bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wolbachia infection in wild mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): implications for transmission modes and host-endosymbiont associations in Singapore
Authors: Ding Huicong , Yeo Huiqing , Puniamoorthy Nalini
Published: October 2020

Background: Wolbachia is an intracellular bacterial endosymbiont found in most insect lineages. In mosquitoes, the endosymbiont’s influence on host reproduction and arboviral transmission has spurred numerous studies aimed at using Wolbachia-infection as a vector control technique. However, there are several knowledge gaps in the literature and little is known about natural Wolbachia infection across species, transmission modes as well as the associations between various Wolbachia lineages and their hosts. This study aims to address them by exploring mosquito-Wolbachia associations and their evolutionary implications.Methods: We conducted tissue-specific PCR screening for Wolbachia infection in the leg, gut and reproductive tissues of wild mosquitoes from Singapore using the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) molecular marker. Mosquito-Wolbachia associations were explored using three methods – a tanglegram, distance-based, and event-based method, and inferred instances of vertical transmission and host shifts. Results: Adult mosquitoes (271 specimens) representing 14 genera and 40 species were screened for Wolbachia. Overall, 21 species (51.2%) were found positive for Wolbachia, including Aedes (5 species) and Culex (5 species). Seven out of the 21 infected species were not previously reported: Aedes nr. fumidus, Aedes annandaelei, Uranotaenia obscura, Uranotaenia trilineata, Verrallina butleri, Verrallina sp., and Zeugnomyia gracilis. Wolbachia was predominantly detected in the reproductive tissues, an indication of vertical transmission. Despite this, Wolbachia infection rates vary widely within a mosquito host species. There is no clear signal of co-phylogeny between the mosquito hosts and the twelve putative Wolbachia strains observed in this study. Host shift events were also observed. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the mosquito-Wolbachia relationship is complex and that combinations of transmission modes and multiple evolutionary events likely explain the distribution of Wolbachia diversity observed across mosquito hosts. This has implications towards understanding Wolbachia’s diversity, ecology, and utility as a biocontrol method.
When can be safely performed total knee arthroplasty following prior arthroscopy?
Authors: Ma Jin-Ning , Li Xiao-Lin , Liang Pan , Yu Sheng-Li
Published: October 2020

Background The optimal time to perform a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after knee arthroscopy (KA) was controversial in the literature. We aimed to 1) explore the effect of prior KA on the subsequent TKA; 2) identify who were not suitable for TKA in patients with prior KA; and 3) determine the timing of TKA following prior KA.Methods We retrospectively reviewed 87 TKAs with prior KA and 174 controls using propensity score matching in our institution. The minimum followup was 2 years. Postoperative clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were created with reoperation as an end point. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regressions were performed to identify risk factors of severe complications in the KA group. The two-piecewise linear regression analysis was performed to examine the optimal timing of TKA following prior KA.Results The all-cause reoperation, revision and complication rates of KA group were significantly higher than those of control group (p<0.05). The survivorship of KA group and control group was 92.0% and 99.4% at the 2-year followup (p=0.002), respectively. Male (Hazards ratio [HR]=3.2) and prior KA for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (HR=4.4) were associated with postoperative complications in the KA group. There was a non-liner relationship between time from prior KA to TKA and postoperative complications with the turning point at 9.4 months.Conclusion Prior KA is associated with worse outcomes following subsequent TKA, especially male patients and those with prior KA for ACL injury. There is an increased risk of postoperative complications when TKA is performed within 9 months of KA. Surgeons should keep these findings in mind when treating patients who are scheduled to undergo TKA with prior KA.
Reflux Esophagitis and Fatigue: Are They Related?
Authors: Kang Sung-Goo , Hwang Hyun jee , Kim Youngwoo , Lee Junseak , Oh Jung Hwan , Kim Jinsu , Lim Chul-Hyun , Youn Seung Bae , Jung Sung Hoon
Published: October 2020

