bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Root Surface Caries with Periodontal Parameters in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Zhong Sulan , Li Duo , Liang Minlu , Tong Fangli , Li Xiaomin , Chen Lei
Published: March 2020

Background: Mounting evidence has demonstrated a reciprocal association between diabetes mellitus and periodontal diseases, characterized by loss of alveolar bone, gingival recession and root exposure. Recently, studies showed that type 2 diabetes patients were at high risk to development root caries. This essay aims to clarify the relationship between root surface caries (RC) and periodontal parameters in diabetes patients, as well as evaluate relevant risk factors in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: A total of 132 qualified adult patients with T2DM and periodontitis were recruited to this study. Radiographic data were collected to calculate alveolar bone loss (ABL). Subjects were assigned to three groups according to tertiles of ABL to make a comparison. Decayed and/or ﬁlled teeth (DFT) were calculated for both coronal and root surface as the caries indices of the remaining teeth. The plaque index (PLI), gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD) at six sites per tooth, number of missing teeth, number of retained root remnants, and number of teeth with furcal lesions were recorded during clinical examinations. Blood analyses were carried out for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose. Correlation analysis, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Results: By analyzing covariance, the research found that subjects with increased ABL have significantly higher numbers of missing teeth, root surface caries DFT, teeth with furcal lesions ( P <0.05). There is a significant positive correlation between root surface caries DFT and ABL, GR, coronal caries DFT ( P <0.05), respectively. ABL, coronal caries and age became significant predictor variables for Root Surface DFT (≥3)) ( P <0.05). Conclusion: Root surface caries were associated with ABL, GR and coronal caries in periodontitis with T2DM as well as ABL, coronal caries and age became risk factors for predicting the occurence of RC. Key Words: Association, Root Caries, Diabetes mellitus, Periodontitis
Hepatitis C viraemic and seroprevalence and risk factors for positivity in northwest Cambodia: a household cross-sectional serosurvey
Authors: Lynch Emily , Falq Gregoire , Sun Chhorvy , Bunchhoeung PharmD Tek , Huerga Helena , Loarec Anne , Dousset Jean-Phillipe , Marquardt Tonia , Paih Mickael Le , Maman David
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND Despite a dramatic reduction in HCV drug costs and simplified models of care, many countries lack important information on prevalence and risk factors to structure effective HCV services.METHODS A cross-sectional, multi-stage cluster survey of HCV seroprevalence in adults 18 years and above was conducted, with an oversampling of those 45 years and above. 147 clusters of 25 households were randomly selected in two sets (set 1=24 clusters ≥18; set 2=123 clusters, ≥45). A multi-variable analysis assessed risk factors for sero-positivity among participants ≥45. The study occurred in rural Moung Ruessei Health Operational District, Battambang Province, Western Cambodia.RESULTS A total of 5,098 individuals and 3,616 households participated in the survey. The overall seroprevalence was 2.6% (CI95% 2.3-3.0) for those ≥18 years, 5.1% (CI95% 4.6-5.7) for adults ≥ 45 years, and 0.6% (CI95% 0.3-0.9) for adults 18-44. Viraemic prevalence was 1.9% (CI95% 1.6-2.1), 3.6% (CI95% 3.2-4.0), and 0.5% (CI95% 0.2 - 0.8), respectively. Men had higher prevalence than women: ≥18 years male seroprevalence was 3.0 (CI95% 2.5 - 3.5) versus 2.3 (CI95% 1.9 - 2.7) for women. Knowledge of HCV was poor: 64.7% of all respondents and 57.0% of seropositive participants reported never having heard of HCV. Risk factor characteristics for the population ≥45 years included: advancing age (p<0.001), low education (higher than secondary school OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.6-0.8]), any dental or gum treatment (OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.3-1.9]), historical routine medical care (medical injection after 1990 OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.6-0.9]; surgery after 1990 OR 0.7 [95% CI0.5-0.9]), and historical blood donation or transfusion (blood donation after 1980 OR 0.4 [95% CI 0.2-0.9]); blood transfusion after 1990 OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.4-1.1]).CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first large-scale general adult population prevalence data on HCV infection in Cambodia. The results confirm the link between high prevalence and age ≥45 years, lower socio-economic status and past routine medical interventions (particularly those received before 1990 and 1980). This survey suggests high HCV prevalence in certain populations in Cambodia and can be used to guide national and local HCV policy discussion.
Dysregulation of autophagy-associated microRNAs in condyloma acuminatum
Authors: Wu Shi , Lu Dan , Zheng Xinkai , Xu Jin , Li Zhen , Deng Liehua , Hu Yunfeng
Published: March 2020

