bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS AND COMPLICATIONS URANOPLASTY IN CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL CLEFT LIP AND PALATE
Authors: Chuykin Sergey , Davletshin Nail' , Kuchuk Kristina , Chuykin Oleg , Grin' Eduard , Muratov Azamat
Published: May 2020

Subject. Study of the results and complications of uranoplasty in children with congenital cleft lip and /or palate in the first year after surgical treatment.

The goal is to determine the frequency of surgical and speech complications after uranoplasty in children with congenital cleft lip and/or palate in regions with a petrochemical industry and without industrial ecotoxicants.

Methodology. After the uranoplasty, 80 children with various forms of cleft palate were examined at the Republican Children's Clinical Hospital. Comprehensive examination included the use of clinical (examination, palpation, percussion ― assessment of surgical status) and functional (electromyography, rheography, magnetic resonance imaging, nasopharyngoendoscopy, speech therapy speech assessment using a sound identification system) research methods.

Results. Children with congenital cleft lip and/or palate born and living in regions with petrochemical ecotoxicants more often (37.5 %) have complications after uranoplasty than children from regions without petrochemical ecotoxicants (18.8 %). They have a higher prevalence of palatopharyngeal insufficiency, the frequency of fistulas of the soft and hard palate, and the need for secondary surgical intervention, more often they experience difficulties in restoring speech functions.

Conclusions. Due to the presence of somatic diseases and disorders in blood counts at the preoperative stage, more pronounced postoperative complications are noted in the group of children with congenital cleft lip and/or palate from regions with the petrochemical industry, which indicates a violation of their reparative regeneration after uranoplasty. This is the rationale for the development and application of a method for the prevention of postoperative complications, which will be included in the rehabilitation algorithm to improve the physiological and speech functions of children after uranoplasty in a region with a petrochemical industry.
ANALYSIS OF THE FREQUENCY OF BIRTH OF CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL DEVELOPMENT DISORDERS IN A CITY WITH A PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY
Authors: Chuykin Sergey , Andrianova Julia , Makusheva Natal'ya , Chuykin Oleg , Kuchuk Kristina , Gil'manov Marsel'
Published: May 2020

Thing. Studying the frequency of birth of children with congenital malformations in a city with a petrochemical industry. The goal is to identify the effect of industrial emissions from enterprises in Ufa on the frequency of birth of children with congenital cleft lip and palate. Methodology. In the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Republican Children's Clinical Hospital from 1985 to 2019, the medical documentation of children born in the city with a petrochemical industry with a cleft lip and palate was studied. Results. In industrial areas of Ufa, the average rate of birth of children with clefts is 3.65 ± 0.31 (Kalininsky) and 2.34 ± 0.29 (Ordzhonikidzevsky). According to our studies, it was found that in the industrial zone, the frequency of birth of children with congenital facial pathology is significantly higher than in environmentally safe areas, and ranges from 1: 282 (3.5) in the Kalinin industrial northern region to 1:859 (1.1) in the southernmost, ecologically safe Demsky district (p<0.01). On the whole, in Ufa, the average rates of the birth rate of children with congenital cleft lip and palate were 1:454 (2.204 ± 0.11). Conclusions. The correlation between the value of gross emissions of harmful substances into the atmospheric air and the frequency of congenital cleft lip and palate in the zone with emissions of 135,114―180,120 tons per year, then in the zone with the amount of emissions of 20,000―135,114 tons per year, and the frequency in the zone with emissions of 11,000 is less ― 20,000 tons per year. The average birth rates for children with ARVH in the cities of the Republic of Bashkortostan were per 1000 children born: in cities with NHP ― 2.44; in cities without NHP ― 1.13. The frequency of birth of children with ADV in cities with NHP is more than 2 times higher than the frequency of birth of children with ADV in cities without NHP (p <0.001).
FUNCTIONAL NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS BASED ON TITANIUM DIOXIDE FOR USE IN ORTHOPEDIC DENTISTRY
Authors: Shulyatnikova Oksana , Rogozhnikov Gennadiy , Porozova Svetlana , Rogoznikov A. , Leushina Elena
Published: May 2020

Subject. The creation of functional ceramic coatings based on titanium dioxide for the manufacture of orthopedic structures, including dental implants and systems for osteosynthesis, helps to prevent possible complications during dental surgical and orthopedic treatment by improving the processes of osseointegration.

The goal is to develop domestic proprietary technology for producing nanopowders and functional coatings based on titanium dioxide, free of chemical impurities, which can be used in the practice of orthopedic dentistry for the construction of dental and maxillary prostheses, as well as implant systems.

Methodology. The authors developed and proposed a method for applying to medical devices made of titanium, a nanostructured surface layer of titanium dioxide. To provide an evidence base for the advantages of using the proposed titanium dioxide coating, an experimental study was made of its chemical uniformity and freedom from impurities, as well as an assessment of the adhesion force between the oxide layer deposited by titanium dioxide in the anatase phase and the surface of the titanium support.