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, recurrent disease. Reflux esophagitis can interfere with sleep via acid reflux, which could cause daytime sleepiness or fatigue. However, little is known about the association between reflux esophagitis and fatigueObjectives: We evaluated the association between fatigue and reflux esophagitis in subjects seen at health check-ups.Methods: Consecutive patients who were scheduled for screening endoscopy were enrolled prospectively at the Comprehensive Medical Examination Center of St. Vincent Hospital and Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, Korea. Three validated questionnaires were used to assess fatigue, daytime hypersomnolence, anxiety, and depression: the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-Korean version (MFI-K), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).Results: We investigated 497 consecutive eligible subjects. The reflux esophagitis and symptomatic GERD groups comprised 103 (20.7%) and 92 (18.5%) subjects, respectively. The MFI-K total, ESS, HADS-anxiety, and HADS-depression scores did not differ between the esophagitis and non-esophagitis groups (50.0±11.5 vs. 49.7±10.9, P=0.769; 6.2±2.8 vs. 6.1±3.1, P=0.819; 5.8±3.1 vs. 5.2±3.2, P=0.069; 6.2±3.6 vs. 6.0±3.3, P=0.527). However, the MFI-K total, ESS, HADS-anxiety, and HADS-depression scores were higher in the symptomatic group than in the non-symptomatic group (54.7±12.7 vs. 48.6±10.3, P<0.001; 7.1±3.5 vs. 5.9±2.9, P=0.002; 6.4±3.3 vs. 5.1±3.1, P<0.001; 7.5±4.0 vs. 5.7±3.1, P<0.001). In addition, HADS-depression was correlated with the MFI-K score (P<0.001).Conclusion: There was no statistically significant association in which reflux esophagitis could cause daytime sleepiness, fatigue, anxiety, or depression, but GERD symptoms were associated with all of these. Depression was also associated with fatigue. Further studies should clarify the association between fatigue and reflux esophagitis.
Prognostic value of the creatinine-albumin ratio in acute pancreatitis debridement
Authors: ZHAO Zhifeng , YU Yeping , XIE Rongli , YANG Kaige , XU Dan , LI Li , LIN Jiayun , ZHENG Lei , ZHANG Chihao , XU Xin , CHEN Ying , XU Zhiwei , ZHEN Erchen , LUO Meng , Fei Jian
Published: October 2020

Background Increases in the levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatinine (Cr) and decreases in those of albumin (Alb) are commonly observed in acute pancreatitis (AP). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Cr/Alb and CRP/Alb ratios in the prediction of surgical treatment effect in AP patients.Methods This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data obtained from 140 AP patients who underwent debridement from January 2008 to November 2018 in Shanghai Ruijin Hospital. The Cr/Alb and CRP/Alb ratios at admission and before surgery were assessed in the analysis of clinical statistics, prediction of prognoses, and logistic regression analysis.Results The admission Cr/Alb had the best predictive value of the four ratios. This value was significantly higher in patients with re-operation and those who died (P < 0.05) and was correlated with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, admission CRP/Alb, preoperative Cr/Alb, and post-operative complications. The admission Cr/Alb could predict the risk of AP-related re-operation and mortality with sensitivities, specificities and areas under the curve of 86.3%, 61.7% and 0.824, and 73.4%, 81.3% and 0.794, respectively. At a cut-off value of 3.43, admission Cr/Alb values were indicative of a worse clinical state, including impaired laboratory test values, APACHE II scores, rates of post-operative complications and re-operation, and mortality (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, admission Cr/Alb values were independently related to the APACHE II score, post-operative renal failure, and mortality.Conclusion Cr/Alb is a novel but promising, easy-to-measure, reproducible, non-invasive prognostic score for the prediction of the effect of debridement in AP patients.
The need for additional mental health support for women in the postpartum period in the times of epidemic crisis
Authors: Chrzan-Dętkoś Magdalena , Walczak-Kozłowska Tamara Zofia , Lipowska Małgorzata
Published: October 2020

Background: This retrospective study aimed to identify possible intensification of mental health difficulties among women seeking support in the postpartum period during the epidemic state in Poland. We assumed that the epidemic crisis, social isolation, and restrictions in hospitals which affect pregnant and postpartum women - lack of family labors, lack of the possibility to be with the newborn when he/she is hospitalized, may increase fear and reduce psychosocial resources of women, hinder their normal process of transition to motherhood and thus contribute to the intensified severity of depressive symptoms.Methods: The study participants were women seeking support at the on-line platform of the project ‘Next Stop: Mum’, which is a part of the postpartum depression prevention’s program implemented by the Ministry of Health in Poland, and enables remote self-screening for the severity of the postpartum depression symptoms with the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale developed by Cox and collaborators. The analyzed data in this study were obtained from 139 women: 61 filled forms from October 1 - November 10, 2019 (non-epidemic period), and 78 filled forms from February 20 - March 30 (beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic), 2020.Results: A statistically significant difference in the severity of postpartum depression symptoms were observed among women making a self-assessment with EPDS scale at the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic in Poland (M = 15.71; SD = 6.23), compared to the pre-epidemic neutral period (M = 13.56; SD = 6.46).Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the epidemic crisis may be associated with an increased need for additional caution and support of women's mental health in the postpartum period. We believe that recommendations for medical staff, policy, and families of women struggling with postpartum depression symptoms during crisis should be widespread as the second wave of COVID-19 disease may develop in the autumn-winter 2020 and spring 2021.
Directional divergence of Ep300 duplicates in teleosts and its implications
Authors: Wang Xianzong , Yan Junli
Published: October 2020

