bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversification through sexual selection on gustatorial courtship traits in dwarf spiders
Authors: Lin Shou-Wang , Lopardo Lara , Uhl Gabriele
Published: May 2021

Sexual dimorphism can evolve under sexual selection or ecological factors. Sexually dimorphic male prosomal modifications are associated with gustatorial courtship in erigonines. The modifications vary from moderate elevations to bizarre shapes. Males transfer substances from these structures to females, which affect mate acceptance and fecundity. Here, we explore lability of these traits by investigating if modified prosomata are inherently linked to secretory glands, if glands evolved prior to prosomal modifications, and the possibility of convergent evolution and cryptic differentiation, aiming at assessing the possible role of this trait complex in speciation. We reconstructed the positions of glands and the musculature in the anterior part of prosomata of 76 erigonines and three outgroups using micro-CT. We incorporated these characters into an existing morphological character matrix and reanalyzed the phylogeny. Our results support the possession of glands as the ancestral state. The manifold modifications of the prosomal shape have evolved convergently. Differences in glandular positions between species with modified/unmodified prosomata suggest high lability of these traits. Cases of gland loss suggest considerable costs of gustatorial courtship. Our findings demonstrate divergent evolutionary patterns of these traits, and a likely facilitating effect of this type of sexual selection on speciation.
DecoPath: A web application for decoding pathway enrichment analysis
Authors: Mubeen Sarah , Bharadhwaj Vinay Srinivas , Gadiya Yojana , Hofmann-Apitius Martin , Kodamullil Alpha Tom , Domingo-Fernández Daniel
Published: May 2021

The past two decades have brought a steady growth of pathway databases and pathway enrichment methods. However, the advent of pathway data has not been accompanied by an improvement with regards to interoperability across databases, thus, hampering the use of pathway knowledge from multiple databases for pathway enrichment analyses. While integrative databases have attempted to address this issue by collating pathway knowledge from multiple resources, these approaches do not account for redundant information across them. On the other hand, the majority of studies that employ pathway enrichment analyses still rely upon a single database, though the use of another resource could yield differing results, which is similarly the case when different pathway enrichment methods are employed. These shortcomings call for approaches that investigate the differences and agreements across databases and enrichment methods as their selection in the experimental design of a pathway analysis can be a crucial first step in ensuring the results of such an analysis are meaningful. Here we present DecoPath, a web application to assist in the interpretation of the results of pathway enrichment analysis. DecoPath provides an ecosystem to run pathway enrichment analysis or directly upload results and facilitate the interpretation of these results with custom visualizations that highlight the consensus and/or discrepancies at the pathway- and gene-levels. DecoPath is available at https://decopath.scai.fraunhofer.de and its source code and documentation can be found on GitHub at https://github.com/DecoPath/DecoPath.
Controlling pallidal oscillations in real-time in Parkinson’s disease using evoked interference deep brain stimulation (eiDBS): proof of concept in the human
Authors: Escobar Sanabria David , Aman Joshua E. , Zapata Amaya Valentina , Johnson Luke A. , Farooqi Hafsa , Wang Jing , Hill Meghan , Patriat Remi , Sovell-Brown Kelly , Molnar Gregory F. , Darrow David , McGovern Robert , Cooper Scott E. , Harel Noam , MacKinnon Colum D. , Park Michael C. , Vitek Jerrold L.
Published: May 2021

Approaches to control basal ganglia neural activity in real-time are needed to clarify the causal role of 8-35 Hz (“beta band”) oscillatory dynamics in the manifestation of Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor signs. Here, we show that resonant beta oscillations evoked by electrical pulse with precise amplitude and timing can be used to predictably suppress or amplify spontaneous beta band activity in the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) in the human. Using this approach, referred to as closed-loop evoked interference deep brain stimulation (eiDBS), we could suppress or amplify frequencyspecific (16-22 Hz) neural activity in a PD patient. Our results highlight the utility of eiDBS to characterize the role of oscillatory dynamics in PD and other brain conditions, and to develop personalized neuromodulation systems.
Redundant enhancers in the iab-5 domain cooperatively activate Abd-B in the A5 and A6 abdominal segments of Drosophila
Authors: Postika Nikolay , Schedl Paul , Georgiev Pavel , Kyrchanova Olga
Published: May 2021

The homeotic Abdominal-B (Abd-B) gene belongs to Bithorax complex and is regulated by four regulatory domains named iab-5, iab-6, iab-7 and iab-8, each of which is thought to be responsible for directing the expression of Abd-B in one of the abdominal segments from A5 to A8. It is assumed that male specific features of the adult cuticle in A5 is solely dependent on regulatory elements located in iab-5, while the regulatory elements in the iab-6 are both necessary and sufficient for the proper differentiation of the A6 cuticle. Unexpectedly, we found that this long held assumption is not correct. Instead, redundant tissue-specific enhancers located in the iab-5 domain are required for the proper activation of Abd-B not only in A5 but also in A6. Our study of deletions shows that the iab-5 initiator is essential for the functioning of the iab-5 enhancers in A5, as well as for the correct differentiation of A6. This requirement is circumvented by deletions that remove the initiator and most of the iab-5 regulatory domain sequences. While the remaining iab-5 enhancers are inactive in A5, they are activated in A6 and contribute to the differentiation of this segment. In this case, Abd-B stimulation by the iab-5 enhancers in A6 depends on the initiators in the iab-4 and iab-6 domains.

