bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral health: 2030 vision
Authors: Carter Nigel , Atkins Ben
Published: November 2020

In the 50 years since the formation of the Oral Health Foundation, there have been huge advances in the oral health of the nation. However, a fundamental shift in mindset and attitude, from both the public and the profession, is needed, with a greater focus on the prevention of oral diseases. Further improvements are necessary to lessen social inequities in rates of oral disease, reduce the number of paediatric extractions and improve the population's awareness of oral health.
Mouth Cancer – Risk Factors and Potentially Malignant Disorders
Authors: Lewis Michael
Published: November 2020

The incidence of mouth cancer in the UK has increased more than 30% during the past decade and the overall 5-year survival remains poor, at approximately 55%. A number of risk factors for mouth cancer has been identified, and all dental professionals should be aware of these, and, where possible, provide intervention. Some cases of mouth cancer arise in a pre-existing mucosal condition, known as an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD). Awareness of the presence of an OPMD, or any mucosal changes that fulfil the criteria for urgent suspected cancer (USC) in primary care, should lead to an appropriate referral to specialist services.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper provides a review of the risk factors for mouth cancer and potentially malignant disorders.
Dental Photography: a Practical Guide
Authors: Mackenzie Louis , Sharland Mike
Published: November 2020

The use of photography in dentistry is well established. Progressive technological improvements and dedicated training and practice in the use of specialized dental photography equipment enables novice clinical photographers to quickly become as proficient as experienced experts. The range of applications for dental photography continues to grow and may enhance the assessment, diagnosis and management of the majority of patients. Digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, coupled with macro lenses and specialized flashes, may predictably be expected to deliver the highest quality clinical images. As mastery of dental photography requires optimization of equipment, settings and photographic techniques, this article is designed to provide detailed practical guidance for clinicians wishing to incorporate dental photography as a routine component of clinical practice and to provide guidance on optimizing the use of photography to enhance remote patient consultations.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental photography has an important role in optimizing face-to-face and virtual patient care in contemporary general dental practice.
Mouth Care for Head and Neck Cancer Patients – a Dental Hygienist's Perspective
Authors: Harding Jocelyn
Published: November 2020

A proactive approach to the mouth care of head and neck cancer patients, from their initial visit to their discharge, is vitally important. This area of care is complicated by many factors, of which some patients will not be aware when they start their difficult journey. This article is written to give the reader an insight into the dental hygienist's perspective of mouth care before, during and after treatment and then graduating the patient back into primary care. The treatment for each head and neck cancer patient is varied, therefore the process of healing post-surgery and therapy can be complicated. Balancing patient's expectations before and after diagnosis is a difficult task and may be impossible to predict, which makes this area of care complicated and involved for the dental hygienist.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer takes place in hospitals and involves a team of clinicians, including dental hygienists. Once patients treated for such cancers return to general dental practice, it is essential that general dental practitioners (GDPs) and their teams have a clear understanding of how they have been treated and how GDPs and their teams can contribute to the patients' aftercare.
The Prevention of Periodontitis
Authors: Wadia Reena
Published: November 2020

Prevention of periodontitis may be primary or secondary. This article summarizes the key steps involved, with a focus on oral hygiene practices, risk factor control, professional mechanical plaque removal and supportive periodontal therapy.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: All dental professionals play a key role in the prevention of periodontitis.
Degenerate four-wave-mixing as a low-power source of squeezed light
Authors: Schmittberger Marlow Bonnie L.
Published: November 2020

Squeezed light is a quantum resource that can improve the sensitivity of optical measurements. However, existing sources of squeezed light generally require high powers and are not amenable to portability. Here we theoretically investigate an alternative technique for generating squeezing using degenerate four-wave-mixing in atomic vapors. We show that by minimizing excess noise, this technique has the potential to generate measurable squeezing with low powers attainable by a small diode laser. We suggest experimental techniques to reduce excess noise and employ this alternative nonlinear optical process to build a compact, low-power source of squeezed light.
Coherent beam combining with micro-lens arrays
Authors: Prossotowicz Maike , Heimes Andreas , Flamm Daniel , Jansen Florian , Otto Hans-Jürgen , Budnicki Aleksander , Killi Alexander , Morgner Uwe
Published: November 2020

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, concept for coherent beam combining is presented based on a simple setup with micro-lens arrays. These standard components are used in a proof-of-principle experiment for both coherent beam splitting and a combination of

5
×
5

beams. Here a combination efficiency above 90% is achieved. We call this novel concept “mixed aperture.”
Quantitative 3D refractive index tomography of opaque samples in epi-mode
Authors: Ledwig Patrick , Robles Francisco E.
Published: November 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) refractive index (RI) tomography has recently become an exciting new tool for biological studies. However, its limitation to (1) thin samples resulting from a need of transmissive illumination and (2) small fields of view (typically