Results. During Raman spectroscopy, titanium dioxide nanopowder did not detect extraneous chemical impurities. According to the results of the method of thermal desorption of nitrogen, the specific surface of the titanium dioxide powder was 67-70 m2 / g, and the average calculated particle size was 20-22 nm. It was shown by optical microscopy that the average thickness of the oxide layer (rutile phase) is 15 ± 5 μm, anatase is 70 ± 10 μm, the adhesion force between the oxide layer (rutile phase) and the titanium base is 6.3 ± 0.1 MPa, at applying anatase - 4.9 ± 0.1 MPa. In the study of the adhesion force of a functional titanium dioxide coating with a titanium base, it was found that the onset of peeling occurs at a load of 8.6 N.

Conclusions. Studies of a highly developed functional surface layer of nanostructured titanium dioxide indicate the wide possibilities of its use in the practice of a dentist.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE DENTAL STATUS OF THE RUSSIAN POPULATION
Authors: Silagadze Elena , Salahov Albert , Ksembaev Said , Bykeev Rustem
Published: May 2020

Subject. Tooth decay is still among the most common diseases. Determination of risk factors, their quantitative characteristics allow individualizing preventive measures depending on the socio-medical, climatic and other conditions of a particular region. A literature review is devoted to the actual problem of dentistry - factors affecting the development of dental caries and periodontal diseases. The purpose of the study is to analyze literature to study the factors affecting the state of the dental status of the population of Russia. Methodology. A review of literature sources was carried out and factors affecting the status of dental status were analyzed. Results. Risk factors affecting the degree of caries resistance of tooth hard tissues and determining their stability were divided into: providing local anti-carious protection of the teeth; creating an indirect general anti-carious protection of the teeth at the level of the human body as a whole; increasing the degree of risk in the development and course of diseases and/or reducing the degree of protective properties of hard tissues of the tooth; indirectly, through external systems in relation to a given organism as a system, ensuring the likelihood of developing a caries morbidity. Conclusions. Determination of risk factors, their quantitative characteristics allows individualizing preventive measures depending on a set of factors. Literature data confirm that timely visits to the dentist for preventive purposes, the implementation of the doctor’s recommendations for individual preventive measures, reducing the frequency of food intake, which include refined and “sticky” sugar-containing components, balancing the diet will help maintain dental health.
STRUCTURE OF SOMATIC PATHOLOGY IN CHILDREN WITH APHTHOUS STOMATITIS
Authors: Akmalova Guzel' , Chuykin Sergey , Chernyshova Nina , Nazmieva Svetlana
Published: May 2020

Aphthous stomatitis is an urgent problem of modern medicine dentistry and is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane mouth with a long, manifest flow. The aim of the study is to study the structure of somatic pathology in children with aphthous stomatitis. In the course of the study, a single-center clinical examination and treatment was performed at the clinical dental clinic of the Federal state budgetary educational institution of higher education "Bashkir state medical University" of the Ministry of health of the Russian Federation in 37 patients (20 boys and 17 girls) aged 4 to 14 years. The diagnosis of concomitant systemic pathology was recorded based on the results of the conclusions of district pediatricians, ENT doctors, gastroenterologists, immunologists, allergists, and rheumatologists. As a result of the study, it turned out that all the examined patients had comorbidities, namely, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of ENT organs, allergic reactions, as well as a violation of the immune status, Behcet's disease. Based on the results of the study, it turned out that patients with aphthous stomatitis, as a rule, have a wide range of health-related problems, which should be taken into account when drawing up a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with this disease. The somatic status of all patients with aphthous stomatitis is burdened with comorbid pathology. The structure of somatic pathology in patients with aphthous stomatitis is dominated by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (chronic gastritis in 17 people, gastric and duodenal ulcer in 1 person, biliary dyskinesia in 5 people, chronic cholecystitis in 3 patients, Crohn's disease in 1 patient).
Влияние глобального распределения летучих мышей на смертность у пациентов с COVID-19
Authors: Егоров А. Ю. , Романова Ю. Р.
Published: May 2020

