bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of emulsifier‐free emulsions in delivering caffeine and α‐tocopherol to human skin
Authors: Kichou Hichem , Caritá Amanda C. , Gillet Guillaume , Bougassaa Lahcen , Perse Xavier , Soucé Martin , Gressin Laurianne , Chourpa Igor , Bonnier Franck , Munnier Emilie 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveIncreasing consumer demand for natural and environmentally friendly products is driving the cosmetic industry to seek greener and safer processes. High‐frequency ultrasound technology (HFUT) stabilizes emulsions without adding emulsifying surfactants (ES). In this work, the formulation characteristics of an HFUT‐treated emulsion and a Reference emulsion were compared for both caffeine and α‐tocopherol.MethodsA comparison was made between ES‐free emulsions and the Reference emulsions based on droplet size, viscosity, pH and rheology behaviour for both active cosmetic ingredients. The permeation of caffeine and the skin retention of α ‐tocopherol were studied in vitro using Franz diffusion cells on human skin biopsies, considered the gold standard for permeation assays.ResultsThe formulations developed were stable and showed suitable droplet size distribution. In the case of ES‐free emulsions, the average droplet size was inferior to 1.5 μm regardless of the polarity of the active. All formulations presented a shear‐thinning pseudoplastic behaviour, an attribute usually desired for cosmetic products. The skin permeation studies showed that in the case of caffeine (model hydrophilic molecule), the ES‐free emulsion presented a delivery capacity similar to that of the Reference emulsion. However, for α‐tocopherol (highly lipophilic model molecule), differences were observed in the distribution of the active in the stratum corneum with an advantage for the Reference emulsion, probably due to the impact of surfactants on the SC lipids.ConclusionThis work demonstrates that HFUT is a reliable tool that is able to prepare stable ES‐free emulsions loaded with hydrophilic or lipophilic active ingredients. Skin permeation studies confirm that the emulsions produced by HFUT promote the delivery of the actives to the human skin. In the case of α‐tocopherol, the delivery efficiency was lower than with the Reference emulsion, especially in the SC layers, due to the absence of surfactants. Nevertheless, the ES‐free emulsion still represents a good compromise between efficacy and the need for green cosmetics in the market.
Safety protocols at the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Oral Clinical Examination during COVID‐19
Authors: Cully Jennifer L. , Tate Anupama R. , Brickhouse Tegwyn H. , Zhang Yin , Kerins Carolyn Ann 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackground: There are continued concerns about holding large group gatherings with the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) made the decision to cancel the Oral Clinical Examination (OCE) in 2020 with a goal to host the exam in 2021. This cancellation postponed the board certification of over 400 pediatric dentists. There is limited published data on safety protocols for in‐person examinations.Aim: To determine if safety protocols utilized in the administration of the 2021 ABPD Oral Clinical Examination (OCE) were reassuring to candidates and examiners, and effective at addressing prevention of COVID‐19 infection.Design: An electronic survey was emailed to candidates and examiners following completion of the board examination process. The candidate survey had 784 and the examiner survey had 108 eligible participants. Eight questions overlapped between the two surveys. Descriptive statistics were utilized. p‐values  < 0.05 were considered significant.Results: Three hundred ninety‐four candidates (response rate = 50.3%) and 97 examiners (response rate = 89.8%) completed their respective surveys. The majority of candidates (86.8%) and examiners (94.8%) felt safe participating the OCE, and found COVID‐19 protocols reassuring, 69.3% and 89.7%.Conclusions: Participants agreed that safety protocols enacted by the ABPD kept everyone safe and led to a successful and safely conducted high‐stakes oral clinical examination during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Estimating optimal objective values for the TSP, VRP, and other combinatorial problems using randomization
Authors: Kou Shuhan , Golden Bruce , Poikonen Stefan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractApproximation of the optimal tour length in a Euclidean traveling salesman problem (TSP) has been studied by many researchers. In a previous study, we used the standard deviation in random tour lengths to approximate the optimal tour length in both Euclidean and non‐Euclidean TSPs and we obtained good estimates. In this paper, we show that the strong power‐law relationship between the standard deviation in random feasible solution values and the optimal solution value also holds for other Euclidean and near‐Euclidean combinatorial optimization problems like the minimum spanning tree (MST) and maximum weight matching (MWM) problems. We then enhance the estimation ability of the model by considering a second predictor: the mean in random feasible solution values. Experimental results show that by using the mean, standard deviation, and randomization, we can accurately predict the optimal solution values for the TSP, MST, MWM, and the capacitated vehicle routing problem (VRP).