Summary Statement

In Drosophila, the segmental-specific expression of the homeotic gene Abdominal-B in the abdominal segments is regulated by autonomous regulatory domains. We demonstrated cooperation between these domains in activation of Abdominal-B.
Reuse of an insect wing venation gene-regulatory subnetwork in patterning the eyespot rings of butterflies
Authors: Banerjee Tirtha Das , Monteiro Antónia
Published: May 2021

Novel organismal traits might reuse ancestral gene-regulatory networks (GRNs) in their development, but data supporting this mechanism are still sparse. Here we show the reuse of an ancestral insect venation gene regulatory subnetwork patterning the sharp and distinct rings of color in butterfly eyespots. Using laser microdissection followed by RNA-Seq we first obtained transcriptional profiles of the anterior and posterior compartment of larval wings, and eyespot and adjacent control tissue in pupal wings ofBicyclus anynanabutterflies. We identified key venation patterning genes such asMothers against dpp 6 (Mad6), thickveins, Optix, spalt, optomotor-blind (omb), aristaless, cubitus interruptus,andpatcheddifferentially expressed (DE) across compartments, and a sub-set of these genes also DE across eyespot and non-eyespot samples. Fluorescentin-situhybridization (HCR3.0) on the jointly DE genesMad6, Optix,andspalt, as well asdppshowed clear eyespot-center, eyespot-rings, and compartment-specific expression. Knocking outdppresulted in an individual with venation defects and loss of eyespots, whereas knockouts ofOptixandspaltresulted in the loss of orange scales and black scales, respectively. Furthermore, using CRISPR-Cas9 followed by immunostainings, we showed that Spalt repressesOptixin the central region of the eyespot, limitingOptixexpression to a more peripheral ring, which parallels the regulatory interaction found in venation patterning in the anterior compartment of fly larval wings. These network similarities suggest that part of the venation GRN was co-opted to aid in the differentiation of the eyespot rings.

One-sentence summary

We showed the reuse of an ancestral insect wing venation GRN in patterning a novel complex trait in butterflies.
Dynamic FRET-FLIM based screens of signal transduction pathways: a feasibility study
Authors: Harkes Rolf , Kukk Olga , Mukherjee Sravasti , Klarenbeek Jeffrey , van den Broek Bram , Jalink Kees
Published: May 2021

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) is an intrinsically quantitative method to screen for protein-protein interactions and frequently used to record the outcome of signal transduction events. With new highly sensitive and photon efficient FLIM instrumentation, the technique also becomes attractive to screen, with high temporal resolution, for fast changes in Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), such as those occurring upon activation of cell signaling.

We studied the effects of siRNA-mediated individual knockdown of an extensive set of 22 different phosphodiesterases (PDEs) on baseline levels and agonist-induced changes of the second messenger cAMP. Using HeLa cells stably expressing our FRET-FLIM sensor we imaged many hundreds of cells at 5 second intervals for each condition. Following segmentation of cells by the deep-learning implementation Cellpose, FLIM time traces were calculated and fitted for dynamic analysis with custom-made Python scripts. Taking advantage of the quantitative FLIM data, we found very limited effects of PDE knockdown on baseline and agonist-induced peak levels of cAMP. However, cAMP breakdown in the decay phase was significantly slower when PDE3A and, to a lesser amount, PDE10A were knocked down, identifying these isoforms as dominant in HeLa cells.

In conclusion, we present a robust platform that combines photon-efficient FLIM instrumentation with systematic gene knockdown and an automated open-source analysis pipeline. Our quantitative platform provides detailed kinetic analysis of cellular signals in individual cells with unprecedented throughput.
Prevalent and Dynamic Binding of the Cell Cycle Checkpoint Kinase Rad53 to Gene Promoters
Authors: Sheu Yi-Jun , Kawaguchi Risa Karakida , Gillis Jesse , Stillman Bruce
Published: May 2021

Replication of the genome must be coordinated with gene transcription and cellular metabolism, especially following replication stress in the presence of limiting deoxyribonucleotides. TheS. cerevisiaeRad53 (CHEK2 in mammals) checkpoint kinase plays a major role in cellular responses to DNA replication stress. Cell cycle regulated, genome-wide binding of Rad53 to chromatin was examined. Under replication stress, the kinase bound to sites of active DNA replication initiation and fork progression, but unexpectedly to the promoters of about 20% of genes encoding proteins involved in multiple cellular functions. Rad53 promoter binding correlated with changes in expression of a subset of genes. Rad53 promoter binding to certain genes was influenced by sequence-specific transcription factors and less by checkpoint signaling. However, in checkpoint mutants, untimely activation of late-replicating origins reduces the transcription of nearby genes, with concomitant localization of Rad53 to their gene bodies. We suggest that the Rad53 checkpoint kinase coordinates genome-wide replication and transcription under replication stress conditions.
Inhibitors and facilitators of corporate real estate dynamic alignment
Authors: Cooke Howard , Appel-Meulenbroek Rianne , Arentze Theo
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the importance of individual variables in the corporate real estate (CRE) decision-making process.