Появившись в ноябре 2019 г. в Китае, коронавирус SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrom – coronavirus 2) быстро рас-пространился по всему миру, вызывая заболевание, получившее название COVID-19. Анализ эпидемиологических данных по заболеваемости и смертности, вызванной SARS-CoV-2, показывает, что в отдельных странах, а именно в Бельгии, Великобритании, Франции, Италии, Нидерландах, Испании, наблюдается повышенная смертность по сравнению с другими странами. Коэффициент летальности, рассчитываемый как число смертельных случаев от общего числа зараженных, по данным Центра доказательной медицины CEBM (Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine), в этих странах составляет от 10.22% до 15.80%. В то же время в Центральной и Северной Европе этот показатель составляет от 3.78% до 4.94%. Причины такой неоднородности в показателе смертности для перечисленных стран пока не получили убедительного объяснения. Установлено, что предшественником SARS-CoV-2 является вирус, циркулирующий в Китае в летучих мышах, в котором произошли мутации, изменившие его рецепторную специфичность и сделавшие возможным инфицирование людей. Летучие мыши обладают высокой устойчивостью к вирусным инфекциям за счет мощной системы интерферонового ответа и сниженного уровня воспалительных реакций. Вирусы реплицируются в этих животных до высоких титров, не принося существенного вреда их здоровью. В результате огромное множество существующих в природе летучих мышей является переносчиком вирусов, заражая животных и людей. Заражение людей бетакоронавирусами летучих мышей (или человека) может приводить к образованию у них В-клеток памяти, которые обеспечивают ускоренный антительный ответ к перекрестным эпитопам при последующей инфекции. Раннее появление антител у больных SARS-CoV-2 коррелирует с тяжестью патологии и вероятностью летального исхода. Возможной причиной этого явления может быть реакция антителозависимого усиления инфекции/заболевания ADE (antibody-dependent enhancement), известная для различных вирусов, включая SARS-CoV-1 и MERS-CoV. В данной статье мы предполагаем наличие связи между ареалами распространения летучих мышей, являющихся переносчиками SARS-CoV-1-родственных вирусов, и уровнем смертности при COVID-19.
Historia de los comienzos de la laparoscopia en Colombia
Authors: Medina Murillo Jorge E.
Published: May 2020

En los albores del siglo XXI, la endoscopia se considera un auxiliar indispensable en la mayoría de las especialidades quirúrgicas, debido a que cada día se busca utilizar procedimientos menos invasivos, ambulatorios en lo posible y que ofrezcan una rápida recuperación a los pacientes.
Innovative methods for obtaining artificial roughness on the surfaces of heat-loaded parts of the liquid rocket engine combustion chambers
Authors: Ryazantsev A.Yu. , Yukhnevich S.S. , Shirokozhukhova A.A.
Published: May 2020

The paper shows the applications of combined processing in the manufacture of parts and assembly units of liquid rocket engines in the aerospace industry. The most effective methods of obtaining artificial roughness on the surfaces of special equipment products are considered. Empirical studies of changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the material are performed using various methods of combined processing. Qualitative and quantitative relationships between the hydraulic characteristics of the rocket engine combustion chamber manufactured using the combined method, and the quality of the surface layer of the product are described and formalized. The analysis of modern processing methods is performed, and the latest methods for obtaining artificial roughness on the surfaces of rocket engine parts are presented. The relevance and need for the use of high-end technology in obtaining surface layers of products included in the structure of the combustion chamber of liquid rocket engines are proved. The results obtained allow significant expanding the technological capabilities of production, as well as appreciable improving the technical characteristics of special equipment products in the aerospace industry.
The high-temperature TEC at reduced cesium vapor pressures and with the ultrahigh-temperature collector
Authors: Yashin M.S. , Onufriev V.V.
Published: May 2020

The current-voltage characteristics of a high-temperature thermionic energy converter (TEC) with a homogeneous and macroscopically inhomogeneous (component) collector at a reduced cesium vapor pressure were calculated numerically. The case when the surface of the TEC collector is a set of periodically located macroscopic elements with different work function is considered. Based on a comparative analysis of the distributions of the parameters of low-temperature cesium plasma along the length of the interelectrode gap for various points of the current-voltage characteristics for two collector options, qualitative conclusions are made about the difference between the processes that occur in the converter with a component collector and the effect of these processes on the course of the current-voltage characteristic. The results indicate the advantage of the TEC with a component collector relative to a converter with a homogeneous collector, in the most interesting, from the point of view of generating electric energy (maximum output power), current-voltage characteristics. To obtain quantitative dependences of the influence of macroscopic in homogeneity of the collector on the electron work function on the output characteristics of a high-temperature TEC, it is necessary to conduct optimization numerical experiments and experimental studies.
Virtual Reality in Biology: Can We Become Virtual Naturalists?
Authors: Morimoto Juliano , Ponton Fleur
Published: May 2020

Technological advances made Virtual and Mixed Reality (VMR) accessible at our fingertips. However, only recently VMR has been explored for the teaching of biology. Here, we highlight how VMR applications can be useful in biology education, discuss about caveats related to VMR use that can interfere with learning, and look into the future of VMR applications in the field. We then propose that the combination of VMR with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence can provide unprecedented ways to visualise how species evolve in self-sustained immersive virtual worlds, thereby transforming VMR from an educational tool to the centre of biological interest.
Dengue Outbreak is a Global Recurrent Crisis: Review of the Literature
Authors: Araf Yusha , Ullah Md. Asad , Faruqui Nairita Ahsan , Mowna Sadrina Afrin , Prium Durdana Hossain , Sarkar Bishajit
Published: May 2020