∼

50

µ

m

×
50

µ

m

) has hindered its utility in broader biomedical applications. In this work, we demonstrate 3D RI tomography with a large field of view in opaque, arbitrarily thick scattering samples (unsuitable for imaging with conventional transmissive tomographic techniques) with a penetration depth of ca. one mean free scattering path length (

∼

100

µ

m

in tissue) using a simple, low-cost microscope system with epi-illumination. This approach leverages a solution to the inverse scattering problem via the general non-paraxial 3D optical transfer function of our quantitative oblique back-illumination microscopy (qOBM) optical system. A theoretical analysis is presented along with simulations and experimental validations using polystyrene beads, and rat and human thick brain tissues. This work has significant implications for the investigation of optically thick, semi-infinite samples in a non-invasive and label-free manner. This unique 3D qOBM approach can extend the utility of 3D RI tomography for translational and clinical medicine.
Experimental investigation of silicon and silicon nitride platforms for phase-change photonic in-memory computing: erratum
Authors: Li Xuan , Youngblood Nathan , Cheng Zengguang , Carrillo Santiago Garcia-Cuevas , Gemo Emanuele , Pernice Wolfram H. P. , Wright C. David , Bhaskaran Harish
Published: November 2020

Corrections have been made to labels in Fig. 1(b) and Fig. 3 of Optica 7, 218 (2020)OPTIC82334-253610.1364/OPTICA.379228.
Evolution of multicellular life cycles under costly fragmentation
Authors: Pichugin Yuriy , Traulsen Arne
Published: November 2020

A fascinating wealth of life cycles is observed in biology, from unicellularity to the concerted fragmentation of multicellular units. However, the understanding of factors driving their evolution is still limited. We show that costs of fragmentation have a major impact on the evolution of life cycles due to their influence on the growth rates of the associated populations. We model a group structured population of undifferentiated cells, where cell clusters reproduce by fragmentation. Fragmentation events are associated with a cost expressed by either a fragmentation delay, an additional risk, or a cell loss. The introduction of such fragmentation costs vastly increases the set of possible life cycles. Based on these findings, we suggest that the evolution of life cycles involving splitting into multiple offspring can be directly associated with the fragmentation cost. Moreover, the impact of this cost alone is strong enough to drive the emergence of multicellular units that eventually split into many single cells, even under scenarios that strongly disfavour collectives compared to solitary individuals.
Detection of the Nav channel kdr-like mutation and modeling of factors affecting survivorship of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from six areas of Harris County (Houston), Texas, after permethrin field-cage tests
Authors: Lee Han-Jung , Longnecker Michael , Calkins Travis L. , Renfro Andrew D. , Fredregill Chris L. , Debboun Mustapha , Pietrantonio Patricia V.
Published: November 2020

Culex quinquefasciatusis one of the most important mosquito vectors of arboviruses. Currently, the fastest approach to control disease transmission is the application of synthetic adulticide insecticides. However, in highly populated urban centers the development of insecticide resistance in mosquito populations could impair insecticide efficacy and therefore, disease control. To assess the effect of resistance on vector control, females ofCx.quinquefasciatuscollected from six mosquito control operational areas in Harris County, Texas, were treated in field cage tests at three different distances with the pyrethroid Permanone®31–66 applied at the operational rate. Females were analyzed by sequencing and/or diagnostic PCR using de novo designed primers for detecting thekdr-like mutation in the voltage-gated sodium channel (L982F; TTA to TTT) (house flykdrcanonical mutation L1014F). Females from theCx.quinquefasciatussusceptible Sebring strain and those from the six operational areas placed at 30.4 m from the treatment source were killed in the tests, while 14% of field-collected mosquitoes survived at 60.8 m, and 35% at 91.2 m from the source. The diagnostic PCR had a with 97.5% accuracy to detect thekdr-like mutation. Pyrethroid resistant mosquitoes carrying the L982F mutation were broadly distributed in Harris County at high frequency. Among mosquitoes analyzed (n = 1,028), thekdr-kdrgenotype was prevalent (81.2%), thekdr-s genotype was 18%, and s-s mosquitoes were less than 1% (n = 8). A logistic regression model estimated an equal probability of survival for the genotypeskdr-kdrandkdr-s in all areas analyzed. Altogether, our results point to a high-risk situation for the pyrethroid-based arboviral disease control in Harris County.
Dispositional mindfulness and mental health in Chinese emerging adults: A multilevel model with emotion dysregulation as a mediator
Authors: Cheung Rebecca Y. M. , Ke Zijun , Ng Melody C. Y.
Published: November 2020