Effects of exercise in treating patients with venous leg ulcers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Qianting , Lu Ling , Song Jia lin , Wang Lu 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTo determine the effects of exercise on VLU healing and exercise adherence, and to provide evidence for clinical practice and scientific investigation. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched from inception to 31st March, 2022. Pooled relative risks (RRs), standardised mean differences (SMDs), adherence rate with respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Quality assessment of included studies were performed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias evaluation. Heterogeneity between enrolled studies was evaluated. We identified eight randomised control studies (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria. The pooled RR for healing rate was 1.38 (95% CI: 1.14 to 1.66; P = 0.0008) with no significant heterogeneity between component studies (I2 = 0%, P = 0.96). SMD for differences of total range of ankle joint motion (ROAM) at the end and at the initiation of follow‐up in the intervention and control groups was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.22, 1.52; P = 0.0091), no significant heterogeneity was detected (I2 = 59%, P = 0.0622). Pooled adherence rate was 64% (95% CI: 53%, 75%) with no significant heterogeneity. Exercise manifested positive effects on VLU healing, range of ankle mobility compared with the control group. Patients' adherence to the exercise regimens was favourable.
Rheological, mechanical, and electrical properties of Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 modified BaTiO3 ceramic and its composites
Authors: Yan Yan , Zeng Xinyu , Deng Tao , Chen Fukang , Yang Lishun , He Zhanbing , Jin Li , Liu Gang 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPorous BaTiO3‐based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics with lamellar structure were achieved by ice templating method, and the rheological properties of ceramic slurry for freeze casting were deeply studied. Epoxy resin was then backfilled to generate ceramic–epoxy resin composites. Ceramic–epoxy composites with a lamellar structure were obtained when using a slurry with a ceramic content of 45 wt.%. The nanoindentation results showed that the introduction of ceramic materials into the epoxy resin can significantly improve the penetration resistance and hardness of the material. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the composites were also characterized. The interaction between the highly coupled dipoles in the polymers results in a decrease in the breakdown field strength of the composite. The dielectric constant reached up to ∼800. At 220 kV/cm, Wrec = 0.62 J/cm3, and η was ∼80%. At low frequencies, Wrec was ∼0.16 J/cm3, which indicated good stability.
A novel practical algorithm using machine learning to differentiate outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia origins
Authors: Shimojo Masafumi , Inden Yasuya , Yanagisawa Satoshi , Suzuki Noriyuki , Tsurumi Naoki , Watanabe Ryo , Nakagomi Toshifumi , Okajima Takashi , Suga Kazumasa , Tsuji Yukiomi , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIntroductionDiagnosis of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia (OTVA) localization by an electrocardiographic complex is key to successful catheter ablation for OTVA. However, diagnosing the origin of OTVA with a precordial transition in lead V3 (V3TZ) is challenging. This study aimed to create the best practical electrocardiogram algorithm to differentiate the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) of OTVA origin with V3TZ using machine learning.MethodsOf 498 consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for OTVA, we included 104 patients who underwent ablation for OTVA with V3TZ and identified the origin of LVOT (n = 62) and RVOT (n = 42) from the results. We analyzed the standard 12‐lead electrocardiogram preoperatively and measured 128 elements in each case. The study population was randomly divided into training group (70%) and testing group (30%), and decision tree analysis was performed using the measured elements as features. The performance of the algorithm created in the training group was verified in the testing group.ResultsFour measurements were identified as important features: the aVF/II R‐wave ratio, the V2S/V3R index, the QRS amplitude in lead V3, and the R‐wave deflection slope in lead V3. Among them, the aVF/II R‐wave ratio and the V2S/V3R index had a particularly strong influence on the algorithm. The performance of this algorithm was extremely high, with an accuracy of 94.4%, precision of 91.5%, recall of 100%, and an F1‐score of 0.96.ConclusionsThe novel algorithm created using machine learning is useful in diagnosing the origin of OTVA with V3TZ.
Pirfenidone suppressed triple‐negative breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting the activity of the TGF‐β/SMAD pathway
Authors: Luo Daiqin , Zeng Xianlin , Zhang Shuling , Li Daohong , Cheng Zhimei , Wang Yun , Long Jinhua , Hu Zuquan , Long Shiqi , Zhou Jing , Zhang Shuai , Zeng Zhu 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAmong breast cancer patients, metastases are the leading cause of death. Despite decades of effort, little progress has been made to improve the treatment of breast cancer metastases, especially triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). The extracellular matrix plays an important role in tumour growth and metastasis by causing its deposition, remodelling, and signalling. As we know, the process of fibrosis results in excessive amounts of extracellular matrix being deposited within the cells. So, it will be interesting to study if the use of anti‐fibrotic drugs in combination with conventional chemotherapy drugs can produce synergistic antitumor effects. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of Pirfenidone (PFD), an FDA‐approved medication for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, on TNBC cells as well as its anti‐tumour effects in xenograft tumour model. PFD inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoted their apoptosis in vitro. PFD also suppressed TGF‐β‐induced activation of Smad signalling pathway and expression level of EMT‐inducing transcription factors (e.g. SNAI2, TWIST1, ZEB1) as well as the mesenchymal genes such as VIMENTIN and N‐Cadherin. On the contrary, the expression level of epithelial marker gene E‐Cadherin was up‐regulated in the presence of PFD. In vivo, PFD alone exerted a milder but significant anti‐tumour effect than the chemotherapy drug nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel (nab‐PTX) did in the breast cancer xenograft mouse model. Interestingly, PFD synergistically boosted the cancer‐killing effect of nab‐PTX. Furthermore, Our data suggest that PFD suppressed breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting the activity of the TGFβ/SMAD pathway.