Background: EP300 is a conserved protein in vertebrates, which serves as a key mediator of cellular homeostasis. Mutations and dysregulation of EP300 give rise to severe human developmental disorders and malignancy. Danio rerio is a promising model organism to study EP300 related diseases and drugs; however, the effect of EP300 duplicates derived from teleost-specific whole genome duplication should not just be neglected. Results: In this study, we obtained EP300 protein sequences of representative teleosts, mammals and sauropsids, with which we inferred a highly supported maximum likelihood tree. We observed that Ep300 duplicates (Ep300a and Ep300b) were widely retained in teleosts and universally expressed in a variety of tissues. Consensus sequences of Ep300a and Ep300b had exactly the same distribution of conserved domains, suggesting that their functions should still be largely overlapped. We analyzed the molecular evolution of Ep300 duplicates in teleosts, using branch-site models, clade models and site models. The results showed that both duplicates were subject to strong positive selection; however, for an extant species, generally at most one copy was under positive selection. At the clade level, there were evident positive correlations between evolutionary rates, the number of positively selected sites and gene expression levels. In Ostariophysi, Ep300a were under stronger positive selection than Ep300b; in Neoteleostei, another species-rich teleost clade, the contrary was the case. We also modeled 3D structures of zf-TAZ domain and its flanking regions of Ep300a and Ep300b of D. rerio and Oryzias latipes and found that in either species the faster evolving copy had more short helixes. Conclusions: Collectively, the two copies of Ep300 have undoubtedly experienced directional divergence in main teleost clades. The divergence of EP300 between teleosts and mammals should be greater than the divergence between different teleost clades. Further studies are needed to clarify to what extent the EP300 involved regulatory network has diverged between teleosts and mammals, which would also help explain the huge success of teleosts.
Changes in the Gut Microbiome Community of nonhuman primate following radiation injury
Authors: Kalkeri Raj , Walters Kevin , Pol William Van Der , McFarland Braden C. , Fisher Nathan , Koide Fusataka , Morrow Casey D. , Singh Vijay K.
Published: October 2020

Background: Composition and maintenance of the microbiome is vital to gut homeostasis. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the impact of high doses of radiation, which can occur as a result of cancer radiation therapy, nuclear accidents or intentional release of a nuclear or radioactive weapon, on the composition of the gut microbiome. Therefore, we sought to analyze alterations to the gut microbiome of nonhuman primates (NHPs) exposed to high doses of radiation. Fecal samples were collected from 19 NHPs (Chinese rhesus macaques, Macaca mulatta) one day prior and one and four days after exposure to 7.4 Gy cobalt-60 gamma-radiation (LD70-80/60). The 16S V4 rRNA sequences were extracted from each sample, followed by bioinformatics analysis using the QIIME platform. Results: Alpha Diversity (Shannon Diversity Index), revealed no major difference between pre- and post-irradiation, whereas Beta diversity analysis showed significant differences in the microbiome after irradiation (day +4) compared to baseline (pre-irradiation). The Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes ratio, a factor known to be associated with disruption of metabolic homeostasis, decreased from 1.2 to less than 1 post-radiation exposure. Actinobacillus, Bacteroides, Prevotella (Paraprevotellaceae family) and Veillonella genera were significantly increased by more than 2-fold and Acinetobacter and Aerococcus genus were decreased by more than 10-fold post-irradiation. Fifty-two percent (10/19) of animals exposed to radiation demonstrated diarrhea at day 4 post-irradiation. Comparison of microbiome composition of feces from animals with and without diarrhea at day 4 post-irradiation revealed an increase in Lactobacillus reuteri associated with diarrhea and a decrease of Lentisphaerae and Verrucomicrobioa phyla and Bacteroides in animals exhibiting diarrhea. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that substantial alterations in the microbiome composition of NHPs occur following radiation injury and provide insight into early changes with high-dose, whole-body radiation exposure. Future studies will help identify microbiome biomarkers of radiation exposure and develop effective therapeutic intervention to mitigate the radiation injury.
Aqueous extract of Kan-Lu-Hsiao-Tu-Tan ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by regulating immune and inflammatory responses
Authors: Chiang Chih-Chao , Li Yi‐Rong , Lai Kuei-Hung , Cheng Wei-Jen , Lin Shih-Chao , Wang Yi-Hsuan , Chen Po-Jen , Yang Sien-Hung , Hwang Tsong-Long , Lin Chi-Chien
Published: October 2020

Abstract: Background: Kan-Lu-Hsiao-Tu-Tan (KLHTT) exhibits anti-psoriatic effects through anti-inflammatory activity in mice. However, the therapeutic effects of KLHTT on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), another significant autoimmune inflammatory disorder, are not elucidated. Herein, we explored the anti-arthritic effects of KLHTT on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Methods: KLHTT was extracted by boiling water and subjected to spectroscopic analysis. Chicken collagen type II (CII) with complete Freund’s adjuvant was intradermally injected to induce CIA in DBA/1J mice. Anti-CII antibody, cytokines, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were measured using ELISA, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and hydrogen peroxide assay kit. Splenocyte proliferation was tested using thymidine incorporation. Th1 and Th17 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Oral KLHTT treatment (50 and 100 mg/kg) ameliorated mouse CIA by decreasing the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and tumour necrosis factor-α in the paw homogenates and serum. KLHTT also suppressed anti-CII antibody formation, splenocyte proliferation, and splenic Th1 and Th17 cell numbers. Additionally, KLHTT showed antioxidant activity by reducing the concentrations of MDA and H2O2 in paw tissues. Conclusions: The therapeutic effects of KLHTT in CIA mice were through regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Our results suggest that KLHTT has potential to treat RA.
Mechanistic modeling of the SARS-CoV-2 disease map
Authors: Rian Kinza , Esteban-Medina Marina , Hidalgo Marta R , Çubuk Cankut , Falco Matias M , Loucera Carlos , Gunyel Devrim , Ostaszewski Marek , Peña-Chilet María , Dopazo Joaquin
Published: October 2020

