bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation, function, and safety evaluation of a novel degradable dermal filler, the cross‐linked poly‐γ‐glutamic acid hydrogel particles
Authors: Chen Mian , Chen Lei , Yuan Dandan , Niu Linlin , Hu Jianting , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Xiuhua , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Xiangjun , Ling Peixue , Liu Fei , Zhang Daizhou 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPoly‐γ‐glutamic acid (PGA) is a naturally degradable hydrophilic linear microbial polymer with moisturizing, immunogenic, cross‐linking, and hydrogel water absorption properties similar to hyaluronic acid, a biomaterial that is commonly used as a dermal filler. To explore the development feasibility of cross‐linked PGA as a novel dermal filler, we studied the local skin response to PGA fillers and the effect of various cross‐linking preparations on the average longevity of dermal injection. Injection site inflammation and the formation of collagen and elastin were also determined. PGA hydrogel particles prepared using 28% PGA and 10% 1,4‐butanediol diglycidyl ether showed optimal filler properties, resistance to moist heat sterilization, and an average filling longevity of 94.7 ± 61.6 days in the dermis of rabbit ears. Local redness and swelling due to filler injection recovered within 14.2 ± 3.6 days. Local tissue necrosis or systemic allergic reactions were not observed, and local collagen formation was promoted. Preliminary results suggested that dermal injection of cross‐linked PGA particles appeared safe and effective, suggesting that cross‐linked PGA particles could be developed as a new hydrogel dermal filler.
A systematic review of sarcopenia prevalence and associated factors in people living with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Ghayomzadeh Morteza , Mirzapour Pegah , Maroufi Seyed Farzad , Pashaei Zahra , Ali Zoha , Tantuoyir Marcarious M. , Aghaie Narjes , Vahedi Farzin , Salmani Roghayeh , MohsseniPour Mehrzad , Qaderi Kowsar , Shahidi Ramin , Peyman Akram , Varshochi Sanaz , Afzalian Arian , Maroufi Seyede Parmis , Mehraeen Esmaeil , Dadras Omid , Hackett Daniel 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPeople living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) appear to be at an increased risk of sarcopenia, which can have a devastating effect on their life due to consequences such as physical disability, poor quality of life, and finally death. This systematic review examined sarcopenia prevalence and its associated factors in PLWH. A systematic search was conducted using the keywords in the online databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane databases from the dates of inception up to May 2022. The retrieved articles underwent a two‐step title/abstract and full‐text review process, and the eligible papers were selected and included in the qualitative synthesis. Data relating to the study population, purpose of study, gender, age, race, body mass index, medical history, paraclinical results and antiretroviral therapy as associated factors of sarcopenia were extracted. In addition, the prevalence of sarcopenia in PLWH and its promoting and reducing factors were also extracted. We reviewed the 14 related studies for identifying of sarcopenia prevalence and its associated factors in PLWH. The total number of PLWH in all the reviewed studies was 2592. There was no criterion for the minimum number of people with HIV and the lowest number of PLWH was 27, and the highest number was 860. Some studies reported a significantly higher prevalence of sarcopenia in HIV‐infected individuals compared with HIV‐negative controls as follows: 24.2–6.7%, 15–4% and 10–6%, respectively. We showed that, age (30–50 years), being female, >5 years post‐HIV diagnosis, multiple vertebral fractures, cocaine/heroin use and lower gamma‐glutamyl transferase level were the main promoting factors of sarcopenia. Higher educational level, employment, physical exercise, calf circumference >31 cm, and gait speed >0.8 m/s were also factors to reduce sarcopenia. Sarcopenia prevalence in PLWH is higher than HIV‐negative population. Given the importance and prevalence of sarcopenia among PLWH and its associated consequences (i.e., mortality and disability), determining its risk factors is of great importance.