Using a multilevel model, this study examined emotion dysregulation as a mediator between dispositional mindfulness and mental health among Chinese emerging adults. Participants were 191 Chinese emerging adults (female = 172) between 18 and 27 years old (M= 21.06 years,SD= 2.01 years), who completed a questionnaire that assessed their dispositional mindfulness, emotion dysregulation, and mental health outcomes for three times over 12 months, with a three-month lag between each time point. Within-person analysis revealed that emotion dysregulation mediated between dispositional mindfulness and mental health outcomes, including subjective well-being and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Time was positively associated with emotion dysregulation and negatively associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Between-person analysis revealed that emotion dysregulation negatively mediated between dispositional mindfulness and symptoms of depression and anxiety, but not subjective well-being. These findings call attention to within-person versus between-person effects of emotion dysregulation as a mediator between dispositional mindfulness and psychological outcomes, particularly of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Attesting to the relations established in western societies, the relations are also applicable to emerging adults in the Chinese context. Evidence was thus advanced to inform translational research efforts that promote mindfulness and emotion regulation as assets of mental health.
The use of machine translation algorithm based on residual and LSTM neural network in translation teaching
Authors: Ren Beibei
Published: November 2020

With the rapid development of big data and deep learning, breakthroughs have been made in phonetic and textual research, the two fundamental attributes of language. Language is an essential medium of information exchange in teaching activity. The aim is to promote the transformation of the training mode and content of translation major and the application of the translation service industry in various fields. Based on previous research, the SCN-LSTM (Skip Convolutional Network and Long Short Term Memory) translation model of deep learning neural network is constructed by learning and training the real dataset and the public PTB (Penn Treebank Dataset). The feasibility of the model’s performance, translation quality, and adaptability in practical teaching is analyzed to provide a theoretical basis for the research and application of the SCN-LSTM translation model in English teaching. The results show that the capability of the neural network for translation teaching is nearly one times higher than that of the traditional N-tuple translation model, and the fusion model performs much better than the single model, translation quality, and teaching effect. To be specific, the accuracy of the SCN-LSTM translation model based on deep learning neural network is 95.21%, the degree of translation confusion is reduced by 39.21% compared with that of the LSTM (Long Short Term Memory) model, and the adaptability is 0.4 times that of the N-tuple model. With the highest level of satisfaction in practical teaching evaluation, the SCN-LSTM translation model has achieved a favorable effect on the translation teaching of the English major. In summary, the performance and quality of the translation model are improved significantly by learning the language characteristics in translations by teachers and students, providing ideas for applying machine translation in professional translation teaching.
Abbreviated MRI protocol for colorectal liver metastases: How the radiologist could work in pre surgical setting
Authors: Granata Vincenza , Fusco Roberta , Avallone Antonio , Cassata Antonino , Palaia Raffaele , Delrio Paolo , Grassi Roberta , Tatangelo Fabiana , Grazzini Giulia , Izzo Francesco , Petrillo Antonella
Published: November 2020

Background

MRI is the most reliable imaging modality that allows to assess liver metastases. Our purpose is to compare the per-lesion and per-patient detection rate of gadoxetic acid-(Gd-EOB) enhanced liver MRI and fast MR protocol including Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) and T2-W Fat Suppression sequence in the detection of liver metastasis in pre surgical setting.

Methods

One hundred and eight patients with pathologically proven liver metastases (756 liver metastases) underwent Gd-EOBMRI were enrolled in this study. Three radiologist independently graded the presence of liver lesions on a five-point confidence scale assessed only abbreviated protocol (DWI and sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) fat suppressed sequence) and after an interval of more than 2 weeks the conventional study (all acquired sequences). Per-lesion and per-patient detection rate of metastases were calculated. Weighted к values were used to evaluate inter-reader agreement of the confidence scale regarding the presence of the lesion.

Results

MRI detected 732 liver metastases. All lesions were identified both by conventional study as by abbreviated protocol. In terms of per-lesion detection rate of liver metastasis, all three readers had higher detection rate both with abbreviated protocol and with standard protocol with Gd-EOB (96.8% [732 of 756] vs. 96.5% [730 of 756] for reader 1; 95.8% [725 of 756] vs. 95.2% [720 of 756] for reader 2; 96.5% [730 of 756] vs. 96.5% [730 of 756] for reader 3). Inter-reader agreement of lesions detection rate between the three radiologists was excellent (k range, 0.86–0.98) both for Gd-EOB MRI and for Fast protocol (k range, 0.89–0.99).

Conclusion

Abbreviated protocol showed the same detection rate than conventional study in detection of liver metastases.
The epidemiology, clinical presentation, and predictors of severe Tick-borne encephalitis in Lithuania, a highly endemic country: A retrospective study of 1040 patients
Authors: Radzišauskienė Daiva , Urbonienė Jurgita , Kaubrys Gintaras , Andruškevičius Saulius , Jatužis Dalius , Matulytė Elžbieta , Žvirblytė-Skrebutienė Karolina
Published: November 2020

Introduction

In recent decades, the incidence of Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been increasing and posing a growing health problem because of the high costs to the healthcare system and society. The clinical manifestations are well studied but there is a lack of research analyzing the severity of the disease.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology and clinical presentation of severe TBE, to identify the predictors for a severe disease course, and also predictors for meningoencephalomyelitic and severe meningoencephalitic/encephalitic forms.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in the Center of Infectious Diseases and the Center of Neurology at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos in the years 2005–2017 to describe the clinical and epidemiological features of TBE in adults.