Design/methodology/approach

Nine experts received a posed scenario of a changed business strategy requiring a CRE reduction in individual interviews. Based on their suggested response, a decision network was modelled for each expert using the causal network elicitation technique, incorporating the utilities for decision variables and importance weights for attributes and benefits. The decision model offers a graphical representation of decision-benefit links for the decisions CRE managers make in such a period of decline.

Findings

Perceived facilitators of CRE dynamic alignment were identified by calculating lift ratios on their perceived importance of the attributes they mentioned during the interviews as nodes in the network that link decisions to benefits. Facilitators included CRE metrics and workplace strategy, while capital expenditure and landlords inhibit alignment processes. The research provides more granular insight into the variables used in CRE decision-making and the factors that facilitate or inhibit the dynamic alignment process.

Research limitations/implications

The research set a specific scenario for the experts to consider. That could be regarded as small but there was clear evidence of saturation of expert knowledge. Additional face-to-face interviews with the experts may have generated further details on the thought processes of the experts.

Practical implications

The research provides more granular insight into the variables used in CRE decision-making and the factors that facilitate or inhibit the dynamic alignment process. Thereby providing CRE decision-makers with key elements for a decision model.

Originality/value

The research technique, causal network elicitation technique, uses semi-structured interviews to create decision networks, which is a technique that has not been widely applied to CRE research. The research provides a granular view of what are important inhibitors or facilitators of dynamic alignment of CRE to business strategy.
Piloting an adaptive skills virtual reality intervention for adults with autism: findings from user-centered formative design and evaluation
Authors: Schmidt Matthew M. , Glaser Noah
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present evaluation findings from a proof-of-concept virtual reality adaptive skills intervention called Virtuoso, designed for adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Design/methodology/approach

A user-centric usage test was conducted to investigate the acceptability, feasibility, ease-of-use and relevance of Virtuoso to the unique needs of participants, as well as the nature of participants’ user experiences. Findings are presented from the perspectives of expert testers and participant testers with autism.

Findings

This paper offers findings that suggest Virtuoso is feasible and relevant to the unique needs of the target population, and that user experience was largely positive. Anecdotal evidence of skills transfer is also discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted in limited settings and with a small number of participants. Multiple VR hardware systems were used, and some experienced instability. This could be accounted for in future research by deploying across multiple settings and with a larger number of participants. Some evidence of cybersickness was observed. Future research must carefully consider the trade-offs between VR-based training and cybersickness for this vulnerable population.

Originality/value

This paper reports on cutting-edge design and development in areas that are under-represented and poorly understood in the literature on virtual reality for individuals with autism.
Dark photon production via $$\gamma \gamma \rightarrow \gamma A'$$
Authors: Wong Xiaorui , Huang Yongsheng
Published: May 2021

The dark photon is a new gauge boson which arises from an extra $$U'(1)$$

U
′

(
1
)

gauge symmetry. In this paper, a novel dark photon production mechanism based on MeV-scale $$\gamma $$
γ
–$$\gamma $$
γ
collider is considered: $$\gamma \gamma \rightarrow \gamma A'$$

γ
γ
→
γ

A
′

. With the aid of PACKAGE-X, differential cross section of $$\gamma \gamma \rightarrow \gamma A'$$

γ
γ
→
γ

A
′

is obtained, as a function of the kinetic mixing parameter $$\varepsilon $$
ε
and dark photon mass $$m_{A'}$$

m

A
′

. Taking the light-by-light scattering as background, the constraints on the dark photon parameter space for different time intervals in a MeV-scale $$\gamma $$
γ
–$$\gamma $$
γ
collider are also given.
The effect of nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan scaffolds on rat calvarial defects for bone regeneration
Authors: Chatzipetros Emmanouil , Damaskos Spyros , Tosios Konstantinos I. , Christopoulos Panos , Donta Catherine , Kalogirou Eleni-Marina , Yfanti Zafeiroula , Tsiourvas Dimitris , Papavasiliou Aggeliki , Tsiklakis Kostas
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aims at determining the biological effect of 75/25 w/w nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan (nHAp/CS) scaffolds on bone regeneration, in terms of fraction of bone regeneration (FBR), total number of osteocytes (Ost), and osteocyte cell density (CD), as well as its biodegradability.

Methods

Two critical-size defects (CSDs) were bilaterally trephined in the parietal bone of 36 adult Sprague-Dawley rats (18 males and 18 females); the left remained empty (group A), while the right CSD was filled with nHAp/CS scaffold (group B). Two female rats died postoperatively. Twelve, 11, and 11 rats were euthanized at 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-surgery, respectively. Subsequently, 34 specimens were resected containing both CSDs. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed to determine the FBR, calculated as [the sum of areas of newly formed bone in lateral and central regions of interest (ROIs)]/area of the original defect, as well as the Ost and the CD (Ost/mm2) in each ROI of both groups (A and B). Moreover, biodegradability of the nHAp/CS scaffolds was estimated via the surface area of the biomaterial (BmA) in the 2nd, 4th, and 8th week post-surgery.