Objectives This study was designed to investigate the miRNAs that regulate the cell proliferation of condyloma acuminatum (CA) lesions and their targets.Methods The expression of Ki-67 in 26 CA patients compared with 10 healthy controls was assessed by immunohistochemistry. And the different miRNAs in 4 CA patients and 4 control cases were analyzed by bioinformatics. PCR was used to validate the expression of screened miRNA and its corresponding target genes.Results The expression of Ki-67 was abnormally increased in CA compared with healthy controls ( P <0.05). The comparison of the control group with the CA group revealed 81 differentially expressed miRNAs, of which 56 were downregulated and 25 were upregulated. Two of the differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-30a-5p and miR-514a-3p, are associated with cell proliferation and their target genes are autophagy-related protein (Atg) 5 and Atg12, and Atg3 and Atg12, respectively. PCR results showed that the expression levels of miR-30a-5p and miR-514a-3p were decreased in CA patients compared with healthy controls ( P <0.05), whereas the expression of Atg5, Atg12 and Atg3 was increased ( P <0.05). The expression of the autophagy proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and P62/SQSTM1 (P62) was abnormally increased in the local lesion tissue of the 26 patients with CA compared with the 10 healthy controls, as assessed by immunohistochemistry ( P <0.05).Conclusions Our results suggest that autophagy levels may be modulated by has-miRNA30a-5p and has-miRNA514a-3p in CA patients, leading to dysregulated cell proliferation.
Aberrant autophagy and proinflammatory cytokines may reduce endometrial decidualization: a essential role of obesity on infertility
Authors: Lv Ya-su , Wang Chen , Han Shuo , Li Ling-xiu , Li Yuan
Published: March 2020

Background: Obesity is associated with reproductive disorders and infertility. Autophagy is upregulated during decidualization, but is diminished in obesity models with impaired decidualization. Defects in autophagy are related to the occurrence of inflammatory diseases, but its role in endometrial decidualization with obese patients is unknown.Methods: The levels of autophagy-related factors (LC3B-II and Beclin 1), and autophagy-related proteins which have a correlation with endometrial decidualization (ATG3, ATG5, ATG7 and foxo1), as well as autophagy-related inflammatory cytokines in endometrium of lean and obese patients was assessed. We then investigated the the role of autophagic flux during decidualization in ‘obese’- vs ‘lean’- treated cells from matched patients.Results: Alteration in autophagic flux and the expression of autophagy-related genes revealed impaired autophagy in obese patients compared with lean. Autophagy-related proinflammatory cytokines were upregulated in the uterine cavity of obese patients, who also showed impaired decidualization.Conclusions: Obesity downregulates the expression of autophagy-related genes and impairs endometrial stromal cell autophagic flux, and induces inflammation. These alterations in autophagy are associated with increased activation of autophagy-related proinflammatory cytokines might decrease basic uterine receptivity.
Magnesium supply regulate leaf nutrition and plant growth of soilless cultured cherry tomato - interaction with potassium
Authors: Guan Xilin , Wang Xiaozhong , Liu Bin , Wu Changchun , Liu Chuanyun , Liu Dunyi , Zou Chunqin , Chen Xinping
Published: March 2020

Background: Magnesium (Mg) is essential to many plant physiological and biochemical processes; however, a quantitative understanding of how Mg nutrition affects the production, partitioning and utilization of photoassimilates is still lacking, especially for soilless culture system. We focused on the roles of Mg in yield formation and interactions with potassium (K) nutrition of cherry tomato. Cherry tomato yield, leaf Mg concentration, photosynthetic parameters, dry matter weight and K, Mg and calcium (Ca) uptake were investigated in two soilless experiments with seven Mg levels and five K levels.Results: Low (<1 mM) and high (>4 mM) Mg supply limited cherry tomato yield by decreasing 22.6-78.1% dry matter accumulation and 13.9-40.7% harvest index. The critical leaf Mg concentrations required for adequate photosynthate production in the first and second harvest periods were 4.67 and 5.52 g kg –1 , respectively. But over-supply of Mg disturbed leaf K and Ca concentrations, limiting the plant K and Ca content. Moreover, adjusting K concentrations in solution is a crucial factor influencing plant Mg functions, and therefore cherry tomato growth.Conclusion: Balanced Mg and K application increased Mg, K, and Ca uptake by cherry tomato, as well as Mg concentrations in leaves which could maintain a sustainable photosynthetic rate and plant dry matter formation.
Identification of fruit size associated quantitative trait loci featuring SLAF based high-density linkage map of goji berry (Lycium spp.)
Authors: Rehman Fazal , Gong Haiguang , Li Zhong , Zeng Shaohua , Yang Tianshun , Ai Peiyan , Pan Lizhu , Wang Ying , Huang Hongwen
Published: March 2020