A new perspective on the corneo‐scleral junction with three types of microscopy techniques
Authors: Kose Fatma , Orhan Imdat , Alan Aydın , Cabir Ahmet , Beyaz Feyzullah , Duzler Ayhan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe conjunctions of the cornea and sclera in the eyes of donkeys, cattle, dogs, sheep, pigs and rabbits, regardless of gender, were examined in this study. No animals were specifically sacrificed for this investigation. Scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and dissecting microscopy were used in this research. In the limbus of all the animals investigated, the cornea and sclera fused in accordance with a pattern. At the corneo‐scleral junction, the sclera was situated anteriorly and the cornea posteriorly in the dorsal and ventral sections of the bulbus oculi. In the medial and lateral parts of the eyeball, the cornea and sclera were facing each other and interlaced. Pigmentation and the sulcus scleralis externus could be used to identify the macro‐and micro‐anatomical boundaries of the limbus. In addition, the cytoplasm of basal epithelial cells shrank, signaling the end of the corneal epithelium and the start of the conjunctival epithelium. The presence of Bowman's membrane in cattle and sheep eyes was definitely determined in histological examinations. Bowman's membrane in these animals came to an end at the limbus, which is where the conjunctival epithelium starts and the corneal epithelium ends. In all areas of the cornea, Bowman's membrane revealed irregular, abrupt thickening and thinning. The corneal epithelium was thick in the vertex and thinner towards the limbus, whereas Descemet's membrane was thin in the center (vertex) and thick in the periphery (near the limbus). In this study, pictures and diagrams were used to illustrate the general anatomical, histological, and morphometric characteristics of the limbus in the species under investigation. The data from our study showed that the limbus region of the bulbus oculi was narrow in the lateral and medial parts and wide in the dorsal and ventral parts. This was confirmed in the studied animals as a general rule. The width value will undoubtedly affect the number of cells covered by the regions. It is conceivable that these cells will play a significant role in the decision of where to perform surgical procedures in order to promote wound healing, giving doctors an advantage. In this circumstances, we think that the limbus should be studied in terms of clinical methods because it has different shapes depending on the species and the position of the bulbus.
Production of fungal chitosan and fabrication of fungal chitosan/polycaprolactone electrospun nanofibers for tissue engineering
Authors: Erdoğmuş Sevim Feyza , Altıntaş Özlem Erdal , ÇELİK Sefa 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe present study investigated that chitosan production of Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 1526 and Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404. Fungal chitosans were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)‐energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter and deacetylation degrees of fungal chitosans were determined. The percentage yield of Ro‐chitosan and An‐chitosan were determined as 18.6% and 12.5%, respectively. According to percentage of chitosan yield and the results of the characterization studies, chitosan that obtained from Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 1526 was selected for subsequent studies. Cytotoxicity of chitosan obtained from Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 1526 was determined by MTT assay on human dermal fibroblast cell line. Acording to results of the cytotoxicity test fungal chitosan was nontoxic on cells. The high cell viability was observed 375 μg/mL concentration at 24th, 48th h periods and at the 187.5 μg/ml 72nd h periods on cells. The fungal chitosan obtained from Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 1526 was used to fabrication of electrospun nanofibers. Fungal chitosan based polymer solutions were prepared by adding different substances and different electrostatic spinning parameters were used to obtain most suitable nanofiber structure. Characterization studies of nanofibers were carried out by SEM, FTIR and X‐ray diffraction. The most suitable nanofiber structure was determined as F4 formula. The nanofiber structure was evaluated to be thin, bead‐free, uniform, flexible and easily remove from surface and taking the shape of the area. After the characterization analysis of fungal chitosan it was determined that the chitosan, which obtained from Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 1526 is actually chitosan polymer and this polymer is usable for pharmaceutical areas and biotechnological applications. The electrospun nanofiber that blends fungal chitosan and PCL polymers were fabricated successfully and that it can be used as fabrication wound dressing models.Research HighlightsExtraction of chitosan from Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 1526 and Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404 and characterization scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter. Fabrication and characterization of the fungal chitosan/PCL electrospun nanofibers.
Erythroleukemia: Classification
Authors: Cervera Nathalie , Guille Arnaud , Adélaïde José , Hospital Marie‐Anne , Garciaz Sylvain , Mozziconacci Marie‐Joelle , Vey Norbert , Gelsi‐Boyer Véronique , Birnbaum Daniel 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAcute erythroid leukemia (AEL) is a rare (2%–5%) form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Molecular alterations found in AEL resemble those of other AMLs. We report a classification of AELs in three major classes, with different prognosis and some specific features such as a tendency to mutual exclusion of mutations in epigenetic regulators and signaling genes.