Purpose: This review features a generalized overview of dengue outbreaks, dengue pathogenesis, symptoms, immune response, diagnosis methods and preventive measures which facilitates the better understanding of the global expansion and concerns relating to the disease. Recent Findings: A recent study showed that natural killer cells of the infected person become activated soon after the infection which may help in treatment and vaccine development. A research team has also produced synthetically engineered mosquitoes that can prevent the transmission and dissemination of the dengue virus by the activation of an antibody. Furthermore, a mutation in the protein envelope of the dengue virus leads to variation in shapes, developing resistance towards the vaccine. Summary: The increasing number of reported cases indicated the worldwide distribution of the mosquito vectors, which was further facilitated by the growth in the shipping and commerce industries. The immune system, through activation of the innate and adaptive immune responses, facilitates the recruitment of an array of leukocytes which help neutralize the virus. However, the 4 different viral serotypes increases the risk of a life-threatening secondary infection due to the varying serotypes. Apart from the laboratory standard PRNT method, several other dengue detection methods such as ELISA, RT-LAMP and several optical, microfluidic and electrochemical methods have been developed. Since Dengvaxia® (CYD-TDV) has its own set of drawbacks and limitations, several companies have been investing for the production of more potential vaccines that are currently in trial.
Data Analytics: COVID-19 Prediction Using Multimodal Data
Authors: Mahalle Parikshit N. , Sable Nilesh P. , Mahalle Namita P. , Shinde Gitanjali R.
Published: May 2020

Globally, there is massive uptake and explosion of data and challenge is to address issues like scale, pace, velocity, variety, volume and complexity of this big data. Considering the recent epidemic in China, modeling of COVID-19 epidemic for cumulative number of infected cases using data available in early phase was big challenge. Being COVID-19 pandemic during very short time span, it is very important to analyze the trend of these spread and infected cases. This chapter presents medical perspective of COVID-19 towards epidemiological triad and the study of state-of-the-art. The main aim this chapter is to present different predictive analytics techniques available for trend analysis, different models and algorithms and their comparison. Finally, this chapter concludes with the prediction of COVID-19 using Prophet algorithm indicating more faster spread in short term. These predictions will be useful to government and healthcare communities to initiate appropriate measures to control this outbreak in time.
The Ecology of Phage Resistance: The Key to Successful Phage Therapy?
Authors: Gittrich Marissa , Liu Yunxiao , Tian Funing , Crouch Audra , Jang Ho Bin , Du Jingjie , Sullivan Matthew
Published: May 2020

: As antibiotic resistance undermines efforts to treat bacterial infections, phage therapy is being increasingly considered as an alternative in clinical settings and agriculture. However, a major concern in using phages is that pathogens will develop resistance to the phage. Due to the constant evolutionary pressure by phages, bacteria have evolved numerous mechanisms to block infection. If we determine the most common among them, we could use this knowledge to guide phage therapeutics. Here we compile data from 88 peer-reviewed studies where phage resistance was experimentally observed and linked to a bacterial gene, then assessed these data for patterns. In total, 141 host genes were identified to block infection against one or more of 80 phages (representing five families of the Caudovirales) across 16 microbial host genera. These data suggest that bacterial phage resistance is diverse, but even well-studied systems are understudied, and there are gaping holes in our knowledge of phage resistance across lesser-studied regions of microbial and viral sequence space. Fortunately, scalable approaches are newly available that, if broadly adopted, can provide data to power ecosystem-aware models that will guide harvesting natural variation towards designing effective, broadly applicable phage therapy cocktails as an alternative to antibiotics.
THE IMPACT OF SEAWEED FARMING ON THE PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITY STRUCTURE
Authors: Parakkasi Parman , Rani Chair , Syamsuddin Rajuddin , Tambaru Rahmadi
Published: May 2020

This study was aimed to analyze the impact of seaweed farming on changes in the structure of phytoplankton communities on various ecosystems and their relationship with environmental factors. The study was conducted in May-October 2017 in the waters of Karampuang Island, Mamuju Regency. Plankton samples were collectedfromthreecultivationareas, namely areas with sandy bottom (control), seagrass beds, and coral reefs. In each area, three media were placed with a longline system, size 40 x 30 m2 (as replication). Sampling was carried out at the beginning before initiation of the cultivation and every two weeks after cultivation was started for 42 days. Phytoplankton sampling and measurement of environmental factors were carried out at fivesamplingpoints representing the cultivation areas. In sandy areas, sampling was also applied in areas outside the cultivation at a distance of 25m and 50m. Variance analysis was used to analyze differences in the species number and abundance of phytoplankton. Ecological indices was used to test phytoplankton biodiversity. PCA was used to analyze its relationship with environmental factors. Differences in the species number and abundance of phytoplankton between farming areas according to temporal scale were found. The high number and speciesabundance of phytoplankton were found in seagrass areas and significantly different from coral reefs and sandy area. Seaweed farming at the beginning of the farming period showed a positive impact by increasing the number of species and abundance of phytoplankton, but then decreased after entering Week 4-Week 6, along with the occurrence of ice-ice disease on the seaweed. Diversity index value was classified as medium with high equality without the dominance of particular species. The high number of species and abundance of phytoplankton occured at second weeks in all cultivation areas which are characterized by abundance of zooplankton with environmental characteristics, i.e. high DO and low PO4, NO3, andDOM.
The Contribution of Legs Muscle Power and Dynamic Balance Toward Jump Shot Ability on Senior High School Basketball Players in Padang
Authors: Aldo Aldo Naza Putra , Mukhtarsyaf Fahd
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study is to find out the contribution magnitude of legs muscle power  and dynamic balance to the ability of jump shot Senior High School Basketball players in Padang. Based on the problem, this research method using correlational approach and followed by analyzing the magnitude of contribution of each indicator variable to the predictor variable. To measure the legs muscle power using Sargeant test, dynamic balance using modified Bass Test, and for jump shot ability using speed spot shooting test. The sample involved in this study is 30 people which determined by training experience and frequency of participation in the competitions. The results of this research shows that legs muscle power contributed 22% toward the ability of jump shot; dynamic balance contributes 20% toward the ability of jump shot; and legs muscle power along with dynamic balance contributes significantly to 24% toward jump shot ability. Based on data analysis, it is concluded that the power of legs muscle and dynamic balance must be considered to be included into the training program especially to improve the ability of jump shot of Senior High School Basketball players in Padang.
Fast Track Recovery Surgery with A Whey Protein Infused Carbohydrate Loading Drink Pre-Operatively and Early Oral Feeding Post-Operatively among Surgical Gynaecologic Cancer Patients: Study Protocol of an Open Labelled Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Ho Chiou Yi , Ibrahim Zuriati , Yu Nor Baizura Md , Zaid Zalina Abu , Daud Zulfitri 'Azuan Mat
Published: May 2020