Here we present a web interface that implements a comprehensive mechanistic model of the SARS-CoV-2 disease map. In this framework, the detailed activity of the human signaling circuits related to the viral infection, covering from the entry and replication mechanisms to the downstream consequences as inflammation and antigenic response, can be inferred from gene expression experiments. Moreover, the effect of potential interventions, such as knock-downs, or drug effects (currently the system models the effect of more than 8000 DrugBank drugs) can be studied. This freely available tool not only provides an unprecedentedly detailed view of the mechanisms of viral invasion and the consequences in the cell but has also the potential of becoming an invaluable asset in the search for efficient antiviral treatments.
Evaluation of laparoscopic-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision (Ta-TME) for locally advanced distal rectal cancer in men with difficult pelvic conditions after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy
Authors: Li Yingjie , He Guoli , Wang Lin , Dong Qiushi , Liu Xinzhi , Leng Jiahua , Zhang Xiao , Sun Tingting , Zhang Yue , Yao Yunfeng , Wu Aiwen
Published: October 2020

Background: To evaluate the use of laparoscopic-assisted transanal and total mesorectal excision (Ta-TME) in men with difficult pelvic anatomy in an attempt to optimize anal sphincteric preservation, determine the completeness of TME, and determine postoperative morbidity and mortality.Methods: Twenty male patients (TA group) with difficult pelvic anatomy (narrow pelvis) who were diagnosed with rectal cancer underwent Ta-TME surgery from January 2017 to January 2018 at Peking University Cancer Hospital. We matched these 20 patients with 2 other groups of patients who underwent either a laparoscopic transabdominal TME (LA group) or an open transabdominal TME (OP group) according to age, sex, BMI, distance of tumour from the anal verge, and diameter of the tumour. All 3 groups of patients had undergone preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. The efficacy and safety of Ta-TME were evaluated according to operative time, blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Outcomes of Ta-TME were evaluated by comparing the rate of a positive circumferential resection margin, the integrity of the TME, and the rate of sphincter preservation among the 3 groups.Results: When comparing Ta-TME (TA group), laparoscopic transabdominal TME (LA group), and open transabdominal TME (OP group), the respective mean blood loss (100 mL, 100 mL, 100 mL, p=0.335), postoperative hospital stay (9 days, 9 days, 7 days), number of harvested lymph nodes (7, 6, 7), positive circumferential resection margin rate (0%, 0%, 5%), rate of pathologic complete response (5%,10%,10%), and integrity of TME showed no significant differences across groups (p>0.5 for all). In contrast, there were significant differences in operation time (302 min, 253 min, 135 min), rate of preservation of the anal sphincter (100%, 30%, 45%), and the creation of a protective diverting ileostomy (100%, 30%, 45%, p<0.05 for all).Conclusion: The rate of anal sphincter preservation in the Ta-TME group was considerably greater than that in the other groups, but the safety of the operation did not differ among the 3 groups. Ta-TME required a diverting ileostomy in all cases, and the total operation time for Ta-TME was greater than that of laparoscopic and open transabdominal TME.
Fidelity evaluation of the compared procedures for conducting the PREDIAPS implementation strategy to optimize diabetes prevention in Primary Care
Authors: Sanchez Alvaro , Rogers Heather Lynn , Pablo Susana , García Esther , Rodríguez Inmaculada , Flores Mª Antonia , Galarza Olga , Gaztañaga Ana B. , Martínez Pedro A. , Alberdi Eider , Resines Elena , Llarena Ana I. , Grandes Gonzalo , Group PREDIAPS
Published: October 2020