Strategies to increase couples HIV testing and counselling in sub‐Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Hampanda Karen M. , Pelowich Krysta , Freeborn Kellie , Graybill Lauren A. , Mutale Wilbroad , Jones Katelyn R. , Saidi Friday , Kumwenda Andrew , Kasaro Margaret , Rosenberg Nora E. , Chi Benjamin H. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionCouple HIV testing and counselling (CHTC) is associated with measurable benefits for HIV prevention and treatment. However, the uptake remains limited in much of sub‐Saharan Africa, despite an expanded range of strategies designed to promote access.MethodsFollowing PRIMSA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to characterize CHTC uptake strategies. Five databases were searched. Full‐text articles were included if they were: conducted in sub‐Saharan Africa during the study period (1980–2019), targeted heterosexual couples, reported at least one strategy to promote CHTC and provided a quantifiable measure of CHTC uptake. After the initial and full‐text screening, key features of the studies were abstracted and synthesized.ResultsOf the 6188 unique records found in our search, 365 underwent full‐text review with 29 distinct studies included and synthesized. Most studies recruited couples through antenatal care (n = 11) or community venues (n = 8) and used provider‐based HIV testing (n = 25). The primary demand creation strategies included home‐based CHTC (n = 7); integration of CHTC into clinical settings (n = 4); distribution of HIV self‐testing kits (n = 4); verbal or written invitations (n = 4); community recruiters (n = 3); partner tracing (n = 2); relationship counselling (n = 2); financial incentives (n = 1); group education with CHTC coupons (n = 1); and HIV testing at other community venues (n = 1). CHTC uptake ranged from negligible to nearly universal.DiscussionWe thematically categorized a diverse range of strategies with varying levels of intensity and resources used across sub‐Saharan Africa to promote CHTC. Offering CHTC within couples’ homes was the most common approach, followed by the integration of CHTC into clinical settings. Due to heterogeneity in study characteristics, we were unable to compare the effectiveness across studies, but several trends were observed, including the high prevalence of CHTC promotion strategies in antenatal settings and the promising effects of home‐based CHTC, distribution of HIV self‐tests and integration of CHTC into routine health services. Since 2019, an updated literature search found that combining partner notification and secondary distribution of HIV self‐test kits may be an additionally effective CHTC strategy.ConclusionsThere are many effective, feasible and scalable approaches to promote CHTC that should be considered by national programmes according to local needs, cultural context and available resources.
The morphology of the free‐living females of Strepsiptera (Insecta)
Authors: Tröger Daniel , Stark Heiko , Beutel Rolf G. , Pohl Hans 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe morphology of the adult free‐living females of Mengenilla moldrzyki and Eoxenos laboulbenei (Strepsiptera, Mengenillidae) was documented with µCT‐based 3D reconstructions and histological serial sections. External and internal features of both species are characterized by far‐reaching specialization and structural simplification. The well‐developed mandibles are moved by large muscles. Other mouthparts and their corresponding musculature are simplified or absent. The brain is partly shifted into the prothorax. It is followed by a single postcerebral ganglionic complex also containing the subesophageal ganglion and an unpaired abdominal nerve. Postcephalic sclerites are absent, except for the plate‐like pronotum and small pleural sclerites. Wings and associated muscles are missing. The lumina of the large midgut and the anterior hindgut are disconnected. Seven bulb‐shaped Malpighian tubules in M. moldrzyki is the highest number yet described for Strepsiptera. The 10‐segmented abdomen lacks appendages. An unpaired birth organ opens ventrally on abdominal segment VII. The entire body cavity is filled with numerous freely floating eggs, 1386 in the specimen of M. moldrzyki and 721 in E. laboulbenei. Genital ducts, defined gonads, and genital glands are missing. The morphology of female Mengenillidae is discussed with respect to sexual dimorphism and structural features of the postembryonic stages. Phylogenetic implications are outlined.
Dietary supplementation with probiotics increases growth performance, improves the intestinal mucosal barrier and activates the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway activity in chicks
Authors: Tong Di‐qing , Lu Zhu‐jin , Zeng Nan , Wang Xiu‐qi , Yan Hui‐chao , Gao Chun‐qi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundProbiotics comprise effective feed additives that can replace antibiotics in animal livestock production. However, mono‐strain probiotics appear less effective because of their instability. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate dietary supplementation with compound probiotics (CPP) on growth performance, diarrhea rate and intestinal mucosal barrier, as well as the possible molecular mechanism, in chicks. In total, 360 1‐day‐old chicks of the Hy‐Line Brown Chicks were randomly divided into the control group (CON, basal diet), chlortetracycline group (500 mg kg−1 CTC) and compound probiotics group (1000 mg kg−1 CPP, consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Enterococcus faecium and yeast). The experiment period was 56 days.ResultsThe results showed that, in comparison with the CON group, CPP significantly increased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of chicks and reduced diarrhea (P < 0.05). The probiotic group exhibited increased immune organ (i.e. spleen and thymus) mass and increased levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM and IgG (P < 0.05) compared to the CTC group. In addition, the jejunal mass and morphology were improved in the probiotic group (P < 0.05). Moreover, CPP reinforced jejunal barrier function, as indicated by increased transepithelial electrical resistance, protein expression of occludin and claudin‐1, and diamine oxidase levels in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Likewise, enhanced fluorescence signals of proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐labeled mitotic cells and villin‐labeled absorptive cells in the jejunum (P < 0.05) suggested that CPP promoted intestinal stem cells activity. Mechanistically, the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, including β‐catenin, TCF4, c‐Myc, cyclin D1 and Lgr5, was amplified in the jejunum by CPP addition (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that dietary supplementation with CPP reinforced the jejunal epithelial integrity by activating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and enhanced immune function in chicks. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Non‐Hermitian Control of Topological Scattering Singularities Emerging from Bound States in the Continuum
Authors: Sakotic Zarko , Stankovic Predrag , Bengin Vesna , Krasnok Alex , Alú Andrea , Jankovic Nikolina 
Published: March 2023

AbstractLeveraging topological properties in the response of electromagnetic systems can greatly enhance their potential. Although the investigation of singularity‐based electromagnetics and non‐Hermitian electronics has considerably increased in recent years in the context of various scattering anomalies, their topological properties have not been fully assessed. In this work, it is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated that non‐Hermitian perturbations around bound states in the continuum can lead to singularities of the scattering matrix, which are topologically nontrivial and comply with charge conservation. The associated scattering matrix poles, zeros, and pole‐zero pairs delineate extreme scattering events, including lasing, coherent perfect absorption, and absorber‐lasers. The presented framework enables a recipe for generation, annihilation, and addition of these singularities in electric circuits, with potential for extreme scattering engineering across a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum for sensing, wireless power and information transfer, polarization control, and thermal emission devices.
Biological and synthetic surfactant exposure increases antimicrobial gene occurrence in a freshwater mixed microbial biofilm environment
Authors: Gill Stephanie P. , Snelling William J. , Dooley James S. G. , Ternan Nigel G. , Banat Ibrahim M. , Arnscheidt Joerg , Hunter William R. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAquatic habitats are particularly susceptible to chemical pollution, such as antimicrobials, from domestic, agricultural, and industrial sources. This has led to the rapid increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene prevalence. Alternate approaches to counteract pathogenic bacteria are in development including synthetic and biological surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and rhamnolipids. In the aquatic environment, these surfactants may be present as pollutants with the potential to affect biofilm formation and AMR gene occurrence. We tested the effects of rhamnolipid and SDS on aquatic biofilms in a freshwater stream in Northern Ireland. We grew biofilms on contaminant exposure substrates deployed within the stream over 4 weeks. We then extracted DNA and carried out shotgun sequencing using a MinION portable sequencer to determine microbial community composition, with 16S rRNA analyses (64,678 classifiable reads identified), and AMR gene occurrence (81 instances of AMR genes over 9 AMR gene classes) through a metagenomic analysis. There were no significant changes in community composition within all systems; however, biofilm exposed to rhamnolipid had a greater number of unique taxa as compared to SDS treatments and controls. AMR gene prevalence was higher in surfactant‐treated biofilms, although not significant, with biofilm exposed to rhamnolipids having the highest presence of AMR genes and classes compared to the control or SDS treatments. Our results suggest that the presence of rhamnolipid encourages an increase in the prevalence of AMR genes in biofilms produced in mixed‐use water bodies.
A Novel Metric for Predicting Severity of Disease Features in Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Rodden Layne N. , Rummey Christian , Kessler Sudha , Wilson Robert B. , Lynch David R. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundFriedreich's ataxia (FRDA), most commonly caused by a GAA triplet repeat (GAA‐TR) expansion in intron 1 of the FXN gene, is characterized by deficiency of frataxin protein and clinical features such as progressive ataxia, dysarthria, impaired proprioception and vibration, abolished deep tendon reflexes, Babinski sign, and vision loss in association with non‐neurological features such as skeletal anomalies, hearing loss, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes. Pathogenic GAA‐TRs range in size from 60 to 1500 triplets and negatively correlate with age of onset. Clinical severity is predicted by a combination of GAA‐TR length and disease duration (DD) via multivariable regressions, which cannot typically be used for the small sample sizes in most studies on this rare disease.ObjectiveWe aimed to develop a single metric, which we call “disease burden” (DB), that encompasses both GAA‐TR length and DD for predicting disease features of FRDA in small sample sizes.MethodsLinear regression and multivariable regression analysis was used to determine correlation coefficients between different disease features of FRDA.ResultsUsing large datasets for validation, we found that DB predicts measures of neurological dysfunction in FRDA better than GAA‐TR length or DD. Analogous results were found using small datasets.ConclusionsFRDA DB is a novel metric of disease severity that has utility in small datasets to demonstrate correlations that would not otherwise be evident with either GAA‐TR or DD alone. This is important for discovering new biomarkers, as well as improving the prediction of severity of disease features in FRDA. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.