Introduction: There has been growing evidence on the favourable outcomes of fast tract recovery (FTR) surgery; expedite recovery, minimise complications, reduce length of hospital stay on surgical patients. However, there is lack of evidence on the effectiveness of FTR in surgical gynaecologic cancer patients. Most of previous study did not focus on feeding composition in FTR surgery protocol. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of FTR feeding with whey protein infused carbohydrate loading drink pre-operatively and early oral feeding post-operatively on post-operative outcomes among surgical gynaecologic cancer patients. Methods and analysis: This open labelled RCT will randomly allocate patients into intervention and control group. Ambulated Malaysian aged over 18 years and scheduled for elective surgery for (suspected) GC, will be included in this study. Intervention group will be given whey protein infused carbohydrate loading drinks evening before operation and 3 hours before operation as well as started on early oral feeding 4 hours post-operatively. Control group will be fasted overnight pre-operation and only allowed plain water, and the diet transition fashion is followed when there is bowel sound post-operatively. Primary outcomes of study are length of post-operative hospital stay, length of clear fluid toleration, solid food toleration and bowel function. Additional outcome measures are changes in nutritional status, biochemical profile and functional status. Data will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. Trial Registration Number: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03667755. Registered 12 September 2018 – Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03667755Protocol Version: Version 3 dated 27th September 2017
LRIG1 gene copy number analysis by ddPCR and correlations to clinical factors in breast cancer
Authors: Faraz Mahmood , Tellström Andreas , Ardnor Christina Edwinsdotter , Grankvist Kjell , Huminiecki Lukasz , Tavelin Björn , Henriksson Roger , Hedman Håkan , Ljuslinder Ingrid
Published: May 2020

Background: Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1) copy number alterations and unbalanced gene recombination events have been reported to occur in breast cancer. Importantly, LRIG1 loss was recently shown to predict early and late relapse in stage I-II breast cancer. Methods: We developed droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays for the determination of relative LRIG1 copy numbers and used these assays to analyze LRIG1 in twelve healthy individuals, 34 breast tumor samples previously analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and 423 breast tumor cytosols. Results: Four of the LRIG1/reference gene assays were found to be precise and robust, showing copy number ratios close to 1 (mean, 0.984; standard deviation, +/-0.031) among the healthy control population. The correlation between the ddPCR assays and previous FISH results was low, possibly because of the different normalization strategies used. One in 34 breast tumors (2.9%) showed an unbalanced LRIG1 recombination event. LRIG1 copy number ratios were associated with the breast cancer subtype, steroid receptor status, ERBB2 status, tumor grade, and nodal status. Both LRIG1 loss and gain were associated with unfavorable metastasis-free survival; however, they did not remain significant prognostic factors after adjustment for common risk factors in the Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, LRIG1 loss was not significantly associated with survival in stage I and II cases. Conclusions: Although LRIG1 gene aberrations may be important determinants of breast cancer biology, and prognostic markers, the results of this study do not verify an important role for LRIG1 copy number analyses in predicting the risk of relapse in early-stage breast cancer.
Efficacy of a Single Dose versus a Multiple Dose Regimen of Mebendazole against Hookworm Infections among School Children: a Randomized Open-label Trial
Authors: Eshetu Tegegne , Aemero Mulugeta , Jejaw Ayalew
Published: May 2020