Background: Goji (Lycium spp., 2n = 24) is a perennial woody plant bearing functional properties. Fruit size associated attributes are important for evaluating small-fruited goji berry and plant architecture. The domestication traits are regulated quantitatively in crop plants but fewer studies have attempted on genomic regions corresponding to the fruit traits.Results: In this study, we established high-resolution map using SLAF-seq for de novo SNPs detection, based on 305 F1 offspring derived from L. chinense and L. barbarum. This genetic map contained 3,495 SNP markers on 12 LGs, spanning 1,649.03 cM with 0.47 cM average interval. Female and male parents had sequencing depth of 72.43-fold and 60.43-fold, respectively, while 15.23-fold detected for individuals. Phenotype data were obtained for 2 years and included 3rd year data as an average. QTL mapping analysis resulted in 117 QTLs corresponding to all traits, of which 23 QTLs in 2 years and 6 QTLs in 3rd years were detected. 6 promising QTLs, qFW10-3.1, qFL10-2.1, qLL10-2.1, qLD10-2.1, qLD12-4.1 and qLA10-2.1 were discovered influencing fruit weight, fruit length and leaf size related attributes covering an interval ranged 13.74-76.61 cM on LG10 with peak LOD up to 14.21 and PVE 19.3%. Additionally, 3 QTLs, qFS-1, qFS-2 and qFF-1, targeting fruit sweetness and fruit firmness were also identified in this study. Strikingly, among stable QTLs, qFL10-2.1, was co-localized to qLL10-2.1, qLD10-2.1, qLA10-2.1 and harbored significantly similar markers distribution, while qLL10-2.1 was the major and stable QTL with LOD ranged from 8.71-14.21 and PVE 12.3-19.3%. As LG10 harbored most of the fruit and leaf size related QTLs, we might speculate that it could be a hotspot region regulating fruit size and plant architectures.Conclusions: This report highlighted that the high-density linkage map construction using SLAF-seq is an important means for profound QTL mapping approach. Substantially, we utilized highly saturated genetic map to find out genetic locus targeting fruit and leaf size related attributes under QTL mapping. Our results will shed light on domestication traits and further strengthen molecular and genetic underpinnings of goji berry. Moreover, these findings would facilitate to assemble reference genome, determining potential candidate genes and marker-assisted breeding.
Adjuvant Transarterial Chemoembolization does not Influence Recurrence-free and Overall survivals for Patients with Combined Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma after Curative Resection: a Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Liu Wei-Ren , Tian Meng-Xin , Tao Chen-Yang , Tang Zheng , Zhou Yu-Fu , Song Shu-Shu , Jiang Xi-Fei , Wang Han , Zhou Pei-Yun , Qu Wei-Feng , Fang Yuan , Ding Zhen-Bin , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Shi Ying-Hong
Published: March 2020

Background : The prognosis of patients with combined hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is usually poor, and effective adjuvant therapy is ineffective making it important to investigate whether these patients may benefit from adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of adjuvant TACE for long-term recurrence and survival after curative resection before and after propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Methods : In this retrospective study, of 230 patients who underwent resection for CHC between January 1994 and December 2014, 46 (18.0%) patients received adjuvant TACE. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the independent predictive factors of survival. Cox regression analyses and log-rank tests were used to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between patients who did or did not receive adjuvant TACE. Results : A total of 230 patients (mean age 52.2±11.9 years; 172 men) were enrolled, and 46 (mean age 52.7±11.1 years; 38 men) patients received TACE. Before PSM, in multivariate regression analysis, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT), tumour nodularity, macrovascular invasion (MVI), lymphoid metastasis, and extrahepatic metastasis were associated with OS. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), MVI, lymphoid metastasis, and preventive TACE (HR: 2.763, 95% CI: 1.769-4.314, p <0.001) were independent prognostic factors for DFS. PSM created 46 pairs of patients. After PSM, adjuvant preventive TACE was not associated with an increased risk of OS (HR: 0.911, 95% CI: 0.545-1.520, p =0.720) or DFS (HR: 3.345, 95% CI: 1.686-6.638, p =0.001). After PSM, the 5-year OS and DFS rates were comparable in the TACE group and the non-TACE group (OS: 22.7% vs 14.9%, respectively, p =0.75; DFS: 11.2% vs 14.4%, respectively, p =0.06). Conclusions : The present study identified that adjuvant preventive TACE did not influence DFS or OS after curative resection of CHC.
Predictive nomogram of subsequent liver metastasis after mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery in patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer
Authors: Yang Anli , Xiao Weikai , Zheng Shaoquan , Kong Yanan , Zou Yutian , Li Mingyue , Ye Feng , Xie Xiaoming
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND Metastasis accounts for the majority of deaths in patients with breast cancer. Liver metastasis is reported common to breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to construct a nomogram to predict the likelihood of subsequent liver metastasis in patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer, thus high-risk patient populations can be prevented and monitored. METHODS A total of 1840 patients with stage I-III breast cancer were retrospectively included and analyzed. A nomogram was constructed to predict liver metastasis based on multivariate logistic regression analysis. C-index, calibration curve and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the model. RESULTS The nomogram included three variables related to liver metastasis: HER2 status (odds ratio (OR) 1.86, 95%CI 1.02 to 3.41; P =0.045), tumor size (OR 3.62, 1.91 to 6.87; P < 0.001) and lymph node metastasis (OR 2.26, 1.18 to 4.34; P =0.014). The C index in the training cohort was 0.699 and it was 0.814 in the validation cohort (691 patients). The nomogram was well-calibrated, with no statistical difference between the predicted and the observed probabilities. CONCLUSION We have developed and validated a robust tool enabled to predict subsequent liver metastasis in patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer. Distinguishing a population of patients at high risk of liver metastasis will facilitate preventive treatment or monitoring of liver metastasis.
Mode of Bacterial Killing Affects the Inflammatory Response and Associated Organ Dysfunctions in a Porcine E. coli Intensive Care Sepsis Model
Authors: Skorup Paul , Maudsdotter Lisa , Lipcsey Miklós , Larsson Anders , Sjölin Jan
Published: March 2020