Background: Assessing the fidelity of an implementation strategy is important to understand why and how the strategy influences the uptake of evidence-based interventions. The present study aims to assess the fidelity of the two procedures for engaging primary care (PC) professionals and for the deployment of an implementation strategy for optimizing type 2 diabetes prevention in routine PC within the PREDIAPS randomized cluster implementation trial. Method: We conducted a mixed-method fidelity evaluation study of the PREDIAPS implementation strategy. Nine PC centers from the Basque Health Service (Osakidetza) were allocated to two different procedures to engage physicians and nurses and deploy a implementation strategy to model and adapt the clinical intervention and its implementation to their specific contexts: a Global procedure, promoting the cooperation of all healthcare professionals from the beginning; or a Sequential procedure, centered first on nurses who then pursued the pragmatic cooperation of physicians. Process indicators of the delivery and receipt of implementation strategy actions, documented modifications to the planned implementation strategy, and a structured group interview with centers’ leaders were used to assess the following components of fidelity: adherence, dose, quality of delivery, professionals’ responsiveness and program differentiation. Results: Generally, the procedures compared for professionals engagement and deployment of the implementation strategy were carried out with the planned differentiation. Nonetheless, some unexpected between-group differences were observed, the initial rate of collaboration of nurses being higher in the Sequential (93%) than in the Global (67%) groups. Exposure rate to the programed implementation actions (% of hours received out of those delivered) were similar in both groups by professional category, with nurses (86%) having a higher rate of exposure than physicians (75%). Professionals identified half of the planned discrete strategies and their rating of strategies’ perceived usefulness was overwhelmingly positive, with few differences between Sequential and Global centers. Conclusions The PREDIAPS implementation strategy has been implemented with high fidelity and minor unplanned reactive modifications. Professionals’ exposure to the implementation strategy was high in both groups. The centers’ organizational context (i.e., work overload) led to small mismatches between groups in participation and exposure of professionals to implementation actions. TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03254979. Registered 16 August 2017, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03254979
A novel nomogram for predicting liver metastasis in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A SEER-based study
Authors: Zhou Guowei , Xiao Keshuai , Gong Guanwen , Wu Jiabao , Zhang Ya , Liu Xinxin , Jiang Zhiwei , Ma Chaoqun
Published: October 2020

Background: Liver metastasis (LIM) of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is associated with poor prognosis. The present study aimed at developing and validating nomogram to predict LIM in patients with GIST, thus helping clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods: The data of GIST patients derived from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2016, which were then screened by univariate and multivariate logistic regression for the construction of LIM nomogram. The model discrimination of LIM nomogram was evaluated by concordance index (C-index) and calibration plots, while the predictive accuracy and clinical values were measured by decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact plot. Furthermore, we validated predictive nomogram in the internal testing set.Results: A total of 3797 patients were enrolled and divided randomly into training and validating groups in a 3-to-1 ratio. After logistic regression, the significant variables were sex, tumor location, tumor size, N stage and mitotic rate. The calibration curves showed the perfect agreement between nomogram predictions and actual observations, while the DCA and clinical impact plot showed the clinical utility of LIM nomogram. C-index of the nomogram was 0.812. What’s more, receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) also showed good discrimination and calibration in the training set (AUC=0.794, 95% CI: 0.778 to 0.808) and the testing set (AUC=0.775, 95% CI: 0.748 to 0.802).Conclusion: The nomogram for patients with GIST can effectively predict the individualized risk of liver metastasis and provide insightful information to clinicians to optimize therapeutic regimens.
Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-based Encryption with Hidden Sensitive Policy from Keyword Search Techniques in Smarty City
Authors: Meng Fei , Cheng Leixiao , Wang Mingqiang
Published: October 2020

Smart city greatly facilitates citizens and generates innumerable data, some of which is very private and sensitive. To protect data from unauthorized users, ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE) enables data owner to specify an access policy on encrypted data. However, There are two drawbacks in traditional CP-ABE schemes. On the one hand, the access policy is revealed in the ciphertext so that sensitive information contained in the policy is exposed to anyone who obtains the ciphertext. For example, both the plaintext and access policy of an encrypted recruitment may reveal the company’s future development plan. On the other hand, the decryption time scales linearly with the complexity of the access, which makes it unsuitable for resource-limited end users. In this paper, we propose a CP-ABE scheme with hidden sensitive policy from keyword search (KS) techniques in smart city. Specifically, we introduce a new security model chosen sensitive policy security : two access policies embedded in the ciphertext, one is public and the other is sensitive and fully hidden, only if user’s attributes satisfy the public policy, it’s possible for him/her to learn about the hidden policy, otherwise he/she cannot get any information (attribute name and its values) of it. When the user satisfies both access policies, he/she can obtain and decrypt the ciphertext. Compared with other CP-ABE schemes, our scheme exploits KS techniques to achieve more expressive and efficient, while the access policy of their schemes only work on the “AND-gate” structure or their ciphertext size or decryption time maybe super-polynomial. In addition, intelligent devices spread all over the smart city, so partial computational overhead of encryption of our scheme can be outsourced to these devices as fog nodes, while most part overhead in the decryption process is outsourced to the cloud.Therefore, our scheme is more applicable to end users with resource-constrained mobile devices. We prove our scheme to be selective secure under the decisional bilinear Diffie-Hellman (DBDH) assumption.
Oral health academics’ conceptualisation of health promotion and perceived barriers and opportunities in dental practice: a qualitative study.
Authors: Bracksley-O'Grady Stacey , Anderson Karen , Masood Mohd
Published: October 2020