Results

The FBR of group B increased significantly from 2nd to 8th week compared to group A (P = 0.009). Both the mean CD and the mean Ost values of group B increased compared to group A (P = 0.004 and P < 0.05 respectively). Moreover, the mean value of BmA decreased from 2nd to 8th week (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Based on histological and histomorphometric results, we support that 75/25 w/w nHAp/CS scaffolds provide an effective space for new bone formation.
Ultra-thin and broadband surface wave meta-absorber
Authors: Deng Taowu , Liang Jiangang , Cai Tong , Wang Canyu , Wang Xin , Lou Jing , Du Zhiqiang , Wang Dengpan
Published: May 2021

Perfect absorbers are highly desired in many engineering and military applications, including radar cross section (RCS) reduction, cloaking devices, and sensor detectors. However, most types of present absorbers can only absorb space propagation waves, but absorption for surface waves has not been researched intensively. Surface waves are easily excited on the interfaces between metal and dielectrics for electronic devices, which decreases their working performances due to the electromagnetic disturbances. Thus, it is of great significance to design appropriate absorbers to dissipate undesirable surface waves. Here, we propose the concept of a surface wave absorber, analyze its working principle, and prove its good performances experimentally. To demonstrate our concept, we design and fabricate a realistic surface wave absorber that is fixed on a metal surface. Experiments are performed to verify its electromagnetic characteristics. The results show that our designed meta-absorber can achieve an excellent surface wave absorption within a wide frequency window (5.8–11.2 GHz) and exhibit a very high efficiency over than 90%, but only with the thickness of 1 mm (0.028 λ). Our device can help to solve the issues of absorption at large angles, and it can find wide applications in large antenna array design and other communication systems.
Low-noise Yb:CALGO optical frequency comb
Authors: Molteni Lisa M. , Canella Francesco , Pirzio Federico , Betz Markus , Vicentini Edoardo , Coluccelli Nicola , Piccinno Giuliano , Agnesi Antoniangelo , Laporta Paolo , Galzerano Gianluca
Published: May 2021

