bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employing active learning in the optimization of culture medium for mammalian cells
Authors: Hashizume Takamasa , Ozawa Yuki , Ying Bei-Wen 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMedium optimization is a crucial step of cell culture for biopharmaceutics and regeneration medicine. It remains challenging, as both media and cells are highly complex systems. To address the issue, we tried active learning to fine-tune the culture medium by combining the high-throughput assay and machine learning. As a pilot study, the cell line HeLa-S3 and the gradient-boosting decision tree algorithm were used. The regular and time-saving approaches were developed, and both successfully fine-tuned 29 components to achieve improved cell culture than the original medium. The fine-tuned media showed a significant decrease in fetal bovine serum and the differentiation in vitamins and amino acids. Unexpectedly, the medium optimization raised the cellular NAD(P)H abundance but not the cell concentration owing to the conventional method used for cell culture assay. Our study demonstrated the efficiency of active learning for medium optimization and provided valuable hints for employing machine learning in cell culture.
The multiple lncRNAs encodinghsrω gene is essential for oogenesis inDrosophila
Authors: Saha Rima , Lakhotia Subhash C. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn the background of limited studies on noncoding RNAs inDrosophilaoogenesis, we show developmentally activehsrω lncRNA gene to be essential in oogenesis and ovulation. The near-nullhsrω66females, and ovaries with down- or up-regulatedhsrω display varyingly perturbed oogenesis including fewer ovarioles, high apoptosis, poor actin nuclear-cage (stage 10), low Cut levels in late chambers and, finally ovulation block. Restoration of normal oogenesis following targeted expression ofhsrω-RH transcript inhsrω66confirmedhsrω mis-function to underlie these defects. Genetic interaction studies showed varying modulation of ovarian defects following mis-expression of Cut, and TBPH/TDP-43 or Caz/dFUS hnRNPs by alteredhsrω transcript levels. Dietary supplement of ecdysone tohsrω66females, which have reduced ecdysone titer, substantially restored normal oogenesis. Our results show for the first time that the multiple lncRNA producinghsrω gene, which interacts with diverse hnRNPs and other regulatory molecules, As expected of a gene with key roles in dynamics of various hnRNPs, interactions between down or upregulatedhsrω transcripts and various oogenesis regulators are not linear.Summary StatementThe multiple lncRNA producinghsrω gene critically impactsDrosophilaoogenesis at multiple steps through intra- and inter-organ signaling.
Niche partitioning and coexistence of sympatric macaques in a fragmented habitat of the Upper Brahmaputra Valley, northeastern India
Authors: Sharma Narayan , Sinha Anindya 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHow closely related species co-exist, especially under conditions of resource limitation remains an intriguing problem in ecology. Having to share space and resources, such species are expected to have evolved a variety of behavioural mechanisms to reduce competition. Understanding such adaptation could also provide clues to designing effective conservation strategies for these species. In this chapter, I examine the niche partitioning and co-existence of three congeneric species, the rhesus macaqueMacaca mulatta, northern pig-tailed macaqueMacaca leoninaand stump-tailed macaqueMacaca arctoides, in a fragment of less than 20 km2, the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, which still harbours a significant proportion of original species pool. An intensive observational study was conducted on two troops each of the three species over a period of 23 months from March 2008 to January 2010. We examined niche partitioning among the macaques along two major axes—space and food. Our results found significant interspecific differences among macaques in their utilisation of both horizontal and vertical space, as well as in their utilisation of food resources. The differential utilisation of space and food has enabled the continued co-existence of the three macaque species in this fragment. At the fragment level and over proximate time scales, our results explain why primates, particularly the three species of macaques, are able to thrive even after being isolated for over one hundred years. Ecological and behavioural insights gleaned from this fragment will help us understand and promote the co-existence of primates in other habitat fragments of the Upper Brahmaputra Valley.