Oral diseases, place a significant burden on individual and population health. These diseases are largely preventable; health promotion initiatives have been shown to decrease the disease rates. However, there is limited implementation of health promotion in dentistry, this could be due to a number of factors; the ethos and philosophy of dentistry is focused on a curative, individualised approach to oral diseases, confusion around health promotion as a concept. Oral health academics are well placed to implement health promotion, training of these professionals needs to include prevention, as training influences dental practice. However, there is a little understanding about how oral health academics (dental professionals who educate dental and oral health students) view health promotion. The aim of this study is to understand how oral health academics conceptualise health promotion and perceive the barriers and possible opportunities for health promotion implementation in dental practice. Methods: Nominal group technique (NGT), a highly structured face-to-face meeting, was conducted with 24 oral health academics to explore how they conceptualize health promotion and the barriers and opportunities for health promotion in practice. An additional 4 questions were emailed to oral health educators after the NGT meeting to gather additional data, 6 oral health academics were involved. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four board themes were identified: “health education”; “structure of dental practice”; “work in progress”; “collaboration”. The oral health academics in this study discussed health promotion in a holistic way, however, health education and behaviour change were mentioned more than other aspects of health promotion. The structure of dental practice specifically the curative approach that underpins dentistry and the lack of funding, and value placed on health promotion could act as a barrier to health promotion being implemented in practice. There has been a shift towards prevention in dentistry, however the participants acknowledge there needs to be a change in the curative culture of the profession. Collaboration with other health professionals and using a common risk factor approach were the identified opportunities for health promotion practice. Conclusions: Oral health academics have a holistic understanding of health promotion, but still focus more on behavioural approaches which is common within dentistry. For a change to occur in health promotion practice a change in the structure, curative approach and funding model of dentistry is required. Collaboration with other health professionals is an opportunity to be capitalised on. Training of future dental professionals is the perfect place to start to implement the changes and opportunities for health promotion presented in this paper.
Effect of a 980-nm diode laser on post-operative pain after endodontic treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kaplan Tuna , Sezgin Güzide Pelin , Kaplan Sema Sönmez
Published: October 2020

Background: This study aimed to assess the effect of a 980-nm diode laser following chemomechanical root canal preparation on the severity of post-operative pain (PP) after root canal treatment (RCT). Methods: This study included asymptomatic, single-rooted teeth with a periapical index (PAI) score of 3 or 4. All the patients received RCT, including dressing with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ), during two visits. The patients were randomly divided into two groups ( n : 30): a control group, in which the final irrigation was performed using 5 ml of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI), followed by 5 ml of 17% and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 5 ml of distilled water, and a laser group, in which the root canals were irradiated using a 980-nm diode laser after the final irrigation at both visits. The pain levels after both visits were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) after 8 h, 24 h, 48 h and 7 d. In addition, the time intervals to medication intake were recorded. The collected data were statistically analysed using the chi-square and Mann–Whitney U test ( p <0.05). Results: The average pain level in the control group 24 h after the first visit was significantly higher than that in the laser group ( p <0.05). The average pain level 24 h and 48 h after the second visit was significantly higher in the control group ( p <0.05). The levels of PP 24 h after the first visit were higher than those after the second visit only in the control group ( p <0.05). After the first visit, analgesic use in the control group was significantly higher after 8 h (40%) and 24 h (23%) as compared with that in the laser group ( p <0.05). Conclusions: Root canal irradiation with a diode laser may reduce PP after RCT in single-rooted teeth with a PAI score of 3 or 4.
Attitudes and precaution practices towards COVID-19 among pregnant women in Singapore: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: LEE RYAN WAI KHEONG , LING LOY SEE , LIYING YANG , YEN JERRY CHAN KOK , KOK TAN LAY
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCOVID-19 may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Psychological sequalae of this pandemic may pose a greater conundrum than its clinical aspects. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women cope with this global pandemic and its ramifications. The aims of the study are to understand the attitudes and precaution practices of non-infected pregnant women towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore.Methods An online cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Singapore was conducted. An internet link was provided to complete an online electronic survey on Google platform using a quick response (QR) code on mobile devices. The online survey consists of 34 questions that were categorized into 4 main sections, namely 1) social demographics 2) attitude on safe distancing measures 3) precaution practices and 4) perceptions of COVID-19. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine women’s precaution practices among six independent socio-demographic variables, including age, ethnicity , education , front-line jobs, history of miscarriage and type of antenatal clinic (general , high risk).ResultsA total of 167 survey responses were obtained over eight weeks from April to June 2020. The majority of women were aged ≤35 years (76%, n=127), were of Chinese ethnicity (55%, n=91), attained tertiary education (62%, n=104) and were not working as frontline staff (70%). Using multiple linear regression models, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) was associated with higher frequency of practicing social distancing. Malay women (β 0.48; 95% CI 0.16, 0.80) and those who worked as frontline staff (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) sanitized their hands at higher frequencies. Age of ≥36 years (vs. ≤30 years, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.01, 0.46), Malay (vs. Chinese, β 0.27; 95% CI 0.06, 0.48) and Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.41; 95% CI 0.02, 0.80), and attendance at high-risk clinic (vs. general clinic, β 0.20; 95% CI 0.01, 0.39) were associated with higher frequency of staying-at-home.ConclusionSocial demographical factors including age > 36 years old, Malay ethnicity, employment in front line jobs and attendance at high-risk clinics are likely to influence the attitudes and precaution practices among pregnant women towards COVID-19 in Singapore. Knowledge gained from our cross-sectional online survey can better guide clinicians to communicate better with pregnant women. Hence, it is important for clinicians to render appropriate counselling and focused clarification on the effect of COVID-19 among pregnant women for psychological support and mental wellbeing.
Feasibility of a modified search, coagulation, and clipping method with and without the use of polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue for preventing delayed bleeding after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Abiko Satoshi , Oda Soichiro , Meno Akimitsu , Shido Akane , Yoshida Sonoe , Yoshikawa Ayumu , Harada Kazuaki , Kawagishi Naoki , Sano Itsuki , Oda Hisashi , Miyagishima Takuto
Published: October 2020

