is a process responsible for shifting epithelial‐phenotype to mesenchymal‐phenotype leading to loss of epithelial‐barrier function. Thus, EMT could be involved as a pathogenic mechanism in periodontitis as both conditions share common promoters and signalling pathways.Materials and MethodsGingival tissue samples were collected from patients with periodontitis (case) and healthy periodontium (control). Periodontal parameters including bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss were recorded. Paraffinized tissue samples were processed and immunohistochemically stained to determine the expression of key EMT markers which included E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, Snail1 and vimentin.ResultsThe majority of cases (n = 65, 72.2%) were diagnosed with periodontitis stage 3 or 4, grade b or c vs 25 (27.8%) subjects with intact healthy periodontium. Discontinuity of epithelium was detected in up to 80.9% of periodontitis cases associated with reduced number of epithelial layers as compared to controls. Immunohistochemical expression of epithelial markers (E‐cadherin and β‐catenin) was significantly downregulated in periodontitis patients as compared with controls. Periodontitis cases exhibited significant upregulation of Snail1 expression. Furthermore, cytoplasmic vimentin (66.2%) and nuclear β‐catenin (27.7%) were solely expressed in periodontally diseased tissues compared with control. Epithelial markers, E‐cadherin and β‐catenin, were significantly negatively correlated with increasing PPD, while vimentin showed positive correlation with this parameter.ConclusionThere were marked downregulation of epithelial molecules and upregulation of mesenchymal markers in gingival tissues derived from periodontitis patients, suggesting expression of the EMT phenotype in the pathological epithelial lining of periodontal pockets.
MBNL‐dependent impaired development within the neuromuscular system in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Tahraoui‐Bories Julie , Mérien Antoine , González‐Barriga Anchel , Lainé Jeanne , Leteur Céline , Polvèche Hélène , Carteron Alexandre , De Lamotte Juliette Duchesne , Nicoleau Camille , Polentes Jérome , Jarrige Margot , Gomes‐Pereira Mário , Ventre Erwann , Poydenot Pauline , Furling Denis , Schaeffer Laurent , Legay Claire , Martinat Cécile 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimsMyotonic dystrophy type I (DM1) is one of the most frequent muscular dystrophies in adults. Although DM1 has long been considered mainly a muscle disorder, growing evidence suggests the involvement of peripheral nerves in the pathogenicity of DM1 raising the question of whether motoneurons (MNs) actively contribute to neuromuscular defects in DM1.MethodsBy using micropatterned 96‐well plates as a coculture platform, we generated a functional neuromuscular model combining DM1 and muscleblind protein (MBNL) knock‐out human‐induced pluripotent stem cells‐derived MNs and human healthy skeletal muscle cells.ResultsThis approach led to the identification of presynaptic defects which affect the formation or stability of the neuromuscular junction at an early developmental stage. These neuropathological defects could be reproduced by the loss of RNA‐binding MBNL proteins, whose loss of function in vivo is associated with muscular defects associated with DM1. These experiments indicate that the functional defects associated with MNs can be directly attributed to MBNL family proteins. Comparative transcriptomic analyses also revealed specific neuronal‐related processes regulated by these proteins that are commonly misregulated in DM1.ConclusionsBeyond the application to DM1, our approach to generating a robust and reliable human neuromuscular system should facilitate disease modelling studies and drug screening assays.
Perspectives and knowledge of acne vulgaris among young adolescents
Authors: Toy Jeffrey , Wan Vincent , Lee Dong Goo , Liu Chaocheng , Fleming Patrick , Lynde Charles 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAcne occurs in up to 90% of young adolescents, but prior research has found that this population exhibits a limited understanding of acne and is vulnerable to myths and misinformation accumulated from family members, friends, and social media. We created a virtual presentation on skin hygiene, acne prevention, and acne‐associated stigma for adolescent youth (aged 9–13) to improve acne health literacy, which was reviewed by three board‐certified dermatologists. A descriptive cross‐sectional study using data collected for quality improvement (n = 209, total) revealed that approximately half (n = 102/202, 50.5%) of all students believed that acne could not be treated with medications, only 34.0% (n = 67/197) believed acne could impact their mental health, and most students incorrectly believed that dirt buildup (n = 124/209, 59.3%) and poor hygiene (n = 125/209, 59.8%) were pathogenic for acne. Our results stress the necessity of early evidence‐based educational interventions as a cornerstone to breaking self‐perpetuating myths and misinformation that may lead to acne mismanagement, delayed access to healthcare, and permanent scarring later in life.
Foreign direct investment under uncertainty evidence from a large panel of countries
Authors: Jardet Caroline , Jude Cristina , Chinn Menzie 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWe examine the effect of uncertainty on foreign direct investment inflows for advanced, emerging market and developing countries over a 25‐year long (pre‐Covid) sample. Using a push‐pull framework, and controlling for both global and local factors, we find policy uncertainty has discernable and significant effects on inflows, varying in strength and direction between different groups of countries. Moreover, it is not host country uncertainty that seems to matter the most, but rather global uncertainty. Additionally, we find that high levels of uncertainty matter disproportionately. Finally, financial openness accentuates the impact of uncertainty for emerging market and developing countries.
Two‐sided heterogeneity: New implications for input trade
Authors: Ara Tomohiro 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis article develops a heterogeneous firm model to analyze selection effects at different production stages on trade‐induced intra‐industry resource reallocations. Using a two‐country symmetric setting in which both inputs and final goods are costly to trade subject to selection, we show that the trade elasticity of intermediate goods is endogenously greater than that of final goods due to an extra adjustment in the extensive margin. We also show that the welfare gains from input trade liberalization are greater than those from output trade liberalization if and only if the domestic input share is smaller than the domestic output share.
Dental care utilization among developmentally disabled adolescents experiencing difficulty with decayed teeth: A population‐level study
Authors: Bhoopathi Vinodh , Wells Christine , Atchison Kathryn Ann 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimsTo determine if adolescents with developmental disabilities (DDs) who experienced difficulty with dental caries differed by dental visits in the past 12 months and receipt of preventive services (fluoride treatment and dental sealants) during those visits compared to adolescents with no DDs or difficulty with dental caries.Methods and ResultsA cross‐sectional study was conducted using data of 91 196 adolescents aged 10–17 years from the 2016–2020 National Survey of Children's Health. Descriptive and bivariate statistics and multivariable regression models were conducted. We derived the odds ratio for visiting a dental office (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.57–1.03, p = .07), receiving fluoride treatments (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.01–1.43, p = .04), and dental sealants (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.19–1.75, p < .001) for DD adolescents who experienced difficulty with dental caries compared to adolescents with no DDs or difficulty with dental caries.ConclusionsDD adolescents who experienced difficulty with dental caries were more likely to receive fluoride treatments and sealants during dental visits but were equally likely to have a dental visit in the past 12 months than adolescents with no DDs or difficulty with dental caries.