Results

1040 patients were included in the study. A total of 152/1040 (14.6%) patients had a severe course. The highest proportion of severe cases, reaching 41.2%, was reported in the 70–79 year-old age group. A total of 36/152 (23.7%) severe patients presented meningoencephalomyelitis. Myelitic patients were older, were frequently infected in their living areas, and usually reported a monophasic disease course compared with severe meningoencephalitic/encephalitic patients. Severe meningoencephalitic/encephalitic patients, compared with non-severe meningoencephalitic/encephalitic, were older, less often noticed the tick bite, and often had a monophasic course. The sequelae on discharge were observed in 810/1000 (81%) of patients.

Conclusions

The prognostic factors associated with a severe disease course and severe meningoencephalitic form are: older age, comorbidities, a monophasic course, a fever of 40˚C and above, CRP more than 30 mg/l, CSF protein more than 1 g/l, delayed immune response of TBEV IgG, pathological findings in CT. Age above 60 years, presence of CNS disease, bulbar syndrome, pleocytosis 500x106/l and above, and delayed immune response of TBEV IgG are predictors of the most severe myelitic form.
Evaluating the integration of tuberculosis screening and contact investigation in tuberculosis clinics in Ethiopia: A mixed method study
Authors: Ketema L. , Dememew Z. G. , Assefa D. , Gudina T. , Kassa A. , Letta T. , Ayele B. , Tadesse Y. , Tegegn B. , Datiko D. G. , Negeri C. , Bedru A. , Klinkenberg E.
Published: November 2020

Background

Aligned with global childhood tuberculosis (TB) road map, Ethiopia developed its own in 2015. The key strategies outlined in the Ethiopian roadmap are incorporating TB screening in Integrated Maternal, Neonatal and Child Illnesses (IMNCI) clinic for children under five years (U5) and intensifying contact investigations at TB clinic. However, these strategies have never been evaluated.

Objective

To evaluate the integration of tuberculosis (TB) screening and contact investigation into Integrated Maternal, Neonatal and Child Illnesses (IMNCI) and TB clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

The study used mixed methods with stepped-wedge design where 30 randomly selected health care facilities were randomized into three groups of 10 during August 2016-November 2017. The integration of TB screening into IMNCI clinic and contact investigation in TB clinic were introduced by a three-day childhood TB training for health providers. An in-depth interview was used to explore the challenges of the interventions and supplemented data on TB screening and contact investigation.

Results

Overall, 180896 children attended 30 IMNCI clinics and145444 (80.4%) were screened for TB. A total of 688 (0.4%) children had presumptive TB and 47(0.03%) had TB. During the pre-intervention period, 51873 of the 85278 children (60.8%) were screened for TB as compared to 93570 of the 95618 children (97.9%) in the intervention (p<0.001). This had resulted in 149 (0.30%) and 539 (0.6%) presumptive TB cases in pre-intervention and intervention periods (p<0.001), respectively. Also, nine TB cases (6.0%) in pre-intervention and 38 (7.1%) after intervention were identified (p = 0.72). In TB clinics, 559 under-five (U5) contacts were identified and 419 (80.1%) were screened. In all, 51(9.1%) presumed TB cases and 12 (2.1%) active TB cases were identified from the traced contacts. TB screening was done for 182 of the 275 traced contacts (66.2%) before intervention and for 237 of the 284 of the traced (83.5%) under intervention (p<0.001). Isoniazid prevention therapy (IPT) was initiated for 69 of 163 eligible contacts (42.3%) before intervention and for 159 of 194 eligible children (82.0%) under intervention (p<0.001). Over 95% of health providers indicated that the integration of TB screening into IMNCI and contact investigation in TB clinic is acceptable and practical. Gastric aspiration to collect sputum using nasogastric tube was reported to be difficult.