Background Sepsis is often treated with penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP-3) acting β-lactam antibiotics, such as piperacillin-tazobactam, cefotaxime and meropenem. They cause considerable bacterial structural changes and have in vitro been associated with an increased inflammatory response. In a clinically relevant large animal sepsis model our primary aim was to investigate whether bacteria killed by a PBP-3 active antibiotic has a greater effect on the early inflammatory response and organ dysfunction compared with corresponding amounts of live or heat-killed bacteria. A secondary aim was to determine whether the addition of an aminoglycoside could mitigate the cefuroxime-induced response. Method Killed or live Escherichia coli were administrated as a 3-hour (h) infusion to 16 healthy pigs in a prospective, placebo-controlled interventional experimental study. Cefuroxime was chosen as the PBP-3 active antibiotic and tobramycin represented the aminoglycosides. The animals were randomized to receive I) bacteria killed by cefuroxime, II) live bacteria, III) bacteria killed by heat or IV) bacteria killed by the combination of cefuroxime and tobramycin. Plasma endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, leukocytes and organ function were recorded at the start of the experiment and then hourly for 6 h. Results Differences in dynamics of concentration over time between the four treatment groups were found for the three cytokines (p<0.001). Animals receiving cefuroxime-killed bacteria demonstrated higher responses than those receiving live or heat-killed bacteria (p<0.01). The addition of tobramycin reduced the cefuroxime-induced responses (p<0.001). The cytokine responses were associated with leucocyte activation that was further associated with pulmonary dysfunction and increases in lactate (p<0.01). Conclusions In comparison with live or heat-killed bacteria, bacteria killed by a PBP-3 active antibiotic induced an increased inflammatory response associated with deteriorated organ and cellular function. The addition of an aminoglycoside to the PBP-3 active antibiotic reduced that response.
Host susceptibility to severe COVID-19: a retrospective analysis of 487 case outside Wuhan
Authors: Shi Yu , Yu Xia , Zhao Hong , Wang Hao , Zhao Ruihong , Cai Qun , Sun Shanshan , Fang Hong , Wang Yijie , Hu Zhangmin , Duan Jinnan , Lin Xiaoman , Tu Huilan , Tu Sheng , sheng jifang
Published: March 2020

Background: The recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection results in a considerable morbidity and mortality, mainly in China. The study is to investigate the intrinstic features of infected patients that associated with severe type of this disease. Method: A total of 487 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were included in analysis. The demographic and epidemiological of patients representing as mild and severe at admission were compared. A step-wise multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify significant risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 . A score systemc incorporating risk factors was established for risk stratification and validated in a small cohort during in-hospital follow-up. Results: Of all patients, 49 (10.1%) cases are severe at admission. Severe cases are elder [56(17) vs. 45(19), P<0.001), with more male (73.5% vs. 50.9%, P=0.003). They have a higher incidence of hypertension (53.1% vs. 16.7%, P<0.001), diabetes (14.3% vs. 5.0%, P=0.009), cardiovascular diseases (8.2% vs. 1.6%, P=0.003) and malignancy (4.1% vs. 0.7%, P=0.025), and less exposure to epidemic area (49.0% vs. 65.1%, P=0.027), but more infected familiy members(P=0.031). On multivariate analysis, elder age, male and presence of hypertension are independently associated with severe disease at admission. A host risk score, incorporating age, sex and hypertension history, clearly stratifies risk of developing severe type of COVID-19 both in patients at admission and during in-hospital follow-up. Conclusions: Elder age, male and presence of hypertension are associated with host susceptibility to developing severe COVID-19. The host risk score may be a useful tool to identify high risk indiviuals but requires validation.
MicroRNA-182-5p protects human lens epithelial cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by inhibit ing NOX4 and p38 MAPK signaling
Authors: Li Zhao-Na , Ge Ming-Xu , Yuan Zhong-Fang
Published: March 2020

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are abnormally expressed in varying ocular diseases, including age-related cataract. However, the roles of miR-182-5p in age-related cataract progression remains unclear.Methods: The expression of miR-182-5p in HLE-B3 cells were detected by qRT-PCR. HLE-B3 cells were transfected with miR-182-5p mimics. CCK-8, EdU, flow cytometry, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, JC-1 kit, and Western bolt were used to assess the cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and protein expression, respectively, in vitro . The target relationship of miR-182-5p and NOX4 was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis.Results: We found that miR-182-5p was significantly decreased by the H 2 O 2 exposure. Overexpression of miR-182-5p promoted cell proliferation, inhibited ROS production and apoptosis in H 2 O 2 -induced HLE-B3 cells. Moreover, p-p-38, p-ERK, and p-JNK were up-regulated in H 2 O 2 -treated HLE-B3 cells, and overexpression of miR-182-5p reversed the effect of H 2 O 2 on HLE-B3 cells. In addition, dual-luciferase reporter assay substantiated that NOX4 was a direct target and downregulated by miR-182-5p.Conclusions: We concluded that miR-182-5p inhibited lens epithelial cells apoptosis through regulating NOX4 and p38 MAPK signaling, providing a novel biomarker for treatment of age-related cataract.
The mutation spectrum in familial versus sporadic congenital cataract based on next-generation sequencing
Authors: Fan Fan , Luo Yi , Wu Jihong , Gao Chao , Liu Xin , Mei Hengjun , Zhou Xiyue
Published: March 2020