Estimands for atopic dermatitis clinical trials: Expert opinion on the importance of intercurrent events
Authors: Bissonnette R. , Eichenfield L. F. , Simpson E. , Thaçi D. , Kabashima K. , Thyssen J. P. , Guttman‐Yassky E. , Nunes F. P. , Gamalo M. , Ahmad F. , Kuligowski M. , Sun K. , Pipper C. , Christensen A. W. , D'Angelo P. , Milutinovic M. , Guettner A. , Silverberg J. I. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDespite the emergence of novel targeted treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD), there is a lack of guidelines on standardizing analysis of clinical trial data. To define and estimate meaningful treatment comparisons, several factors, including intercurrent events, must be taken into account. Intercurrent events are defined as events occurring after treatment initiation that affect either the interpretation or existence of the measurements associated with clinical questions of interest. Due to the relapsing, unpredictable nature of AD, intercurrent events frequently occur in AD trials, such as use of rescue therapy for intense itch and sleep deprivation. Despite the impact of intercurrent events in AD, they are often handled in an inconsistent manner across trials, which limits results interpretation. The estimand framework is increasingly used to estimate treatment effects while accounting for intercurrent events. This review explores how guidance from the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) on the use of estimands can be applied to support AD clinical trial design and analysis. We propose that estimands are used in AD trials and defined early during trial design. The use of estimands can provide clinicians with interventional trial results that are more reflective of clinical practice, help facilitate comparisons across clinical trials, and are more informative to enable improved treatment selection for patients.
Impact of peri‐implant soft tissue characteristics on health and esthetics
Authors: Monje Alberto , González‐Martín Oscar , Ávila‐Ortiz Gustavo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo review the impact of key peri‐implant soft tissue characteristics on health and esthetics.Main ConsiderationsThe keratinized mucosa width (KMW), the mucosal thickness (MT), and the supracrestal tissue height (STH) are essential components of the peri‐implant soft tissue phenotype. An inadequate KMW (<2 mm) has been associated with local discomfort upon oral hygiene performance and increased risk for the onset of peri‐implant diseases. A minimum buccal MT (≥2 mm) is generally required to prevent esthetic issues related to the effect of transmucosal prosthetic elements on the color of the mucosa and can also contribute to long‐term mucosal stability. STH is directly related to marginal bone remodeling patterns during the early healing process that follows the connection of transmucosal prosthetic components. Short STH, generally defined as <3 mm, has been consistently associated with marginal bone loss resulting from the physiologic establishment of the mucosal seal. Insufficient STH may also derive into the fabrication of unfavorable transmucosal prosthetic contours, which frequently results in unpleasing esthetic outcomes and predisposes to submarginal biofilm accumulation. Peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscences (PISTDs) are a type of peri‐implant deformity that are associated with esthetic issues and often occur in sites presenting KMW, MT, and/or STH deficiencies. PISTDs should be correctly diagnosed and treated accordingly, usually by means of multidisciplinary therapy.ConclusionUnderstanding the impact of different dimensional and morphologic features of the peri‐implant mucosa on health and esthetic outcomes is fundamental to make appropriate clinical decisions in the context of tooth replacement therapy with implant‐supported prostheses.
Lesion‐symptom mapping of language impairments in people with brain tumours: The influence of linguistic stimuli
Authors: Ntemou Effrosyni , Rybka Lena , Lubbers Jocelyn , Tuncer Mehmet Salih , Vajkoczy Peter , Rofes Adrià , Picht Thomas , Faust Katharina 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPeople with tumours in specific brain sites might face difficulties in tasks with different linguistic material. Previous lesion‐symptom mapping studies (VLSM) demonstrated that people with tumours in posterior temporal regions have more severe linguistic impairments. However, to the best of our knowledge, preoperative performance and lesion location on tasks with different linguistic stimuli have not been examined. In the present study, we performed VLSM on 52 people with left gliomas to examine whether tumour distribution differs depending on the tasks of the Aachen Aphasia Test. The VLSM analysis revealed that single‐word production (e.g. object naming) was associated with the inferior parietal lobe and that compound and sentence production were additionally associated with posterior temporal gyri. Word repetition was affected in people with tumours in inferior parietal areas, whereas sentence repetition was the only task to be associated with frontal regions. Subcortically, word and sentence production were found to be affected in people with tumours reaching the arcuate fasciculus, and compound production was primarily associated with tumours affecting the inferior longitudinal and inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus. Our work shows that tasks with linguistic stimuli other than single‐word naming (e.g. compound and sentence production) relate to additional cortical and subcortical brain areas. At a clinical level, we show that tasks that target the same processes (e.g. repetition) can have different neural correlates depending on the linguistic stimuli used. Also, we highlight the importance of left temporoparietal areas.