A contribution to the variability ofPrunus spinosaL. in the vicinity of the mediaeval Castle Kolno, near Brzeg, S-W Poland
Authors: Kosina Romuald 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn the present work, the variability of stone characteristics of mediaeval fossil forms and modern ones from a small blackthorn population in the vicinity of Castle Kolno was analysed. A modern hybrid form obtained from crossing with cultivated plums and appropriate fossil morphotypes were discovered. The analysis of the correlation of features indicated developmental relationships between them. The pattern of variability of the examined stones in the ordination space confirmed the development of thePrunus spinosa-Prunus domesticacomplex as an element of the dynamic syngameon. The population also showed variations in leaf morphotypes, which may be used in taxonomic analysis.
Invasive species modulate the structure and stability of a multilayer mutualistic network
Authors: Vitali Agustin , Ruiz-Suarez Sofía , Vázquez Diego P. , Schleuning Matthias , Rodríguez-Cabal Mariano A. , Sasal Yamila , Pilosof Shai 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSpecies interactions are the backbone of the structure and dynamics of communities. The extensive research into the link between structure and stability has been primarily theoretical and focused on monotrophic networks. Therefore, how the disruption of multitrophic interactions alters communities’ response to perturbations in nature remains an open question. Here, we explored how non-native ungulates affect pollination-seed dispersal multilayer networks in Patagonia, Argentina. Ungulates disrupt a hummingbird-mistletoe-marsupial keystone interaction, which alters community composition. We calculated interlayer connectivity, modularity, and species’ roles in connecting modules for intact vs. invaded networks. To link structural changes to stability, we quantified network tolerance to a single random species removal (disturbance propagation) and sequential species removal (robustness) using a stochastic coextinction model. Non-native ungulates reduced the connectivity between pollination and seed dispersal and produced fewer modules with a skewed size distribution. Moreover, species shifted their structural role, primarily from connectors to peripherals, thereby fragmenting the network by reducing the “bridges” among modules. These structural changes altered the dynamics of cascading effects in the community, increasing disturbance propagation and reducing network robustness. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the mechanisms that alter the structure and subsequent stability of multitrophic communities in nature.
From where do legislators draw scientific knowledge? Organizations as scientific authorities in four countries' parliamentary debates
Authors: Syväterä Jukka , Rautalin Marjaana , Magyari Attila Kustán 
Published: December 2022

AbstractOrganizations far beyond traditional academic institutions have become prolific science producers, with many now providing evidence‐based advice for national governments and policy‐makers. Neo‐institutional sociology explains organizations' growing investment in research activities and research‐based policy advice by the all‐embracing scientization and the expansion of the educated population, phenomena observable throughout the world. There is, however, considerably less knowledge about how the organizations' increased knowledge production and the supply of science‐based policy advice are reflected in national policy‐making, including the legislative work of parliaments, and to what extent distinct organizations are deemed authoritative in different countries. In this paper, we examine how different organizations are used as scientific authorities in parliamentary debates over new legislation. Drawing on analyses of 576 parliamentary debates from Australia, Finland, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, we study what organizations are acknowledged as scientific authorities and the relative weight of different organization types in the context of political debates over new legislation. The results reveal that while organizations in general are frequently evoked as scientific authorities in all four countries, there is remarkable variation in the types of organizations considered authoritative in different national contexts. We elaborate these findings by analysing ways in which politicians evaluate organizations as sources of scientific authority. While the same set of evaluative schemas are used in all four countries, each is typically applied to certain types of organization. The results suggest that both the supply of scientific policy advice and political culture shape legislators' rhetorical practices when drawing on organizations' scientific authority.