Purpose Congenital cataract (CC) is a significant cause of lifelong visual loss. Its genetic diagnosis is challenging due to marked genetic heterogeneity. The purpose of this article is to report the genetic findings in sporadic and familial CC patients.Methods Patients (n=54) who were clinically diagnosed with CC and their parents were recruited. Blood samples were collected in our hospital. Mutations were detected by high-throughput, next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) targeting 792 genes frequently involved in common inherited eye diseases.Results We identified variants in 11/38 cases (28.95%) of sporadic CC and 14/16 cases (87.5%) of familial CC, indicating a significant difference (P=0.000). Of the 14 variants identified in sporadic cases, 9 were previously reported mutations, and 5 were novel mutations, including 2 de novo mutations (CRYBB2 c.487C>T, FYCO1c.215A>T). The most frequent variants in our cohort were in crystallins and cytoskeletal genes (7/30, 23.33%), followed by X-linked syndromic proteins (13.33%) and transcriptional factors (10.00%). Additional information on the possibility of complications with inherited ocular or systemic diseases other than CC was provided in 20/30 (66.67%) variants.Conclusions These results contribute to expanding the mutation spectrum and frequency. Targeted NGS in CC provided significant diagnostic information and enabled more accurate genetic counseling. This study reports the different distributions of mutation genes in familial and sporadic CC cases.
The three-dimensional stable mandibular landmarks in patients between the ages of 12.5 to 17.1 years
Authors: Chen Gui , Awadi Mona Al , Chambers David William , Lagravère-Vich Manuel O , Xu Tianmin , Oh Heesoo
Published: March 2020

Background: With the aid of implants, Björk identified the two-dimensional mandibular stable structures in cephalogram during facial growth. However, we don't know the three-dimensional stable structures exactly. The purpose of this study was to identify the most stable mandibular landmarks in growing patients using three-dimensional images.Methods: The sample was comprised of two cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken about 4.6 years apart in 20 growing patients between the ages of 12.5 (T1) to 17.1 years (T2). After head orientation, landmarks were located on the chin (Pog), internal symphysis (Points C, D and E), and mandibular canals, which included the mental foramina (MF and MFA) and mandibular foramina (MdF). The linear distance change between Point C and these landmarks was measured on each CBCT to test stability through time. The reliability of the suggested stable landmarks was also evaluated. Results: The total distance changes between Point C and points D, E, Pog, MF, and MFA were all less than 1.0 mm from T1 to T2. The reliability measures of these landmarks, which were measured by the Cronbach alpha, were above 0.94 in all three dimensions for each landmark. From T1 to T2, distance changes from Point C to the right and left mandibular foramina were respectively 3.39±3.29 mm and 3.03±2.83 mm. Conclusions: During a growth period that averaged 4.6-years, ranging from 11.2 to 19.8 years, the structures that appeared relatively stable and could be used in mandibular regional superimposition included Pog, landmarks on the inferior part of the internal symphysis, and the mental foramen. The centers of the mandibular foramina, the starting points of the mandibular canal, underwent significant changes in the transverse and sagittal dimensions.
RarERN Path: a methodology towards the optimisation of patients’ care pathways in rare and complex diseases developed within the European Reference Networks
Authors: Talarico Rosaria , Cannizzo Sara , Lorenzoni Valentina , Marinello Diana , Palla Ilaria , Pirri Salvatore , Ticciati Simone , Trieste Leopoldo , Triulzi Isotta , Terol Enrique , Bucher Anna , Turchetti Giuseppe
Published: March 2020

Background In 2017, the European Commission has launched the European Reference Networks (ERNs), virtual networks involving healthcare providers across Europe. The aim of the ERNs is to tackle complex and rare diseases and conditions that require highly specialized treatment and a concentration of knowledge and resources. The ERN ReCONNET is one of the 24 ERNs approved that aims to improve the management of Rare and Complex Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases.ResultsThe need to develop a specific methodology for the implementation of an organisational model for patients’ care pathways aligns with the mission of the ERNs to improve the care of rare and complex diseases in Europe. In this framework, ERN ReCONNET developed the RarERN Path methodology that is aimed at creating an organisational model for patients’ care pathways taking advantage of the unique setting of ERNs, represented by the large community of experts (researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, patients, health economists, hospital managers, etc.) involved in the Networks. The specific aim of RarERN Path is to provide a valid organisational model for patient-centered care in rare and complex diseases that enables the integration of the different stakeholders involved in the care process, and that adapts in a flexible way to different disease-specific and geographical contexts across Europe.The RarERN Path methodology foresees six consecutive phases that, if applied in different contexts, helps to ensure an improved, cost-effective and patient-centred equal care to rare and complex diseases. ConclusionThe application of RarERN Path to the different disease-specific and geographical contexts would help to ensure an improved, cost-effective and patient-centred equal care to rare and complex diseases across Europe as well as a possible tangible action towards the integration of ERNs into the different European healthcare systems.
Preterm Birth and Breast Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Razavi Maryam , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Maleki-Hajiagha Arezoo , Vesali Samira , Almasi-Hashiani Amir , Esmailzadeh Arezoo
Published: March 2020