Conclusions

Integrating TB screening into IMNCI clinics and intensifying contact investigation in TB clinics is feasible improving TB screening, presumed TB cases, TB cases, contact screening and IPT coverage during the intervention period. Stool specimen could be non-invasive to address the challenge of sputum collection.
Biomechanical rupture risk assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms using clinical data: A patient-specific, probabilistic framework and comparative case-control study
Authors: Bruder Lukas , Pelisek Jaroslav , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Gee Michael W.
Published: November 2020

We present a data-informed, highly personalized, probabilistic approach for the quantification of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture risk. Our novel framework builds upon a comprehensive database of tensile test results that were carried out on 305 AAA tissue samples from 139 patients, as well as corresponding non-invasively and clinically accessible patient-specific data. Based on this, a multivariate regression model is created to obtain a probabilistic description of personalized vessel wall properties associated with a prospective AAA patient. We formulate a probabilistic rupture risk index that consistently incorporates the available statistical information and generalizes existing approaches. For the efficient evaluation of this index, a flexible Kriging-based surrogate model with an active training process is proposed. In a case-control study, the methodology is applied on a total of 36 retrospective, diameter matched asymptomatic (group 1,n= 18) and known symptomatic/ruptured (group 2,n= 18) cohort of AAA patients. Finally, we show its efficacy to discriminate between the two groups and demonstrate competitive performance in comparison to existing deterministic and probabilistic biomechanical indices.
Overexpression of MdCPK1a gene, a calcium dependent protein kinase in apple, increase tobacco cold tolerance via scavenging ROS accumulation
Authors: Dong Hui , Wu Chao , Luo Changguo , Wei Menghan , Qu Shenchun , Wang Sanhong
Published: November 2020

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are important calcium receptors, which play a crucial part in the process of sensing and decoding intracellular calcium signals during plant development and adaptation to various environmental stresses. In this study, a CDPK gene MdCPK1a, was isolated from apple (Malus×domestica) which contains 1701bp nucleotide and encodes a protein of 566 amino acid residues, and contains the conserved domain of CDPKs. The transient expression and western blot experiment showed that MdCPK1a protein was localized in the nucleus and cell plasma membrane. Ectopic expression of MdCPK1a in Nicotiana benthamiana increased the resistance of the tobacco plants to salt and cold stresses. The mechanism of MdCPK1a regulating cold resistance was further investigated. The overexpressed MdCPK1a tobacco plants had higher survival rates and longer root length than wild type (WT) plants under cold stress, and the electrolyte leakages (EL), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were lower, and accordingly, antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were higher, suggesting the transgenic plants suffered less chilling injury than WT plants. Moreover, the transcript levels of ROS-scavenging and stress-related genes were higher in the transgenic plants than those in WT plants whether under normal conditions or cold stress. The above results suggest that the improvement of cold tolerance in MdCPK1a-overexpressed plants was due to scavenging ROS accumulation and modulating the expression of stress-related genes.
Nasal povidone-iodine implementation for preventing surgical site infections: Perspectives of surgical nurses
Authors: Hammond Eric N. , Brys Nicole , Kates Ashley , Musuuza Jackson S. , Haleem Ambar , Bentz Michael L. , Safdar Nasia
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Preoperative nasal decolonization of surgical patients with nasal povidone-iodine (PI) has potential to eliminate pathogenic organisms responsible for surgical site infections. However, data on implementation of PI for quality improvement in clinical practice is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation feasibility, fidelity and acceptability of intranasal PI solution application by surgical nurses using the Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) conceptual framework.

Materials and methods

Using the i-PARIHS framework to frame questions and guide interview content areas, we conducted 15 semi-structured interviews of pre- and post-operative care nurses in two facilities. We analyzed the data using deductive content analysis to evaluate nurses’ experience and perceptions on preoperative intranasal PI solution decolonization implementation. Open coding was used to analyze the data to ensure all relevant information was captured.

Results

Each facility adopted a different quality improvement implementation strategy. The mode of facilitation, training, and educational materials provided to the nurses varied by facility. Barriers identified included lack of effective communication, insufficient information and lack of systematic implementation protocol. Action taken to mitigate some of the barriers included a collaboration between the study team and nurses to develop a systematic written protocol. The training assisted nurses to systematically follow the implementation protocol smoothly to ensure PI administration compliance, and to meet the goal of the facilities. Nurses’ observations and feedback showed that PI did not cause any adverse effects on patients.

Conclusions

We found that PI implementation was feasible and acceptable by nurses and could be extended to other facilities. However further studies are required to ensure standardization of PI application.
Illumina-based analysis yields new insights into the diversity and composition of endophytic fungi in cultivated Huperzia serrata
Authors: Fan Shipeng , Miao Liyun , Li Haodong , Lin Aihua , Song Fajun , Zhang Peng
Published: November 2020

Endophytic fungi play an important role in plant growth. The composition and structure of endophytes vary in different plant tissues, which are specific habitats for endophyte colonization. To analyze the diversity and structural composition of endophytic fungi from toothed clubmoss (Huperzia serrata) that was artificially cultivated for 3 years, we investigated endophytic fungi from the roots, stems and leaves using comparative sequence analysis of the ITS2 region of the fungal rRNA genes sequenced with high-throughput sequencing technology. Seven fungal phyla were identified, and fungal diversity and structure varied across different tissues, with the most distinctive community features found in the roots. A total of 555 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected, and 198 were common to all samples, and 43, 16, 16 OTUs were unique to the root, stem, leaf samples, respectively. Taxonomic classification showed that Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were dominant phyla, and Cladosporium, Oidiodendron, Phyllosticta, Sebacina and Ilyonectria were dominant genera. The relative abundance heat map at the genus level suggested that H. serrata had characteristic endophytic fungal microbiomes. Line discriminant analysis effect size analysis and principal coordinate analysis demonstrated that fungal communities were tissue-type and tissue-site specific. Overall, our study provides new insights into the complex composition of endophytic fungi in H. serrata.
Alpha-1 blocker use increased risk of subsequent renal cell carcinoma: A nationwide population-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Sung Shian-Ying , Le Trang Thi Huynh , Chen Jin- Hua , Hsieh Teng-Fu , Hsieh Chia-Ling
Published: November 2020