Modified chest wall lateral intercostal artery perforator (MCW‐LICAP) flap: a versatile flap in the era of oncoplastic breast surgery
Authors: Yee Francis Zheng Yi , Lim Ee Wen , Seet Yert Li Melissa , Hing Jun Xian , Mok Chi Wei 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundBreast reconstruction following oncological resection is becoming more common in recent years. In some ladies, implant reconstruction is not ideal due to significant implant visibility or palpability. Autologous reconstruction addresses the limitations of implant reconstruction but results in potential donor site morbidities. To date, there is no clear advantage ascribed to any technique. With appropriate selection, patients with adequate lateral mammary fold have the option of reconstruction with MCW‐LICAP flap. We present our techniques and outcomes from a series of 29 patients who underwent MCW‐LICAP flap.MethodsA retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for breast cancer with immediate MCW‐LICAP flap reconstruction, between July 2018 to April 2022 was conducted. The techniques used with its variations along with video demonstrations are presented.ResultsA total of 29 patients underwent 34 procedures. Nineteen breast conserving surgeries and 15 mastectomies were completed, and immediate reconstruction performed in all cases. Twenty‐three patients had MCW‐LICAP, 1 with a Stacked intercostal artery perforator (STICAP) flap, and 5 had MCW‐LICAP combined with a Goldilocks mastectomy. There were no cases of complications requiring re‐operation. All patients had acceptable time to adjuvant therapy with a median of 36 days. Learning curve analysis showed a significant reduction in operative time after the 6th case.ConclusionIn our preliminary experience, MCW‐LICAP flap is a safe, reliable, and versatile oncoplastic reconstruction option.
Improved prediction of 10‐year risk of severe liver disease in the general population using commonly available biomarkers
Authors: Hagström Hannes , Yan Jacinth , Talbäck Mats , Andreasson Anna , Walldius Göran , Bottai Matteo , Hammar Niklas 
Published: December 2022

SummaryBackgroundEstimating the risk for cirrhosis in the general population is complex. Existing prediction tools are in general unsatisfactory.AimsTo explore if using commonly available biomarkers can improve the commonly used FIB‐4 score in the identification of subgroups at risk of cirrhosis.MethodsWe used laboratory and clinical data on 126,925 individuals aged 35–79 years in Stockholm, Sweden, undergoing health examinations from 1985 to 1996. We used Swedish nationwide registries to ascertain 10‐year cumulative incidence of severe liver disease, a composite of diagnoses corresponding to cirrhosis and its complications. We considered combinations of biomarkers associated with severe liver disease to identify subgroups with different risk profiles.ResultsDuring an average follow‐up of 9.3 years, we ascertained 630 incident cases of severe liver disease (0.5%). Age, the FIB‐4 score, diabetes or impaired glucose and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (gGT) were the most relevant characteristics for classifying risk profiles. Using these factors, we identified 24 groups with a cumulative incidence of severe liver disease at 10 years ranging from 0.2% (age 35–65, low FIB‐4, no diabetes or impaired glucose and normal gGT) to 32.1% (age 35–65, high FIB‐4, diabetes or impaired glucose and high gGT).ConclusionsIdentification of subjects at increased risk of severe liver disease in the general population using the FIB‐4 score can be substantially improved by adding age and specific biomarkers commonly available in the primary care setting. These parameters should be considered for inclusion in the development of future risk prediction models.
The improvement mechanism of mechanical properties of B4C ceramics by constructing core–shell powders
Authors: Yao Wankai , Yan Junbing , Chen Pingan , Li Xiangcheng , Zhu Yingli , Zhu Boquan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractB4C ceramics have been widely used in armor plate and cutting tools due to their high hardness. However, their poor sintering performance and low fracture toughness have limited their extended applications. In order to solve these problems, B4C@TiB2 composite powders with core–shell structure were prepared by a sol–gel method using B4C and TiCl4 as raw materials and then sintered by spark plasma sintering. The composite powders were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of B4C ceramics were tested by indentation and three‐point bending methods. The results showed that the B4C@TiB2 composite powders exhibited a tight core–shell structure, and the chemical bonds on the surface were mainly B–C and B–Ti bonds. When the molar ratio of B4C:TiCl4 was 2:1, the relative density and bulk density of B4C ceramics reached 96.2% and 2.92 g/cm3, respectively. Because of the good sintering performance of the B4C@TiB2 composite powders, the Vickers hardness and fracture toughness reached 26.6 GPa and 5.22 MPa m1/2, respectively. The bending strength reached a maximum of 570 MPa. The excellent fracture toughness can be attributed to crack deflection, crack branching, and the residual thermal stress of the core–shell structure.