We report on a compact optical frequency comb, operating in the wavelength range from 670 to 1500 nm, based on diode-pumped low-noise femtosecond Yb:CALGO amplified laser system. Both the carrier-envelope offset and repetition rate are phase-locked to reference synthesizers. A full characterization of the frequency comb, in terms of frequency stability, phase noise analysis, and optical beating against a single-frequency non-planar ring oscillator Nd:YAG laser, is presented, showing the excellent properties of the Yb:CALGO comb.
Evaluation of Macular Function Tests with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Agrawal Abhinav Ashok , Shetty Niharika Krishna
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is reported to be the leading cause of vision loss in adults aged between 20–74 years. Early detection and prompt evaluation is essential to prevent the blindness related to diabetes. Simple and quick out-patient department (OPD) tests are essential for early detection of maculopathy in diabetes, which will enhance the treatment and rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation of photo stress test and Amsler’s grid test with diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy. We also wanted to study the variation in photo stress test and the patterns of visual disturbances using Amsler grid in different stages of diabetic retinopathy. METHODS All patients with type 2 diabetes were included for a study duration of one year. A cross sectional study design was planned. Anterior and posterior segment evaluation was done. Photo stress test was performed with a torch light and the recovery time was recorded. Amsler grid was performed on each patient at 33 cm distance. The results were recorded in terms of micropsia, macropsia, metamorphopsia, and any other ill-defined scotomas. The posterior segment, in terms of vitreous and retina was evaluated with 20 D lens on an indirect ophthalmoscopy and the macular details were evaluated on a 90 D lens with slit lamp biomicroscopy. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy (ETDR) classification was used for classifying the retinopathy and the maculopathy stage in patients. RESULTS There was a correlation between paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PST) and the stage of diabetic retinopathy; between PST and diabetic maculopathy; with increasing severity of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy associated with higher or prolonged PST values. No correlation was found between Amsler’s grid and DR staging. CONCLUSIONS PST can be used to assess severity of diabetic retinopathy in a pre-clinical and early clinical stage in places where access to the equipment for posterior segment evaluation is unavailable. Amsler’s grid evaluation did not have a role in evaluation of macula in cases of diabetic retinopathy. KEY WORDS Macula, Amsler, Photostress Test, Metamorphopsia
Correlation between Motor Strategies of Balance Control and Causes of Fall in Post-Operative Elderly Individuals
Authors: Phatak Ishan Vivekanand , Chavan Sujit Ramesh , Shinde Sandeep Babasaheb
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND Falls are very much common in elderly. Fall in geriatric population is one of the common reasons for hospitalization, which may put financial burden on the patient and family. Fall in geriatric population many a times causes fracture and it may lead to serious complications which can threaten life. It may lead to disability and patient may become a handicap. In our study, we identified the correlation between motor strategies of balance control and causes of fall in post-operative elderly individuals. METHODS In this observational study, a total of 100 post-operative elderly individuals who had a fall and who underwent surgery for fracture correction were included. Both males and females in age group of 60 years and above were included. Outcome measures used were balance tests, manual muscle tests and goniometry. RESULTS 28 % individuals had fall due to low level of motor control at ankle joint and 40 % individuals at hip joint. In 16 % of individuals reaching strategy was affected. Suspensory strategy was affected in 10 % of individuals while stepping strategy was affected in 6 % of elderly. Elderly had fall due to weak musculature at hip joint (35 %), knee joint (15 %), ankle joint (30 %) and spine (25 %) irrespective of the individual’s gender. CONCLUSIONS Impairment in motor strategies of balance control such as, hip strategy, stepping strategy, reaching strategy, suspensory strategy, ankle strategy leads to fall in elderly. On the basis of assessment of manual muscle testing (MMT), range of motion and motor strategies of balance control, we concluded that impairment in motor strategies of balance, and reduced joint range of motion lead to falls. KEY WORDS Motor Strategies for Balance Control, Balance Tests, Manual Muscle Testing, Range of Motion
Evaluation of Marginal Gap / Fit of Zirconia Copings & Full Contoured Monolith Zirconia Crowns (CAD / CAM) - A Comparative In-Vitro Study
Authors: Zacharias Liya
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND Inadequate marginal fit of fixed restorations leads to plaque accumulation, recurrent caries and periodontal problems. The purpose of this experimental study is to evaluate and compare the marginal fit/gap of computer-aided design and computeraided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) fabricated zirconia copings and zirconia full contoured monolith crowns fabricated on type IV gypsum die having a definite cement spacer thickness of 0.05mm. METHODS This is an in-vitro experimental study carried out from November 2018 to November 2019. A master stainless steel die was used to make 52 type IV die stone models which were randomly divided into 2 groups of 26 samples each. Group 1: zirconia copings and group 2: zirconia monolith full contoured crowns. These restotations were fabricated using CAD/CAM. The marginal gap of each zirconia copings and zirconia full contoured crowns was assessed using scanning electron microscopic analysis on four different pre-marked points (GEMINI SEM 500; ZEISS). Observations were tabulated and analyzed statistically. Independent t-test was used to compare the measurements between zirconia copings & zirconia monolith crowns. RESULTS The least marginal gap observed was for group 2 (zirconia full contoured crown) with a mean value of 29.88 ± 9.16 μm while that of group1 (zirconia coping) was 73.64 ± 28.13 μm. There was a statistically significant difference in the measurements between zirconia copings and zirconia full contoured monolith crowns (P - value < 0.001). There was statistically significant difference in each side of zirconia monolith crowns when compared to the corresponding side of zirconia copings (P - Value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS CAD/CAM milled full contoured zirconia crowns showed least marginal discrepancy when compared to zirconia copings. All samples had marginal gap within the clinically acceptable range of 120 μm. KEY WORDS Monolith, Zirconia Crowns, Zirconia Copings, Full Contoured Crowns, CAD-CAM
Postoperative Assessment of Gustatory Activity Following Surgical Removal of Mandibular Third Molars
Authors: Dhanda Siddhartha , Samuel Soumi
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND The study focused on prospectively determining the incidence and severity of taste changes after surgical removal of mandibular third molar and correlating difficulty index of impaction and incidence of gustatory changes. METHODS 96 patients who required lower third molar extraction were included in the study. Their difficulty of impaction was measured using Pell and Gregory Difficulty Index and their gustatory activity was measured using a spatial taste test and a whole mouth wash test. The tests were carried out using 5 different stimuli, i.e., sweet, salt, bitter, umami and sour, in different concentrations and the subjects were asked to identify the stimuli preoperatively, postoperatively on day 7 and after 1 month.Tastes were scored from 1 - 9 for decreasing and altered taste sensations. RESULTS The results of our study showed that with increased difficulty index, taste sensation was altered. While most patients belonged to the Class II and Class I group as well as position A and B, taste changes were still noted due to difficulty in impaction, especially in the patients belonging to Class III and position C groups. The taste changes felt at POD - 7 were similar and unresolved in the one month follow up. The scores had a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS With a higher difficulty score, gustatory changes are felt due to the increased surgical manipulation required to remove the tooth from its socket. This is indicative of nerve damage during surgical extraction. KEY WORDS Postoperative, Assessment, Gustatory, Mandibular, Third Molar
Clinical Performance Monitoring in Undergraduate Dental Education - Paper-Based vs. Online Logbooks; Reporting by Students vs. Reporting by Instructors
Authors: Hasanain Fatin Abdulrahman
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND Medical and dental education is highly dependent on the development of students’ clinical skills in addition to their theoretical knowledge. The use of logbooks to monitor the clinical procedures performed by students provides a great advantage in the educational process. Because of the pandemic, utilisation of digital logbooks may prove to be more advantageous. This study aims to investigate the effective use of online progress records and as to whether they actually decrease the chance of error compared to the traditional paper-based logbooks. METHODS In this quasi-experimental study, 139 student logbooks were studied to compare online and paper-based clinical procedures. Logbook monitoring of undergraduate dental students reported by the students themselves vs. instructors was compared. Students filled mandatory individual paper-based logbooks, reporting the number of clinical procedures performed in that year. Additionally, they filled online log- sheets, and updated them regularly. Instructors proofread and signed the paper-based students’ logbooks. Instructors also separately submitted individual online forms recording each student’s clinical procedure performed in clinical sessions. A total of 556 logbook records was collected. The mean number of procedures recorded by the students and instructors (online and paper-based) were statistically compared. RESULTS The mean number of procedures recorded in student-reported online logbooks were significantly lower than that in all other logbooks. Paper-based and online instructorreported logbook data was identical to that of student reported paper-based logbooks. CONCLUSIONS Within the scope of the study, it was concluded that online tools are an asset and may be used as a substitute for paper-based monitoring of clinical activity for instructors. However, students’ compliance updating and uploading online forms is a factor, which is a matter of concern. KEY WORDS Undergraduate Dental Logbooks, Clinical Progress Records, Monitoring Methods, Monitoring Tools, Undergraduate Dental Monitoring, Undergraduate Clinical Procedures Records
Study of Correlation between Renal Function Test and Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Thool Archana Ramkrishna , Dhande Nikunj Kishore , Daigavane Sachin Vishwanath
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND Retinopathy and nephropathy are chronic vascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, this eventually leads to end stage renal disease and blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of legal blindness in 20 - 70 years. The purpose of the study was to establish association between severity of diabetic retinopathy with systemic levels of glycosylated haemoglobin and renal function test. METHODS This is a cross sectional study conducted among 75 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the ophthalmology out-patient department (OPD) of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Hospital, Wardha and patients referred from the hospital. Detailed fundus examination and staging of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was done. Glycosylated haemoglobin levels, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were measured. RESULTS Majority of patients were in the age range of 61 to 70 years. Mean ± SD of 3 parameters in patients with no DR, mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), moderate NPDR, severe NPDR and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were as follows: Serum creatinine 1.12 ± 0.41, 1.21 ± 0.53, 1.35 ± 0.49, 1.55 ± 0.22 and 1.70 ± 0.23 respectively. P = 0.007. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 28.62 ± 4.20, 31.83 ± 7.20, 37.31 ± 12.57, 44.21 ± 7.53 and 48.76 ± 5.08 respectively. P = 0.0001. HbA1c l, 6.72 ± 0.60, 8.14 ± 0.98, 8.52 ± 2.67, 9.96 ± 1.22 and 12.14 ± 1.96 respectively. P = 0.0001. All the 3 parameters were statistically significant. 40 % of cases had clinically significant macular oedema. CONCLUSIONS Poor glycaemic control as seen by higher levels of glycosylated haemoglobin and deranged renal function is associated with severe form of DR. KEY WORDS Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Retinopathy, Serum Creatinine HbA1c and BUN
Writing an Academic Paper for the Purpose of Publication
Authors: Mazumdar Paromita
Published: May 2021