Background: The characteristics of pregnancy, such as gestational age are related to the level of maternal hormones, which levels of these hormones can be associated with breast cancer (BC) risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the preterm birth (PB) and BC risk in women in a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, published studies were located back to the earliest available publication date (1983), using the Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science (Clarivate analytics) bibliographic databases. Eligibility, methodological quality, and data extraction were done by two independent reviewers, and finally, to calculate the pooled estimates, Meta-analysis was performed.Results: Thirteen studies including a total of 2,845,553 women were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results suggested that PB could increase the risk of BC (RR= 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.07; I2= 62.5%). Risk was significantly increased in women with a PB at >37 gestational weeks (RR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.06) and 26-31 gestational weeks (RR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.06) compared to those with 40-41 gestational weeks. A significant increment in the risk of BC in uniparous women with a PB (RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.08) and women with >45 years (RR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.24) was observed. Conclusions: The results of this study supported the higher risk of BC in all woman with PB, primiparous women and women with >45 years. Therefore, more care and screening for early detection of the disease is recommended in these women.
Effectiveness of perineural and intravenous dexamethasone added to bupivacaine for transversus abdominis plane block in post-cesarean delivery pain control: a prospective cohort study, 2019
Authors: Jemal Bedru , Zemedkun Abebayehu , Admasu Wosenyeleh , Abiy Sileshi , Molla Simeneh , Mulugeta Hailemariam
Published: March 2020

Background Caesarean delivery (CD) has been one of the most frequently performed major surgical interventions, and causes severe postoperative pain. Abdominal field blocks like TAP block are mostly preferred as post-operative analgesia for this operation. Using different adjuvants like dexamethasone by different routes increases the quality and duration of block and maximizes patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness between perineural and intravenous dexamethasone as an adjuvant on bilateral transversus abdominis plane block for post cesarean delivery pain control. Methodology An institutional based prospective cohort study was conducted on 87 patients. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data collection methods include preoperative chart review, intraoperative observation and postoperative patient interview at 4 th , 6 th , 8 th , 12 th and 24 th hours. Sociodemographic variable were analyzed by ANOVA and chi square test. Kruskal Wallis with post hoc analysis was used to compare post-operative severity of pain score and cumulative analgesic consumption. Time to first analgesic request was analyzed using Kaplan Meier survival analysis with log rank. Categorical variable were analyzed by chi square. Result Time to first analgesic request was significantly longer in TAP-IVD and TAP-PD compared to TAP alone (p < 0.05). The postoperative NRS score at rest and on coughing were significantly lowered in TAP-PD and TAP-IVD group compared to TAP alone group (p <0.05).The total analgesic consumption in the first 24h was significantly lower in TAP-IVD and TAP-PD group compared to TAP alone group (p < 0.05). Conclusion and recommendation dexamethasone 8mg both intravenously and perineurally is effective adjuvant to bupivacaine on bilateral TAP block with prolonged and potent analgesia and reduced analgesic consumption. Based on our finding we recommend use of dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine on bilateral transversus abdominis plane block.
The Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) Modulates Gut Microbiota and Improves Lipid Metabolism in Diet-Induced Obese Rat
Authors: Zhu Yue , Zhang Jia-ying , Wei Yu-long , Hao Jing-yi , Lei Yu-qing , Sun Ai-dong
Published: March 2020

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in obesity and lipid metabolism disorder. Chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa L.) are rich in polyphenols with various physiological and pharmacological activities. We determined serum physiological parameters and fecal microbial components by using related kits, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing every 10 days. Real-time PCR analysis was used to measured gene expression of bile acids (BAs) and lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissues. We analyzed the effects of different Chokeberry polyphenol (CBPs) treatment time on obesity and lipid metabolism in high fat diet (HFD)-fed rat. The results indicated that CBPs treatment prevents obesity, liver steatosis and improves dyslipidemia in HFD-fed rat. CBPs modulated the composition of the gut microbiota with the extended treatment time, reducing the Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) and increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides , Prevotella , Akkermansia and other bacterial species associated with anti-obesity properties. We found that CBPs treatment gradually decreased the total BAs pool and particularly the reduced the relative content of cholic acid (CA), deoxycholic acid (DCA) and enhanced the relative content of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). These changes were positively correlated Bacteroides , Prevotella and negatively correlated with Clostridium , Eubacterium , Ruminococcaceae . In liver and white adipose tissues, the gene expression of lipogenesis, lipolysis and BAs metabolism were regulated after CBPs treatment in HFD-fed rat, which was most likely mediated through FXR and TGR-5 signaling pathway to improve lipid metabolism. In addition, the mRNA expression of PPARγ, UCP1 and PGC-1α were upregulated markedly in interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) after CBPs treatment. We confirmed that CBPs could reduce the body weight of HFD-fed rat by accelerating energy homeostasis and thermogenesis in iBAT. Finally, the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment results demonstrated that FMT from CBPs-treated rat failed to reduce the weight of HFD-fed rat. However, FMT from CBPs-treated rat improved dyslipidemia and reshaped gut microbiota in HFD-fed rat. In conclusion, CBPs treatment improved obesity and complications by regulating gut microbiota in HFD-fed rat. The gut microbiota plays a important role in BAs metabolism after CBPs treatment, and BAs have therefore emerged as major effectors in microbe-host signaling events that influence host lipid metabolism, energy metabolism and thermogenesis.
Clinical application value of the prognostic nutritional index for predicting survival in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy
Authors: Xiao Ling , Lyu Jiahua , Liu Xiao , Li Ke , Wang Yuan , Zhang Rongke , Chen Taiyu , Li Tao
Published: March 2020