Enhanced piezoelectric strain response in 〈100〉 grain‐oriented lead‐free bismuth ferrite–based piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Khanal Gopal Prasad , Fujii Ichiro , Ueno Shintaro , Wada Satoshi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe 〈100〉 grain‐oriented 0.11(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3–0.23BaTiO3–0.02Bi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3–0.64BiFeO3 piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by a reactive templated grain growth method using a platelike H1.08Ti1.73O4·nH2O (HTO) template and Bi2O3–KHCO3–MgO–Fe2O3–BaCO3 matrix particles. The high degree of texturing (a Lotgering orientation factor of 80%) and high density (95%) were achieved by employing weight‐pressing treatment during the binder‐removal and sintering treatment along with optimizing the sintering temperature. The water‐quenching treatment has a significant impact on the enhancement of dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties with the increase of dielectric constant, remanent polarization, and piezoelectric strain constant from 764, 13.6 μC/cm2, and 384 pm/V for the as‐sintered ceramics to 812, 29.9 μC/cm2, and 526 pm/V after the water‐quenching treatment at 850°C, respectively. The obtained piezoelectric strain constant with a 1.8 times enhancement compared to that of the ceramics with randomly oriented grains is significantly higher than those reported for other lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics with Curie temperature >300°C. This study suggested the strong potentiality of this material system for high‐temperature actuator application.
Children and adolescents' mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study of their experiences
Authors: Montreuil Marjorie , Gendron‐Cloutier Lauranne , Laberge‐Perrault Emilie , Piché Geneviève , Genest Christine , Rassy Jessica , Malboeuf‐Hurtubise Catherine , Gilbert Elsa , Bogossian Aline , Camden Chantal , Mastine Trinity , Barbo Geneveave 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTopicPublic health measures implemented in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic severely disrupted children and adolescents' (C&A) lives, affecting their sense of structure, predictability, and security.PurposeTo examine C&A' experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic to better understand how this context and its associated public health measures affected them and their mental health, and to identify helpful coping strategies.Sources usedThe study was guided by a participatory hermeneutic framework. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 25 C&A aged 6–17 years during the first and second pandemic waves. Participants' interviews were analyzed following a narrative synthesis approach, through which C&A' experiences were contrasted and contextualized to highlight relevant themes.ConclusionsParticipants described a distinct pattern related to their mental health as the pandemic unfolded, which followed the severity of the pandemic in the province. Negative repercussions on their mental health were linked to the loss of social activities, imposed public health measures, transition to online learning, and challenges with family relationships. Certain youth shared positive societal and moral reflections triggered by the pandemic context. Coping strategies reported include: having a variety of hobbies; expressing their emotions; and accessing financial and material resources.This study highlights the importance of supporting C&A' mental health during crisis situations such as a pandemic. Their perspectives are vital for clinical practice and policy improvement, particularly to find means for social engagement while maintaining safety.
Diagnostic ability using fatty liver and metabolic markers for metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease stratified by metabolic/glycemic abnormalities
Authors: Okada Akira , Yamada Gen , Kimura Takeshi , Hagiwara Yasuhiro , Yamaguchi Satoko , Kurakawa Kayo Ikeda , Nangaku Masaomi , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Matsuyama Yutaka , Kadowaki Takashi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAims/IntroductionAlthough several noninvasive predictive markers for fatty liver and metabolic markers have been used for fatty liver prediction, whether such markers can also predict metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains unclear. We aimed to examine the ability of existing fatty liver or metabolic markers to predict MAFLD.Materials and MethodsParticipants in a high‐volume center in Tokyo were classified into groups with and without MAFLD, based on the presence of metabolic abnormalities and fatty liver diagnosed through abdominal ultrasonography, between 2008 and 2018. The diagnostic abilities of three fatty liver markers: fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), and lipid accumulation product (LAP), and three common metabolic markers: waist‐to‐height ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC), for predicting MAFLD, were evaluated. Analyses stratified by MAFLD subtypes were performed.ResultsOf 92,374 individuals, 19,392 (36.1%) had MAFLD. The diagnostic performances for MAFLD prediction, measured as c‐statistics, for FLI, HSI, LAP, WHR, BMI, and WC were 0.906, 0.892, 0.878, 0.844, 0.877, and 0.878, respectively. Optimal cutoff values for diagnosing MAFLD for FLI, HSI, LAP, WHR, BMI, and WC were 20.3, 32.7, 20.0, 0.49, 22.9, and 82.1, respectively. Analyses stratified by MAFLD subtypes, based on BMI and metabolic/glycemic abnormalities, suggested that FLI and HSI had acceptable (c‐statistics >0.700) diagnostic abilities throughout all the analyses.ConclusionsAll six markers were excellent predictors of MAFLD in diagnosing among the general population, with FLI and HSI particularly useful among all sub‐populations.