Writing a scientific article is a daunting task but needs to be accomplished to be considered for publication in appropriate journals. A scientific experiment or project is not considered complete unless the outcome is disseminated to the fraternity. The entire work conducted by the researcher has to be written as a scientific document keeping in mind the heterogeneity of readers and the range of journals which consider submission of manuscripts for the purpose of publication. The purpose of publication is not only for getting promotions, evidence build up and peer recognition but also as a measure of work done by competent people in relevant field. The process of article writing should begin from the conceptualisation of the scientific experiment. Penning down a manuscript does not follow the same order in which an article is read. Scientific articles follow the Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion (IMRaD) format when printed and read, whereas while preparing the manuscript the order is different. The methods are written first since it is the actual work done by a researcher and should be most easy to write. The findings / observations can be written next for the results section. The discussion section interprets the results, puts forward the work of similar research and ends with the conclusions and limitations. The introduction, abstract and title are the last to be written since by then most of the manuscript is well articulated. Selection of journals, acknowledgement, conflict of interest, plagiarism, referencing style and letter to editors are the other aspects of preparation of manuscript. KEY WORDS Publication, Article Writing
Evaluation of Nickel Release in Blood and Periodontal Tissue with the Use of NiTi Wires, Bands and Brackets in Orthodontics – A Systematic Review
Authors: Kishore Shreya , A. Sumathi Felicita , Siva Suvetha
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND It is of outmost importance to know the effects of nickel on a cellular level. The objective of this systematic review was to analyse the factors affecting nickel release, the amount of nickel being released in commercially available NiTi wires and to also analyse the blood / periodontal evaluation after orthodontic treatment in conventional and nickel free brackets. METHODS For this systematic review, relevant articles were searched in PubMed, MedLine, Cochrane, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases, along with a complimentary manual search of all orthodontic journals from January 1980 till the year 2019 December. The study included in vitro and in vivo studies. 14 articles were included in this systematic review. RESULTS 160 articles were obtained initially. 41 were obtained by a manual search. 186 articles were excluded based on the inclusion criteria and 14 articles were found to be eligible. CONCLUSION This systematic review shows that nickel solution at a minimal concentration could damage human gingival fibroblast. As the carcinogenic effect of nickel has been already confirmed, other alloys that do not contain the heavy metal nickel can be used or standardization of the amount of nickel leach out from the appliance should be considered. KEY WORDS NiTi, Nickel Release, Periodontal Tissue or Periodontium, Cytotoxicity, Orthodontics
An Unusual Presentation of Foreign Body Granuloma of Ankle Mimicking a Neoplastic Lesion
Authors: Dadlani Mohit , Jaiswal Ankit , Saoji Kiran , Pisulkar Gajanan
Published: May 2021