Background : The prognostic nutrition index (PNI) has been shown to have prognostic value for several common cancers. The study aim was to explore the clinical application value of the PNI for prognosis of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with radical chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or radiotherapy (RT). Methods : Overall, 193 patients with ESCC who received radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy at Sichuan Cancer Hospital from March 20, 2012 to December 25, 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Based on serum measurements before treatment, the PNI at ESCC recurrence was calculated as albumin (g/L) + 5 × total lymphocyte count. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional regression model were used to analyse the relationship between PNI and overall survival (OS). Results : The average pretreatment PNI of 193 ESCC patients was 49.01 ± 4.68. The optimal cutoff value of PNI was 47.975, and the patients were divided into a low-PNI group (<47.975) and a high-PNI group (≥47.975). PNI was related to tumour length, T-stage and synchronous chemotherapy in ESCC patients (P < 0.05). The median OS for the entire group was 22.37 months. The median OS of patients in the high-PNI group and low-PNI group were 32.63 months and 15.4 months, respectively, the 3-year survival rates were 47.5% and 32.2% and the 5-year survival rates were 37.7% and 16.8%, respectively, (all P = 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that PNI, tumour length, T-stage and synchronous chemotherapy were related to the prognosis of ESCC patients (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumour length (P = 0.019), synchronous chemotherapy (P = 0.009) and PNI (P = 0.003) were independent prognostic factors affecting the prognosis of patients in ESCC treated with RT or CRT. Conclusions: The calculation of PNI value is simple, reliable and repeatable and can improve the accuracy of a patient’s prognosis. Confirmation of these results by a large-sample prospective study is desirable.
Archean to Paleoproterozoic seawater halogen ratios recorded by fluid inclusions in chert and hydrothermal quartz
Authors: Burgess Ray , Goldsmith Sarah L. , Sumino Hirochika , Gilmour Jamie D. , Marty Bernard , Pujol Magali , Konhauser Kurt O.
Published: March 2020

Past changes in the halogen composition of seawater are anticipated based on the differing behavior of chlorine and bromine that are strongly partitioned into seawater, relative to iodine, which is extremely depleted in modern seawater and enriched in marine sediments due to biological uptake. Here we assess the use of chert, a chemical sediment that precipitated throughout the Precambrian, as a proxy for halide ratios in ancient seawater. We determine a set of criteria that can be used to assess the primary nature of halogens and show that ancient seawater Br/Cl and I/Cl ratios can be resolved in chert samples from the 2.5 Ga Dales Gorge Member of the Brockman Banded Iron Formation, Hamersley Group, Western Australia. The values determined of Br/Cl ~2 × 10-3 M and I/Cl ~30 × 10-6 M are comparable to fluid inclusions in hydrothermal quartz from the 3.5 Ga North Pole area, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia, that were the subject of previous reconstructions of ancient ocean salinity and atmospheric isotopic composition. While the similar Br/Cl and I/Cl values indicate no substantial change in the ocean halide system over the interval 2.5–3.5Ga, compared to modern seawater, the ancient ocean was enriched in Br and I relative to Cl. The I/Cl value is intermediate between bulk Earth (assumed chondritic) and the modern seawater ratio, which can be explained by a smaller organic reservoir because this is the major control on marine iodine at the present day. Br/Cl ratios are about 30% higher than both modern seawater and contemporary seafloor hydrothermal systems, perhaps indicating a stronger mantle buffering of seawater halogens during the Archean.
Thermal equation of state of post-aragonite CaCO3-Pmmn
Authors: Lv Mingda , Liu Jiachao , Greenberg Eran , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Dorfman Susannah M.
Published: March 2020

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is one of the most abundant carbonates on Earth's surface and transports carbon to Earth's interior via subduction. Although some petrological observations support the preservation of CaCO3 in cold slabs to lower mantle depths, the geophysical properties and stability of CaCO3 at these depths are not known, due in part to complicated polymorphic phase transitions and lack of constraints on thermodynamic properties. Here we measured thermal equation of state of CaCO3-Pmmn, the stable polymorph of CaCO3 through much of the lower mantle, using synchrotron X-ray diffraction in a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell up to 75 GPa and 2200 K. The room-temperature compression data for CaCO3-Pmmn are fit with third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state, yielding KT0 = 146.7 (±1.9) GPa and K′0 = 3.4(±0.1) with V0 fixed to the value determined by ab initio calculation, 97.76 Å3. High-temperature compression data are consistent with zero-pressure thermal expansion αT = a0 + a1T with a0 = 4.3(±0.3)×10-5 K-1, a1 = 0.8(±0.2)×10-8 K-2, temperature derivative of the bulk modulus (∂KT/∂T)P = –0.021(±0.001) GPa/K; the Grüneisen parameter γ0 = 1.94(±0.02), and the volume independent constant q = 1.9(±0.3) at a fixed Debye temperature θ0 = 631 K predicted via ab initio calculation. Using these newly determined thermodynamic parameters, the density and bulk sound velocity of CaCO3-Pmmn and (Ca,Mg)-carbonate-bearing eclogite are quantitatively modeled from 30 to 80 GPa along a cold slab geotherm. With the assumption that carbonates are homogeneously mixed into the slab, the results indicate the presence of carbonates in the subducted slab is unlikely to be detected by seismic observations, and the buoyancy provided by carbonates has a negligible effect on slab dynamics.
Structure of NaFeSiO4, NaFeSi2O6, and NaFeSi3O8 glasses and glass-ceramics
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Mostafa , Scrimshire Alex , Mottram Lucy , Stennett Martin C. , Hyatt Neil C. , Bingham Paul A. , McCloy John S.
Published: March 2020