Background: Methods have been developed for preventing delayed bleeding (DB) after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (GESD). However, none of the methods can completely prevent DB. We hypothesized that DB could be prevented by a modified search, coagulation, and clipping (MSCC) method for patients at low risk for DB and by combining the use of polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets and fibrin glue with the MSCC method (PMSCC method) for patients at high risk for DB (antibleeding [ABI] strategy). This study assessed the technical feasibility of this novel strategy.Methods: We investigated 123 lesions in 121 consecutive patients who underwent GESD in Kushiro Rosai Hospital between April 2018 and January 2020. The decision for continuation or cessation of antithrombotic agents was based on the Guidelines for Gastroenterological Endoscopy in Patients Undergoing Antithrombotic Treatment.Results: Oral antithrombotic agents were administered to 28 patients (22.8%). The en bloc R0 resection rate was 98.4%. The MSCC method and the PMSCC method for preventing DB were performed in 114 and 9 lesions, respectively. The median resection time of the MSCC method was 16 min, and the median speed (the resection area divided by the resection time) was 3.6 cm2/10 min. The median resection time of the PMSCC method was 59 min, and the median speed was 1.3 cm2/10 min. The only delayed procedural adverse event was DB in 1 (0.8%) of the 123 lesions.Conclusions: The ABI strategy is feasible for preventing DB both in patients at low risk and in those at high risk for DB after GESD, whereas the PMSCC method may be necessary for reduction of time.
Genetic diversity analysis of brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys based on mitochondrial COI and COII haplotypes
Authors: Yan Juncong , Pal Chandan , Anderson Diane , Vétek Gábor , Farkas Péter , Burne Allan , Fan Qing-Hai , Zhang Jinping , Gunawardana Disna N. , Balan Rebijith Kayattukandy , George Sherly , Li Dongmei
Published: October 2020

Background: In the past decade, the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has caused extensive damage to global agriculture. As a high-risk pest for many countries, including New Zealand, it is important to explore its genetic diversity to enhance our knowledge on and devise management strategies for BMSB populations. In this study, two mitochondrial genes, Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and Cytochrome c oxidase II (COII) were used to explore the genetic diversity among 463 BMSB individuals collected from 12 countries.Result: In total, 51 COI and 29 COII haplotypes of BMSB were found, which formed 59 combined haplotypes (5 reported and 54 novel). Of these, H1h1 was the predominant haplotype. The haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) were high while the neutrality (Fu's Fs) values were negative for the BMSB populations in the native countries, China, and Japan. For the BMSB populations from the invaded countries, the Fu's Fs values were negative for populations from Chile, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Turkey, and USA, indicating that those populations are under demographic expansion. In comparison, the Fu's Fs values were positive for the populations from Austria, Serbia, and Slovenia, revealing a potential population bottleneck. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) suggested that significant genetic difference exist between groups of populations: China, Japan, and the invasive populations.Conclusion: This study revealed that the haplotype diversity of the BMSB populations was high in those two studied countries where BMSB is native to (China and Japan) but low in those countries which have been invaded by the species. The analysis indicated that multiple invasions of BMSB occurred and a new stable genetic cluster has established in Europe and the USA. The study also revealed that three ancestral lines and most of the novel haplotypes were evolved from them. Moreover, we observed two genetic clusters in the invasive populations that are formed during different invasion events. Our study provided a comprehensive overview on the global haplotypes distribution thus expanding the existing knowledge on BMSB genetic diversity that potentially could play an important role in formulating feasible pest management strategies, especially biocontrol.
First insights into the molecular basis association between promoter polymorphisms of the IL1B gene and Helicobacter pylori infection in the Sudanese population: computational approach
Authors: Idris Abeer Babiker , Idris Einas Babiker , Ataelmanan Amany Eltayib , Mohamed Ali Elbagir Ali , Arbab Bashir M. Osman , Ibrahim El-Amin Mohamed , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: October 2020