Elevated Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk has been associated with the use of several antihypertensive medications but has not yet been elucidated in the populations prescribed alpha-1 blockers that are commonly used in the treatment of hypertension and lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS-BPH). The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between alpha-1 blocker use and the risk of developing RCC using a nationwide population-based database in Taiwan. Patients who were treated with alpha-1 blockers for at least 28 days were identified through the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2000 to 2010. The unexposed participants were matched with the exposed cases according to age, sex, and index year at a ratio of 3:1. Cox proportional hazards regression, stratified by sex and comorbidities and adjusted for age, was performed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for the risk of subsequent RCC. Among 2,232,092 subjects, patients who received alpha-1 blocker treatment had a higher risk of RCC than the unexposed group. Taking into account hypertension and BPH, the adjusted HR was significantly higher in male alpha-1 blocker users who had no BPH and either the presence (HR: 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.22–2.18) or absence (HR: 2.31, 95% CI = 1.40–3.81) of hypertension than in men not receiving these drugs. Taken together, male alpha-1 blocker users who had no comorbidity of BPH exhibited an increased risk for developing RCC independent of hypertension. Further study is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this association.
Analysis of biliary MICRObiota in hepatoBILIOpancreatic diseases compared to healthy people [MICROBILIO]: Study protocol
Authors: Nascimento Fernanda Sayuri do , Suzuki Milena Oliveira , Taba João Victor , de Mattos Vitoria Carneiro , Pipek Leonardo Zumerkorn , D’Albuquerque Eugênia Machado Carneiro , Iuamoto Leandro , Meyer Alberto , Andraus Wellington , Pinho João Renato Rebello , de Moura Eduardo Guimarães Hourneaux , Setubal João Carlos , Carneiro-D’Albuquerque Luiz Augusto
Published: November 2020

Background

The performance of the microbiota is observed in several digestive tract diseases. Therefore, reaching the biliary microbiota may suggest ways for studies of biomarkers, diagnoses, tests and therapies in hepatobiliopancreatic diseases.

Methods

Bile samples will be collected in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography patients (case group) and living liver transplantation donors (control group). We will characterize the microbiome based on two types of sequence data: the V3/V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and total shotgun DNA. For 16S sequencing data a standard 16S processing pipeline based on the Amplicon Sequence Variant concept and the qiime2 software package will be employed; for shotgun data, for each sample we will assemble the reads and obtain and analyze metagenome-assembled genomes.

Results

The primary expected results of the study is to characterize the specific composition of the biliary microbiota in situations of disease and health. In addition, it seeks to demonstrate the existence of changes in the case of illness and also possible disease biomarkers, diagnosis, interventions and therapies in hepatobiliopancreatic diseases.

Trial registration

NCT04391426. Registered 18 May 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04391426.
Effectiveness of community health workers involvement in smoking cessation programme: A systematic review
Authors: Zulkiply Siti Hafizah , Ramli Lina Farhana , Fisal Zul Aizat Mohamad , Tabassum Bushra , Abdul Manaf Rosliza
Published: November 2020

Background

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) has set the target to reduce premature mortalities from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third. One of the ways to achieve this is through strengthening the countries’ implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Community health workers (CHWs) involvement has shown promising results in the prevention of NCDs. This systematic review is aimed at critically evaluating the available evidence on the effectiveness of involving CHWs in smoking cessation.

Materials and methods

We systemically searched PubMed and CENTRAL up to September 2019. We searched for published interventional studies on smoking cessation interventions using the usual care that complemented with CHWs as compared to the usual or standard care alone. Our primary outcome was abstinence of smoking. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study risks of bias.

Result

We identified 2794 articles, of which only five studies were included. A total of 3513 smokers with 41 CHWs were included in the studies. The intervention duration range from 6 weeks to 30 months. The studies used behavioral intervention or a combination of behavioral intervention and pharmacological treatment. Overall, the smoking cessation intervention that incorporated involvement of CHWs had higher smoking cessation rates [OR 1.95, 95% CI (1.35, 2.83)]. Significant smoking cessation rates were seen in two studies.