Efficacy and safety of topical agents in the treatment of melasma: What's evidence? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chang Yu‐Feng , Lee Tai Lin , Oyerinde Oyetewa , Desai Seemal R. , Aljabban Ali , Bay Camden P. , Bain Paul A. , Chung Hye Jin 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundVarious topical agents have been used to treat melasma; however, a large‐scale evaluation among the currently available treatment is lacking.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical agents for melasma.MethodsThe MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Alt‐Healthwatch databases were searched in November 2021. Original studies that reported pre‐ and post‐treatment Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI)/modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI) scores and/or adverse effects (AEs) were eligible for inclusion. The main outcome was the efficacy analyzed by the changes in the pre‐ and post‐treatment with standardized mean difference (SMD) of MASI/mMASI scores; the AEs were calculated with incidence proportion by the reported percentage of skin irritations.ResultsA total of 45 studies (2359 patients) and 55 studies (4539 patients) met the inclusion criteria for efficacy and AEs, respectively. Hydroquinone (HQ) monotherapy (SMD ‐1.3, 95% CI [−1.6 to −1.0]), HQ‐containing combination therapy (−1.4, [−1.7 to −1.1]), cysteamine (−1.6, [−2.0 to −1.2]), tranexamic acid (−1.5, [−2.0 to −1.1]), azelaic acid (−1.3, [−1.7 to −1.0]), and kojic acid (−0.9, [−1.3 to −0.5]) demonstrated comparable efficacy, while zinc sulfate did not exhibit statistically significant improvement (−1.2, [−2.7 to 0.4]). HQ‐containing combination therapy (50.9%) and cysteamine (42.2%) demonstrated the highest incidence of irritation, while azelaic acid (18.7%), kojic acid (5.3%), and tranexamic acid (0.8%) revealed a lower risk.ConclusionsIn this meta‐analysis, non‐HQ agents except zinc sulfate may be considered as an alternative to HQ‐containing agents. However, treatment should be guided by patient's tolerance, availability, and physicians' experience.
Novel management of granuloma formation secondary to dermal filler: A multi‐modality approach
Authors: Bowles Alexandra , Ghalili Sabrina , Ojong Oben B. , Vasile Gabriella F. , Li Yumeng M. , Aguilera Shino Bay 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundDermal fillers for soft tissue augmentation have become increasingly popular among patients of all ages and ethnicities. With more widespread use, there has been an increased incidence of adverse reactions, one of which is the granulomatous foreign body reaction (GFBR).Materials & MethodsWe present a three patient case series in which GFBR secondary to dermal filler was successfully treated with a multi‐leveled approach. The first modality involves intralesional injection of a mixture containing 1 cc of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), 0.5 cc of dexamethasone sodium phosphate, and 0.1 cc of triamcinolone 10. The lesion is injected intradermally in small aliquots, similar to scar treatment. The patient then takes colchicine 1.2 mg loading dose on day 1, then 0.6 mg twice per day for 4 days concurrently with naproxen 500 mg orally once daily for 5–7 days. This process may be repeated in 6 weeks if the lesions have not resolved and PDL laser may be employed for residual post‐inflammatory erythema.ResultsAll three patients presented in this case series had significant aesthetic improvement in their dermal filler‐derived foreign body granulomatous reactions.ConclusionGFBR provides both a medical and aesthetic issue for these patients including mental distress, pain, and dysfunction, therefore having an effective treatment for GFBR will affect medical management of these patients, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. Our proposed regimen for GFBR has been shown to be highly efficacious and safe for these patients, providing a significant improvement in both function and cosmesis of the area.