Background: Despite the existence of a population-based control program using single dose albendazole or mebendazole as a preventive chemotherapy, hookworm transmission remains high. It causes a negative impact on the growth and school performance of children. In connection to this preventive chemotherapy, different studies produced conflicting results. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of single (500mg) versus multiple doses (100mg twice a day during three consecutive days) of mebendazole against hookworm infections among school-aged children. Methods: This randomized open-label clinical trial took place among school-aged children (6-14 years old) in Burie and Debre Elias towns, Northwest Ethiopia. Using simple randomization, eligible hookworm-positive children were allocated (1:1) to either a single or multiple dose treatment arms. Stool samples were collected and processed using McMaster method at baseline and follow-up period (14-21 days after treatment). Only laboratory technicians were blinded. The cure and egg reduction rates which were assessed after 14-21 days of treatment were the primary and secondary therapeutic outcome measures against hookworm infections, respectively. An independent t-test was used to compare group means, and logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio (OR). P-value < 0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant. Result: 108 children, 54 in each treatment arm had completed baseline data and received allocated treatment. 103 children had completed follow-up data records and included for the final efficacy analysis. Cure rate against hookworm was significantly higher in the multiple dose (96.1%) than in the single dose (30.8%) with OR=55.125; 95% CI: 11.92-254.9; P < 0.001. The egg reduction rate in the multiple dose treatment arm (99.5%) was also significantly higher than in the single dose arm (68.9%) with difference t (101) =5.38; 95% CI 230.95-505.36; P < 0.001. Conclusion: The single dose regimen of mebendazole for the treatment of hookworm infections showed poor cure and egg reduction rates, while the multiple dose revealed satisfactory. Although multiple dose regimen administration is a bit more complex than the single dose, we strongly encourage replacing it with multiple dose regimen during deworming programs in hookworm endemic areas. Trial registration: This trial is registered in www.pactr.org, # PACTR201911466695052.
Cytocompatibility of 3D printed dental materials for temporary restorations on fibroblasts
Authors: Park Jung-Hyun , Lee Hyun , Kim Jong-Woo , Kim Ji-Hwan
Published: May 2020

Background Three-dimensional (3D) printing is widely used in the fabrication of dental prostheses; however, the influence of dental materials used for 3D printing on temporary restoration of fibroblasts in tissues is unclear. Thus, the influence of different dental materials on fibroblasts were investigated. Methods Digital light processing (DLP) type 3D printing was used. Specimens in the control group were fabricated by mixing liquid and powder self-curing resin restoration materials. The temporary resin materials used were Model, Castable, Clear-SG, Tray, and Temporary, and the self-curing resin materials used were Lang dental, Alike, Milky blue, TOKVSO CUREFAST, and UniFast III. Fibroblast cells were cultured on each specimen and subsequently post-treated for analysis. Morphology of the adhered cells were observed using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results CLSM and SEM cell imaging revealed that the 3D printed material group presented better cell adhesion with well-distributed filopodia compared to that in the conventional resin material group. Cell proliferation was significantly higher in the 3D printing materials. Conclusion Superior cytocompatibility of the specimens fabricated through 3D printing and polishing process was demonstrated with the proof of better cell adhesion and higher cell proliferation.
High-temperature requirement factor A1 rs11200638 polymorphism and age-related macular degenerative from a comprehensive analysis about 15316 subjects
Authors: Liu Ying , Jin Huipeng , Wei Dong , Li Wenxiu
Published: May 2020

Background: The high-temperature requirement factor A1 (HTRA1) gene at the 10q26 locus has been associated with age-related macular degenerative (AMD) risk, with the significantly associated polymorphism being (rs11200638, -625G/A), however, above association is not consistent. We investigated an updated meta-analysis to evaluate the association between rs11200638 polymorphism and AMD risk thoroughly addressing this issue. Methods: An identification was covered with the Pubmed and Chinese Wanfang databases through 27th Jan, 2020. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the strength of associations. After a thorough and meticulous search, 35 different articles (33 case-control studies with HWE, 22 case-control studies about wet/dry AMD) were retrieved. Results: Individuals carrying A-allele or AA genotype may have an increased risk to be AMD disease. For example, there has a significantly increased relationship between rs11200638 polymorphism and AMD both for Asians (OR: 2.51, 95%CI: 2.22-2.83 for A-allele vs. G-allele) and Caucasians (OR: 2.63, 95%CI: 2.29-3.02 for A-allele vs. G-allele). Moreover, a similar trend in the source of control subgroup was detected. To classify the type of AMD, increased association was also observed in both wet (OR: 3.40, 95%CI: 2.90-3.99 for dominant model) and dry (OR: 2.08, 95%CI: 1.24-3.48 for dominant model) AMD. Finally, based on the different genotyping methods, increased relationships were identified by sequencing, TaqMan, PCR-RFLP and RT-PCR. Conclusions: Our present meta-analysis suggests that the HTRA1 rs11200638 polymorphism are potentially associated with the risk of AMD development, especially about individuals carrying A-allele or AA genotype, who may be as identified targets to detect and intervene in advance. Further studies using larger sample sizes and including information about gene-environment interactions should be conducted to elucidate.
A Dynamic Taint Tracking Optimized Fuzz Testing Method based on Multi-modal Sensor Data Fusion
Authors: Li Qianmu , Meng Shunmei , Zhang Hanrui , Liu Yaozong , Shen Haiyuan , Long Huaqiu
Published: May 2020