Two‐year evaluation of porcelain laminate veneers using FDI criteria
Authors: Yıldırım Bengisu , Recen Duygu , Paken Gamze 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPurposeThe use of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) is a minimally invasive technique that is often used in restorative dentistry due to esthetic considerations. The aim of this study was to evaluate PLVs according to the Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI) World Dental Federation clinical criteria.Materials and methodsThis clinical study included 11 patients (7 female and 4 male) who had been admitted to the Uşak University Faculty of Dentistry between February 2019 and February 2021. Before taking part in the study, patients were informed about alternative treatment procedure options. A total of 30 PLVs were fabricated and cemented, and patients were evaluated according to the FDI criteria (with a follow‐up after 2 years).ResultsRestorations were evaluated by two trained researchers. During the follow‐up evaluation, no fractures or cracks were observed in any restoration. Further, 73% (n = 22) of the PLVs had perfect marginal adaptation and only 27% (n = 8) had small marginal fractures that could be removed by polishing. Moreover, 57% (n = 17) of the PLVs were evaluated as a good color match (no difference in shade and/or translucency), whereas 33% (n = 13) had only minor deviations. In periodontal examinations, 23% (n = 7) of the PLVs had no plaque, inflammation, or pockets, whereas 77% (n = 23) had minor plaque inflammation and no pocket development.ConclusionsAs there were no fractures, fails, or need for removal of the restorations after 2 years, PLVs showed clinically satisfactory performance. The performance of PLVs can be considered highly favorable due to the minimally invasive and periodontally‐compatible nature, with a good color match when carefully planned.
Political selection when uncertainty is high
Authors: Baskaran Thushyanthan , Hessami Zohal , Khasanboev Temurbek 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDo voters place their trust in tried and tested leaders when uncertainty is high or do they prefer a new slate of leaders who are arguably more competent? To study this question, we make use of hand‐collected data on 402,385 candidates who competed in open‐list local council elections (1996–2020) in Bavaria. The 2020 elections took place at the dawn of the Covid‐19 pandemic, a time of high uncertainty about the future course of events. Using local heterogeneity in Covid‐19 outbreaks and related school/daycare closures to proxy the degree of perceived uncertainty across Bavarian municipalities, we show with a difference‐in‐differences design that councilors' incumbency advantage declined more in exposed municipalities. This decrease in the incumbency advantage is limited to male and non‐university educated incumbents, resulting in shifted patterns of political selection. Overall, we conclude that voters select more competent politicians when they face uncertainty about the future.
Integrating top‐down and bottom‐up approaches to understand the genetic architecture of speciation across a monkeyflower hybrid zone
Authors: Stankowski Sean , Chase Madeline A. , McIntosh Hanna , Streisfeld Matthew A. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the phenotypic and genetic architecture of reproductive isolation is a long‐standing goal of speciation research. In several systems, large‐effect loci contributing to barrier phenotypes have been characterized, but such causal connections are rarely known for more complex genetic architectures. In this study, we combine “top‐down” and “bottom‐up” approaches with demographic modelling toward an integrated understanding of speciation across a monkeyflower hybrid zone. Previous work suggests that pollinator visitation acts as a primary barrier to gene flow between two divergent red‐ and yellow‐flowered ecotypes ofMimulus aurantiacus. Several candidate isolating traits and anonymous single nucleotide polymorphism loci under divergent selection have been identified, but their genomic positions remain unknown. Here, we report findings from demographic analyses that indicate this hybrid zone formed by secondary contact, but that subsequent gene flow was restricted by widespread barrier loci across the genome. Using a novel, geographic cline‐based genome scan, we demonstrate that candidate barrier loci are broadly distributed across the genome, rather than mapping to one or a few “islands of speciation.” Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping reveals that most floral traits are highly polygenic, with little evidence that QTL colocalize, indicating that most traits are genetically independent. Finally, we find little evidence that QTL and candidate barrier loci overlap, suggesting that some loci contribute to other forms of reproductive isolation. Our findings highlight the challenges of understanding the genetic architecture of reproductive isolation and reveal that barriers to gene flow other than pollinator isolation may play an important role in this system.