Granulomas of foreign body can mimic features of neoplasia, especially when history and odd location create diagnostic confusion. Penetrating foot wounds are not that unusual. Thorns or wood particles that are stored in the foot are the cause of granuloma of the alien body. Later, soft tissue and osseous complications can arise from an untreated retained foreign body.
Cephalic Tetanus without Injury – A Rare Presentation of Tetanus
Authors: B.B.V Ramanan , Pegu Ajit Kumar , Dutta Anupam , Das Arjit , Sreeraj Sanchu T.K.
Published: May 2021

Tetanus is a rare, severe, and potentially life-threatening disease caused by Clostridium tetani, which accounted 58,900 deaths worldwide in 2013.1 Usually tetanus is generalized, rarely it can be localized also. 20-30% of cases will not have any puncture wound. In this case report, we present a case of tetanus with rare manifestation (localized tetanus presented with trismus without any puncture wound). Multiple rare associations like tetanus presenting with trismus, tetanus occurring in the absence of puncture wound strengthens the need for reporting this case which if left unnoticed would have been detrimental to the patient.
Periodontal Disease in Medically Compromised Patients and Its Relation with Covid-19
Authors: Pendyala Gowri Swaminatham , Kumar Pradeep , Joshi Sourabh Ramesh , Godara Sonia , Shetty Shridhar
Published: May 2021

Periodontal diseases can have systemic effects on our body. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension etc., have a history of being associated with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease could indicate the severity of Covid-19. There has been no previous reporting of oral health status in Covid-19 patients. The knowledge of association of periodontal disease with severe Covid-19 could be an important contribution to slowing down the rate and spread of infection. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease which involves gingiva and the supporting tissues like cementum, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. It has affected nearly about 10 - 12 % of the total population in the world. Periodontal disease is more prevalent in medically compromised patients with diseases like asthma, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, kidney diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. The other risk factors for the occurrence of periodontal disease are tobacco smoking, ageing, poor oral hygiene, obesity etc.1 Coronavirus (CoV) belongs to Coronaviridae family which are RNA viruses. Their size varies from 60 - 140 nanometre with spike-like projections on its surface. This strain of viruses is considered to be zoonotic in nature and cause respiratory illness in humans.1 This viral disease has affected lakhs of people in United States and had resulted in a high mortality rate. It was declared a pandemic by WHO on the 11th of March 2020. Comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, ageing, obesity and gender pose a greater risk for Covid-19. We wanted to evaluate as to whether periodontal disease along with comorbid conditions share a contributing risk factor for developing Covid-19.
Diseño y análisis psicométrico del Instrumento de Evaluación de Trauma Psicosocial
Authors:   Universidad Católica de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, Jiménez-Molina José Raúl , Avendaño-Prieto Bertha Lucía ,   Universidad Católica de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, Barreto-Galeano María Idaly ,   Universidad Católica de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, Blanco-Abarca Amalio ,   Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
Published: May 2021

Introducción: Se diseñó y validó un instrumento de evaluación de trauma psicosocial en víctimas de desplazamiento forzado asociado al conflicto armado en Colombia, denominado TPS-6. Método: el estudio fue instrumental. El plan de prueba, los ítems y la escala de valoración fueron evaluados por siete expertos, con quienes se realizó la validez de contenido. El instrumento se aplicó a 200 personas, víctimas y no víctimas. El ajuste de los ítems se analizó con el modelo de Rasch de la teoría de respuesta al ítem. Para obtener la evidencia de validez de constructo se realizó el análisis factorial exploratorio. La validez convergente se comprobó a través del análisis correlacional con la Escala Diagnóstica de Estrés Postraumático y las Escalas de Afecto Positivo y Negativo. La fiabilidad del instrumento fue hallada a través de los coeficientes alfa de Cronbach y omega. Resultados: teniendo en cuenta los análisis psicométricos realizados, la prueba quedó con 26 ítems que conforman seis factores. La prueba cumple con los requerimientos psicométricos para evaluar trauma psicosocial. Conclusiones: este instrumento es un aporte para la evaluación forense del daño psicosocial.
A Nomogram to Predict Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Liu Yan , Song Man , Huang Lixue , Zhu Guangfa
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To establish a model to predict the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after cardiac surgery.
Methods: Data were collected on 132 ARDS patients, who received valvular or coronary artery bypass grafting surgery from January 2009 to December 2019. We developed the prediction model by multivariable logistic regression. Then, we used the coefficients for developing a nomogram that predicts ARDS occurrence. Internal validation was performed using resampling techniques to evaluate and optimize the model.
Results: All variables fit into the model, including albumin level before surgery (odds ratio [OR]: 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92, 0.99; P = .01), cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.02; P = .02), APACHE II after surgery (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.29; P < .001), and history of diabetes (OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.88, 3.87; P < .001); these were considered to build the nomogram. The score distinguished ARDS patients from non-ARDS patients with an AUC of 0.785 (95% CI: 0.740, 0.830) and was well calibrated (Hosmer–Lemeshow P = .53).
Conclusions: Our developed model predicted ARDS in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and may serve as a tool for identifying patients at high risk for ARDS after cardiac surgery.
DETERMINATION OF GAS GENERATION CAPACITY OF THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS BITUMINOUS ARGILLITES BY JAYNES’ FORMALISM
Authors: KHOKHA Yuri , LYUBCHAK Oleksandr , YAKOVENKO Myroslava
Published: May 2021