Conclusion

Higher smoking cessation rates were seen in the interventions that combined the usual care with interventions by CHWs as compared to the usual care alone. However, there were insufficient studies to prove the effectiveness. In addition, there was high heterogeneity in terms of interventions and participants in the current studies.
Ubl4A is critical for mitochondrial fusion process under nutrient deprivation stress
Authors: Zhang Huaiyuan , Zhao Yu , Yao Qi , Ye Zijing , Mañas Adriana , Xiang Jialing
Published: November 2020

Mitochondrial fusion and fission are dynamic processes regulated by the cellular microenvironment. Under nutrient starvation conditions, mitochondrial fusion is strengthened for energy conservation. We have previously shown that newborns of Ubl4A-deficient mice were more sensitive to starvation stress with a higher rate of mortality than their wild-type littermates. Ubl4A binds with the actin-related protein Arp2/3 complex to synergize the actin branching process. Here, we showed that deficiency in Ubl4A resulted in mitochondrial fragmentation and apoptosis. A defect in the fusion process was the main cause of the mitochondrial fragmentation and resulted from a shortage of primed Arp2/3 complex pool around the mitochondria in the Ubl4A-deficient cells compared to the wild-type cells. As a result, the mitochondrial fusion process was not undertaken quickly enough to sustain starvation stress-induced cell death. Consequently, fragmented mitochondria lost their membrane integrity and ROS was accumulated to trigger caspase 9-dependent apoptosis before autophagic rescue. Furthermore, the wild-type Ubl4A, but not the Arp2/3-binding deficient mutant, could rescue the starvation-induced mitochondrial fragmentation phenotype. These results suggest that Ubl4A promotes the mitochondrial fusion process via Arp2/3 complex during the initial response to nutrient deprivation for cell survival.
Ghosted subjectivities in Margo Lanagan’s ‘The Point of Roses’
Authors: Thomas Karima
Published: November 2020

This article examines the tropes of ghosting in Margo Lanagan’s ‘The Point of Roses’ in relation to Judith Butler’s theory of the performative construction of identity through reiteration and foreclosure. The story illustrates the ghosting effect of normative subjectivities and the spectral, disruptive return of the contingent, socially erased subjectivities. Ghosting is considered in the light of the dual nature of the spectral as ‘a dispossessing erasure or disappearance’, and also a ‘powerful ability to rematerialize as a disturbing force’ (Maria del Pilar Blanco and Ester Peeren). In this sense, the ghost is that which is ontologically invisible because of absence/erasure; but which is also visible because it is haunting those who try to erase it. The article examines the role of the uncanny in disrupting the ontological conditions of time, space, character, substance and language. Then, it focuses on the traces of invisibility as signs of erasure and foreclosure that are meant to institute and suture an identity, while relegating other layers of subjectivity to oblivion. Finally, the article studies the disruptive return of the excluded and its dual consequences on the haunted subject, on the one hand by establishing a liminal condition of unknowing and, on the other hand, by opening up to a condition of ‘transformative recognition’ (Avery Gordon).
When a beautiful daughter-in-law meets Africa: Translating Chinese films and television programmes for the African market
Authors: Jin Haina
Published: November 2020

There has been a long-standing cooperative relationship between the Chinese film industry and African film industries since the 1950s. In recent years, more and more Chinese film and television studios have sought to sell their products abroad, which has meant investing in translation. In order to project the image of a modern China with a rich cultural heritage, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) launched the ‘Sino-Africa Film and Television Cooperation Project’ to promote the translation and dissemination of Chinese films and television products in Africa. As a result, two models for this translation process have emerged: one government sponsored and one commercial. This article will use the translation of Chinese film and television programmes for Tanzania as a case study to analyse how each model is institutionally organized, their target audiences and approaches to distribution and the content of the resulting translations.
Application of steel in refurbishment of earthquake-prone buildings
Authors: Lakusic Stjepan
Published: November 2020