The safety of Industrial Internet Control Systems has been a hotspot in the information security. To meet needs of communication, a large variety of proprietary protocols have emerged in the field of industrial control. The protocol field is often trusted in the implementation of industrial control terminal code. If attackers modify the data of these fields using the protocol defect, the operation of the program can be controlled and the entire system will be affected. To cope with such security threats, academia and industry generally adopt fuzz test methods. However, the current industrial control protocol fuzz test methods generally have low code coverage, where unified description models are missing and test cases are not targeted. A method of fuzzification processing combined with dynamic multi-modal sensor communication data is proposed. To track the program execution, the dynamic pollution analysis is used to search for the input fields that affect the execution of the conditional branch, and capture the dependencies between the conditional branches to guide the grammar generation of test cases, which can increase the chances of executing deep code. The experimental results show that the proposed method improves the validity and code coverage of test cases to a certain extent, and greatly increases the probability of anomaly detection in the protocol implementation.
Vitamin D deficiency and metabolic syndrome in elderly Chinese individuals: evidence from CLHLS
Authors: Liu Ling , Cao Zhaojin , Lu Feng , Liu Yingchun , Lv Yuebin , Qu Yingli , Gu Heng , Li Chengcheng , Cai Jiayi , Ji Saisai , Li Yawei , Zhao Feng , Shi Xiaoming
Published: May 2020

Objectives : Both low vitamin D status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are worldwide concerns, and low vitamin D levels are associated with MetS; however, related epidemiological evidence based on elderly Chinese individuals, especially those over 80 years of age, is limited. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and MetS in elderly Chinese individuals. Method: Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D3) was measured in a cross-sectional sample of 2493 elderly people aged 65-112 years from eight areas of China in which the density of centenarians is exceptionally high. MetS was diagnosed according to blood pressure, lipid, and blood sugar levels; waist circumference; and body mass index (BMI). Adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between vitamin D and MetS based on different diagnostic criteria. Results: A total of 890 (35.7%) of the recruited elderly individuals had insufficient levels of vitamin D, and 1029 participants (41.3%) were vitamin D deficient. High serum vitamin D concentrations were associated with a low prevalence of MetS according to the modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria for adequate versus deficient vitamin D levels (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.88) and inadequate versus deficient vitamin D levels (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.92). Each 10 ng/ml increase in serum vitamin D was significantly associated with a decreased prevalence of MetS according to the modified ATP III criteria for people with normal waist circumference (WC) (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.43,0.71). However, no significant statistical correlation was found among elderly people with a high WC. Additionally, in the analysis of the individual components, the ORs of adequate versus deficient vitamin D levels were 0.46 (95% CI: 0.30, 0.71) for elevated triglycerides and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.97) for reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) after adjustment for other components. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is very common among elderly Chinese individuals. Vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for MetS; however, the association was only statistically significant among elderly people with noncentral obesity. Further studies are needed to examine the causal direction of the association.
Free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with a single-pedicle bilobed design for pediatric multi-digit defect reconstruction
Authors: Li Zhangcan , Zheng Dawei , Zheng Jian , Qi Weiya , Qi Qiang , Liu Yunyun
Published: May 2020

Objectives: This paper describes imaging and anatomical features, in order to assess the feasibility of superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap with a single-pedicle bilobed design for multi-digit skin and soft tissue reconstruction in pediatric patients.Methods: A total of 7 pediatric patients who were being treated with free single-pedicle bilobed SCIP flap reconstruction for multi-digit defects were included in this study. The details of the clinical features were collected, and the following were successively analyzed: the preoperative Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) and Color Doppler Sonography (CDS) examinations for flap design, the intraoperative anatomy for perforator vessel, defect reconstruction and interphalangeal range of motion (ROM) and tactile sense, pain sense and two-point discrimination recovery results.Results: CTA and CDS performed preoperatively could accurately and rapidly identify the position, location and course of the SCIP flap. All wounds healed by the first follow-up and no complications occurred at the follow-up visit. All flaps survived, the patients achieved proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) ranges of motions (ROM) from 80 to 100 degree and distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) ROM from 65 to 80 degree. The tactile sense and pain sense recovered, and average of the two-point discrimination scores was 9.3mm (range 7-12mm). The donor area was primarily sutured with good scar concealment in the underwear region.Conclusion: CTA and CDS performed preoperatively are accurate and intuitive methods for assessing the location and course of SCIP. The SCIP flap is highly suitable for pediatric patients due to its small caliber, specific functional and aesthetic benefits. It can be designed in a lobulated fashion in order to repair two or more wounds during one surgery. We suggest that the free single-pedicle bilobed SCIP flap should be considered an optimal choice for multi-digit defect reconstruction in pediatric patients in the clinic.
The Association Between SAα2,3Gal Occurrence Frequency and Avian Influenza Viral Load in Mallards (Anas Platyrhynchos) and Blue-Winged Teals (Spatula discors)
Authors: Dolinski Amanda C , Jankowski Mark D , Fair Jeanne M , Owen Jennifer C
Published: May 2020