The analysis of literature was carried out and the main criteria for determining the gas generating potential of rocks were determined. These criteria are divided into two groups: the first one is geochemical, which includes the content of organic carbon and the thermal maturity of the rocks. The second group combines the geological and economic criteria that determine the suitability of rocks for the removal of hydrocarbon gases from them. In our opinion, the most important group of criteria should be considered a geochemical group. Traditionally, to determine the ability of organic matter to form hydrocarbons, the Rock-Eval analysis was used. As a result, determined are the total organic carbon (TOC) and other parameters, such as hydrogen index (HI) or production index (PI). In this paper, we are trying to expand the range of parameters that can be used to determine the gas generation potential of the rocks. The elemental composition of the organic matter dissipated in the rocks, in general terms, should affect on the composition and amount of hydrocarbons that they synthesize. To determine the influence of elemental composition on the gas-generating potential, equilibrium thermodynamics is used in conjunction with the Jaynes’ formalism. Samples for investigation – bituminous argillites from Menilite suite of Oligocene, were taken from two fields of the Ukrainian Carpathians. For samples, the elemental composition of the organic matter and the mineral composition of the inorganic part (by X-ray crystallography) are determined. The data on the elemental composition came into the calculation, the result of which is the distribution of the additive components in the organic matter and the composition of gases. The results of the calculations were compared with the results obtained by the Rock-Eval method. It was found that the calculation by the thermodynamic method gives understated results. On the other hand, it allows the establishment of a change in the chemical structure of organic matter of rocks. We are outlined ways to further improvement of the method.
PERLINDUNGAN HUKUM PEMEGANG LISENSI HAK CIPTA MENURUT UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 28 TAHUN 2014 TENTANG HAK CIPTA (Analisis Putusan Nomor 14/Pdt.Sus.Hki/Cipta/2018/Pn-Niaga Sby)
Authors: Munadiah Aulia
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTThe main problem in this thesis is the rampant violations of cinematographic works by several parties illegally, such as what happened in the case in Decision Number 14 / Pdt.Sus.Hki / Cipta / 2018 / Pn-Niaga Sby which could harm a license holder of the work. . The purpose of this study was to determine the legal protection of copyright license holders from copyright infringement and to find out the basic analysis of the judges' considerations and decisions in the dispute of Decision Number 14 / Pdt.Sus.Hki / Cipta / 2018 / Pn-Niaga Sby.This research method uses a normative juridical approach. The juridical normative in this study has two sources of law, namely primary and secondary sources of law. The primary source of law refers to Act No. 28/2014, on the Copyright. The theory used in this research is the theory of legal protection and the theory of intellectual property rights.The results of this study indicate that the regulation regarding legal protection has been regulated in Act No. 28/2014, on the Copyright, the problems in the judge's decision in decision Number 14 / Pdt.Sus.Hki / Cipta / 2018 / Pn-Niaga Sby, the panel of judges rejecting the defendant's exception and granting the Plaintiff's Lawsuit. Some forms of evidence used in this case are a license agreement for the work which is the object of violation.Keywords: Legal Protection, Infringement, Copyright, License Holder.
From Work Tools to Didactic Resources for Mathematics Classes: Experiences in and for Technical Courses
Authors: Sá Lauro Chagas e , Jordane Alex , Giraldo Victor
Published: May 2021

Background: High school technical vocational education (Educação Profissional Técnica de Nível Médio - EPTNM) is an educational modality provided by the LDB and responsible for the qualification of part of the workers at the national level. Objective: to articulate theoretical assumptions of mathematics education in pedagogical action with students of EPTNM, and discuss the role that work tools can play in mathematics education of students of technical courses integrated to high school. Design: qualitative research, approaching a bibliographic research. Settings and participants: 96 texts published in the national meetings of mathematics education proceedings from 2010 through 2019. Data collection and analysis: to collect the data, we downloaded the proceedings, identified the files containing specific descriptors, performed a reading located where those terms were used and then selected the articles that presented proposals or experiences related to the EPTNM. For data analysis, we started from gross units of information (excerpts from the articles) for the categories of information (defined by the concept of transparency, following the theoretical framework). Results: Based on the notion of transparency of didactic resources, we found that the visibility of the instruments gives tasks an interdisciplinary character, since students become familiar with working tools. On the other hand, the invisibility of resources is favourable to pedagogical action, mainly by promoting intellectual work from manual work. Conclusions: regardless of the level of transparency of the working instrument, its use as a didactic resource is recommended for mathematics education at EPTNM.