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects nearly half of the world’s population with a variation in incidence among different geographic regions. Genetic variants in the promoter regions of IL1B gene can affect cytokine expression and creates a condition of hypoacidity which favors the survival and colonization of H. pylori. Aim: To characterize the polymorphic sites in the 5’- region [-687_+297] of IL1B in H. pylori infection using in silico tools.Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from 122 gastric biopsies and genotyping of IL1B-31 polymorphism was performed using PCR with confronting two-pair primer (PCR-CTPP) to investigate its association with the susceptibility to H. pylori infection in the Sudanese population. In addition, Sanger sequencing was applied to detect SNPs in the 5’-region [-687_+297] of IL1B in 14 H. pylori-infected patients; and bioinformatics analyses were used to predict whether these mutations would alter transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) or composite regulatory elements (CEs) in this region. Also, comparative analysis was conducted for this region in 11 species using ECR browser and Mulan search engine. Results: A total of five nucleotide variations were detected in the 5’-regulatory region which led to the addition or alteration of the TFBSs and CEs. Genotyping of IL1B-31 C>T revealed a significant association between -31T and susceptibility to H. pylori infection in the studied population (P=0.0363). Comparative analysis showed conservation rates of IL1B upstream [−368_+10] region above 70% in chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, a domesticated dog, cow and rat.Conclusion: In H. pylori-infected patients, three detected SNPs (-338, -155 and -31) located in the IL1B promoter were predicted to alter TFBSs and CE, thereby might affecting gene expression. These in silico predictions provide insight for further experimental in vitro and in vivo studies of the regulation of IL1B expression and its relationship to H. pylori infection. However, recognition of regulatory motifs by computer algorithms is fundamental for understanding gene expression patterns.
Association between platelet count and mucosal healing in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Furukawa Shinya , Yagi Sen , Shiraishi Kana , Mori Kenichirou , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Kawasaki Keitarou , Mizukami Yuji , Suzuki Seiyuu , Uraoka Masayoshi , Shibata Naozumi , Nakamura Sanae , Imamine Satoshi , Murakami Hidehiro , Ohashi Katsuhisa , Torisu Masamoto , Hasebe Aki , Yano Harumi , Murakami Masato , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: October 2020

Background: Mucosal healing (MH) has been indicated as the therapeutic goal for ulcerative colitis (UC). Platelet count is known as an inflammation evaluation. However, the association between platelet count and MH among patients with UC is still scarce. We therefore assessed this issue among Japanese patients with UC.Methods: The study subjects consisted of 345 Japanese patients with UC. Platelet count was divided into quartiles on the basis of the distribution of all study subjects (low, moderate, high, and very high). Several endoscope specialists were responsible for evaluating MH and partial MH, which was defined as a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0 and 0-1, respectively. Estimations of crude odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for partial MH and MH in relation to platelet count were performed using logistic regression analysis. Age, sex, CRP, steroid use, and anti-Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) preparation were selected a priori as potential confounding factors.Results: The percentage of partial MH and MH were 63.2 and 26.1%, respectively. Moderate and very high was independently inversely associated with partial MH (moderate: OR 0.40 [95%CI: 0.19-0.810], very high: OR 0.37 [95%CI: 0.17-0.77], p for trend= 0.034). Similarly, moderate, high, and very high were independently inversely associated with MH (moderate: OR 0.37 [95% CI: 0.18-0.73], high: OR 0.41 [95% CI: 0.19-0.83], and very high: OR 0.45 [95% CI: 0.21-0.94], p for trend = 0.033) after adjustment for confounding factors.Conclusions: Among patients with UC, platelet count was independently inversely associated with MH.
Effects of pre-operative air-powder polishing and rubber-cup prophylaxis on tooth bleaching : Randomized controlled split-mouth clinical study
Authors: kurklu zeliha gonca bek , ozcan mustafa
Published: October 2020

Background: The aim the study to compare the effects of pre-operative air-powder polishing and rubber-cup prophylaxis on tooth bleaching Methods: 23 subjects suffering from discoloration, were enrolled in a randomized controlled split mouth experimental study. Before bleaching, air powder polishing (APP) and rubber-cup polishing (RCP) techniques were applied on either side of the mouth. A 40% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent applied two 15-minute applications for in-office bleaching. The tooth bleaching effects assessed immediately after and 1 week. Results: There were no significant differences between prophylaxis groups with respect to all color parameters (ΔL, Δa, Δb, ΔEab, ΔE00 and ΔSGU) at immediate period (p>0,05). At 1 week assessment period there were no significant differences between prophylaxis groups with respect to all color parameters (p>0,05) except delta E00 (p<0,05). Conclusions: Two prophylaxis techniques produced similar efficacy in bleaching treatment and the APP technique produced higher levels of color changes.