Background: Individual heterogeneity in pathogen load can affect disease transmission dynamics; therefore, identifying intrinsic factors responsible for variation in pathogen load is necessary for determining which individuals are prone to be most infectious. Because low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIV) preferentially bind to alpha-2,3 sialic acid receptors (SAα2,3Gal) in the intestines and bursa of Fabricius in wild ducks (Anas and Spatula spp.), we investigated juvenile mallards (Anas platyrhyncos) and blue-winged teals (Anas discors) orally inoculated with A/northern pintail/California/44221-761/2006 (H5N9) and the virus titer relationship to occurrence frequency of SAα2,3Gal in the intestines and bursa. To test the natural variation of free-ranging duck populations, birds were hatched and raised in captivity from eggs collected from nests of free-ranging birds in North Dakota, USA. Data generated from qPCR were used to quantify virus titers in cloacal swabs, ileum tissue, and bursa of Fabricius tissue, and lectin histochemistry was used to quantify the occurrence frequency of SAα2,3Gal. Linear mixed models were used to analyze infection status, species, and sex-based differences. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between virus titer and SAα2,3Gal occurrence frequency. Results: In mallards, we found high individual variation in virus titers significantly related to high variation of SAα2,3Gal in the ileum. In contrast to mallards, individual variation in teals was minimal and significant relationships between virus titers and SAα2,3Gal were not determined. Collectively, teals had both higher virus titers and a higher occurrence frequency of SAα2,3Gal compared to mallards, which may indicate a positive association between viral load and SAα2,3Gal. Statistically significant differences were observed between infected and control birds indicating that LPAIV infection may influence the occurrence frequency of SAα2,3Gal, or vice versa, but only in specific tissues. Conclusions: The results of this study provide quantitative evidence that SAα2,3Gal abundance is related to LPAIV titers; thus, SAα2,3Gal should be considered a potential intrinsic factor influencing variation in LPAIV load.
The role of circulating microRNAs for the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma with low alpha-fetoprotein level: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Cheng , Li Zhuonan , Xie Zishan , Wang Zhanpeng , Ye Yanshuo , Li Bo , Li Wei
Published: May 2020

Background: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has been widely used for many years as a serum marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, AFP has been recognized as having poor sensitivity. More and more studies have concluded that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) might be a promising biomarker that could complement AFP. However, the diagnostic ability of circulating miRNAs has varied among the studies. Therefore, we performed the present meta-analysis to appraise the diagnostic performance of circulating miRNAs as a biomarker for hepatitis B virus-associated HCC (HBV-HCC) patients with low AFP levels. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature to assess the diagnostic accuracy of circulating miRNAs in differentiating HBV-HCC patients with low AFP levels from non-HCC controls. Results: Circulating miRNAs showed promising potential in the diagnosis of HBV-HCC patients with low AFP levels. In the low-AFP HBV-HCC patients, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84–0.90). The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78–0.88) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69–0.83), respectively. Conclusions: The detection of circulating miRNAs provides a valuable method for the diagnosis of HBV-HCC in patients with low AFP levels.
Feasibility Study and Process Evaluation of MRI Plus Physiotherapy vs. Physiotherapy alone in Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain Among Patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: alhowimel AHMED , Alotaibi Mazyad , Coulson Neil , Radford Kate
Published: May 2020

Aim To determine the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomized control trial (RCT) to answer the question of whether an MRI diagnosis can negatively influence psychosocial and disability outcomes in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) treated by physiotherapy in Saudi Arabia.Methods In a feasibility RCT in Riyadh City from 01/03/2018 until 29/07/2018, CLBP patients presenting to spine clinics were randomized to receive an MRI (intervention) plus physiotherapy rehabilitation or physiotherapy alone (control group). The acceptability of randomization to the control group (non-MRI) was tested during the recruitment by qualitatively interviewing study participants and referring physicians. Moreover, interviews with study participants exploring the broader social, political, economic, and environmental (context) aspects that may influence trial delivery and intervention implementation.Results The recruitment target was not met: 16/24 (66%) participants were recruited in 4 months (12.4% of those screened); 33% declined. The process evaluation identified numerous factors that may affect the success of a definitive RCT in Saudi Arabia. These were research resources, the lack of research infrastructure to support recruitment to trials; limited research capacity in terms of knowledge and skills of the healthcare team; and limited funding. Conclusion A definitive RCT to test the influence of MRI diagnosis on the psychosocial and disability outcomes in people with CLBP treated with physiotherapy in Saudi Arabia is feasible. However, the lack of research infrastructure, research capacity, the impact of MRI on patient outcomes, and a lack of clinical equipoise in the treatment and management of CLBP in Saudi Arabia pose major barriers to clinical trials.