Refurbishment of existing buildings has become an increasingly topical issue in recent years. The recent Zagreb earthquake has also increased public awareness about the issue of sensitivity of old buildings to seismic loads. Steel plays a significant role in all aspects of refurbishment as it offers reliable rehabilitation and retrofitting solutions. The paper provides an overview of refurbishment methods with an emphasis on the assessment procedure for existing buildings, and methods for their seismic retrofitting using steel. Solutions that use new steel elements or improve the properties of existing ones are discussed, and some innovative retrofitting systems are highlighted.
The Extent of Parents' Acceptance with Regard to Usage of General Anaesthesia for Their Children during Dental Procedure in Riyadh City
Authors: Alshukairy Haneen , Alsahwan Bayan , Alkhabbaz Massoma , Alkhwajah Maryam , Bumajdad Zainab , Alradwan Zahra
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND Investigators have begun to assess the parental acceptance on General Anaesthesia (GA) in pediatric dentistry. Patient satisfaction and knowledge has an essential role in determining the utilization of the healthcare services. Physiologic and functional outcomes can affect completion of the treatment process that is one of the Factors that influence parental decision for seeking care. METHODS In this survey, a structured self-administered and close ended questionnaire, was used to assess parents’ acceptance for dental treatments under general anaesthesia for their child. Parents whose children were going to undergo dental treatments in Riyadh Elm University, were approached with this questionnaire. All parents fulfilling inclusion criteria were explained about the purpose of the study and a total of 452 parents provided informed consent during the aforementioned period was included in the survey. RESULTS A total of 452 parents of the children participated in the study. The educational level of the parents was found to be significantly associated with the effectiveness of the comprehensive dental care for their child under GA. Child age showed significant association with the parental refusal of dental treatment under GA. Educational level of the parents and residence were found to be significantly associated with the perception that the dental treatment under GA is indicated for a specific class of patients. (P < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS Education level of parent’s have important role in knowlage and awareness to treat their children under GA. Regular dental check up is important. Educating parents about oral health and diseases is important to increase the awareness about prevention rather than intervention. KEY WORDS Dentistry, General Anaesthesia, Paediatric Dentistry, Parent Acceptance
Study of Silent Myocardial Infarction in Type Two Diabetes Mellitus Patients in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Patil Abhijit Arvind , Mane Makrand , Redkar Vivek
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease is known as a serious plague because of its regularity in different bits of the world. The signs of coronary artery issue handle a wide range from the mind boggling minor coronary atherosclerosis without angina or ischaemia to sudden passing. METHODS The present study was cross sectional, observational study carried out at tertiary care center. This study was conducted during the period from January 2016 to June 2017. All Type two Diabetes Mellitus 100 patients attending Department of Medicine included in the study. RESULTS Majority of study subjects were in age 51 - 60 years (46 %) having DM (Diabetes Mellitus) since 5 - 10 years (46 %). A lot of patients overweight (40 %), dyslipidaemia (22 %). It mean fasting and post prandial glucose among patients was 164 ± 15.18 mg / dL and 189.4 ± 23.29 mg / dL exclusively. The mean LDL, HDL, VLDL, complete cholesterol and greasy oils levels among patients was 118.14 ± 24.2 mg / dL, 42.60 ± 5.12 mg / dL, 35.68 ± 7.09 mg / dL, 204.96 ± 28.76 mg / dL, 166.17 ± 31.92 mg / dL independently. The regularity was 27 %. The prevalence of MI among DM patients was major in age pack 51 - 60 years (13 %). The ECG changes in calm MI among DM patients showed that a lot of calm MI patients had ST dejection and adjusted T wave inversion (77.77). CONCLUSIONS Standard checking ECG is be commonly useful and unobtrusive gadget in myocardial ischaemia area n asymptomatic diabetic patients. KEY WORDS Myocardial Ischaemia, Diabetes Mellitus.
Material in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics – A Review
Authors: Dubey Surekha Godbole , Balwani Tanvi Rajesh , Chandak Aditi Vinay , Pande Samidha
Published: November 2020

As there is an increase in the rate of oral cancer,the surge for the various maxillofacial materials is increasing as well. Materials used for rehabilitation of congenital or acquired defects of patients should fulfil the requirements such as function, longevity, and aesthetics. Defects of face which may be congenital or acquired makes the condition of the affected person very disastrous mentally, physically as well as emotionally. Patient wants facial rehabilitation for a healthy happy life. To provide rehabilitation of these patients, re-evaluation of materials used in the field of maxillofacial prosthesis seems essential. Maxillofacial material should best suit the ideal selection criteria to satisfy the functionality, biocompatibility, aesthetics as well as durability. While the new materials have exhibited many desirable properties, there are also many insufficiencies involved in it. This article presents a systemic review of the evolution, current trends, and future requirements in maxillofacial materials for ensuring psychological well-being. In the recent years, a dramatic increase in the demand for prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with facial defects is seen. Increasing awareness of cancer is resulting in earlier diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, many of the surgical techniques are extensive and thus leave large defects that compromise not only function and aesthetics, but also psychosocial status of the patient. These problems require prompt rehabilitation with surgery or prosthetics.1 However, surgical reconstruction is often contraindicated in the presence of large defects or in high-risk patients. Prosthesis offers the advantage of quick, reversible and medically uncomplicated rehabilitation. In addition, the restoration may be readily removed to allow evaluation of the health of the underlying tissues. Historically, many types of materials have been used. Wood, wax metals, vulcanite and many types of plastics have been used as rigid materials while flexible ones like gelatin glycerine mixtures, latex and elastic plastics have also found some usefulness.2 Presently, materials used for the maxillofacial prosthesis are vinyl plastics, polyurethane, silicone rubber and acrylic types. KEY WORDS Maxillofacial-Materials, HTV (High Temperature Vulcanized) Silicone, RTV Silicone