The crystallization of iron-containing sodium silicate phases holds particular importance, both in the management of high-level nuclear wastes and in geosciences. Here, we study three as-quenched glasses and their heat-treated chemical analogs, NaFeSiO4, NaFeSi2O6, and NaFeSi3O8 (with nominal stoichiometries from feldspathoid, pyroxene, and feldspar mineral groups, i.e., Si/Fe = 1, 2, and 3, respectively) using various techniques. Phase analyses revealed that as-quenched NaFeSiO4 could not accommodate all Fe in the glass phase (some Fe crystallizes as Fe3O4), whereas as-quenched NaFeSi2O6 and NaFeSi3O8 form amorphous glasses. NaFeSi2O6 glass is the only composition that crystallizes into its respective isochemical crystalline polymorph, i.e., aegirine, upon isothermal heat-treatment. As revealed by Mössbauer spectroscopy, iron is predominantly present as fourfold-coordinated Fe3+ in all glasses, though it is present as sixfold-coordinated Fe3+ in the aegirine crystals (NaFeSi2O6), as expected from crystallography. Thus, Na-Fe silicate can form a crystalline phase in which it is octahedrally coordinated, even though it is mostly tetrahedrally coordinated in the parent glasses. Thermal behavior, magnetic properties, iron redox state (including Fe K-edge X-ray absorption), and vibrational properties (Raman spectra) of the above compositions are discussed.
Replica Bethe Ansatz solution to the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation on the half-line
Authors: Krajenbrink Alexandre , Le Doussal Pierre
Published: March 2020

We consider the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) equation for the stochastic
growth of an interface of height h(x,t)h(x,t)
on the positive half line with boundary condition
\partial_x h(x,t)|_{x=0}=A∂xh(x,t)|x=0=A.
It is equivalent to a continuum directed polymer (DP) in a random
potential in half-space with a wall at x=0x=0
either repulsive A>0A>0,
or attractive A<0A<0.
We provide an exact solution, using replica Bethe ansatz methods, to two
problems which were recently proved to be equivalent [Parekh,
arXiv:1901.09449]: the droplet initial condition for arbitrary
A \geqslant -1/2A≥−1/2,
and the Brownian initial condition with a drift for
A=+\inftyA=+∞
(infinite hard wall). We study the height at
x=0x=0
and obtain (i) at all time the Laplace transform of the distribution of
its exponential (ii) at infinite time, its exact probability
distribution function (PDF). These are expressed in two equivalent
forms, either as a Fredholm Pfaffian with a matrix valued kernel, or as
a Fredholm determinant with a scalar kernel. For droplet initial
conditions and A> - \frac{1}{2}A>−12
the large time PDF is the GSE Tracy-Widom distribution. For
A= \frac{1}{2}A=12,
the critical point at which the DP binds to the wall, we obtain the GOE
Tracy-Widom distribution. In the critical region,
A+\frac{1}{2} = \epsilon t^{-1/3} \to 0A+12=ϵt−1/3→0
with fixed \epsilon = \mathcal{O}(1)ϵ=𝒪(1),
we obtain a transition kernel continuously depending on
\epsilonϵ.
Our work extends the results obtained previously for
A=+\inftyA=+∞,
A=0A=0
and A=- \frac{1}{2}A=−12.
Biochars prepared from rabbit manure for the adsorption of rhodamine B and Congo red: characterisation, kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Huang Wen , Zhang Min , Wang Yinhai , Chen Jiao , Zhang Jianqiang
Published: March 2020

Biochar was prepared from rabbit faeces (RFB550) at 550 °C through pyrolysis and was characterised using elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The related factors, kinetics, isothermal curves and thermodynamics of the adsorption behaviours were investigated by conducting batch experiments. The results revealed the adsorption equilibrium of rhodamine B (RhB) and Congo red (CR) onto RFB550 with initial concentrations of 30 mg · L−1 at 25 °C and 210 min, and the best adsorption was observed when the pH of the RhB and CR solutions was 3 and 5, respectively. Pseudo-second-order kinetics was the most suitable model for describing the adsorption of RhB and CR onto RFB550, indicating that the rate-limiting step was mainly chemical adsorption. The isotherm data were best described by the Freundlich model, and the adsorption process was multi-molecular layer adsorption. Thermodynamic parameters revealed the spontaneous adsorption of RhB and CR onto RFB550. According to the results of the FTIR analysis, the oxygen-containing functional groups and aromatic structures on the surface of RFB550 provided abundant adsorption sites for RhB and CR, and the adsorption mechanism was potentially related to the hydrogen bonds and π–π bonds.
Big Data Analysis for Trend Recognition Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Abraham Cerene Mariam , Elayidom Mannathazhathu Sudheep , Santhanakrishnan Thankappan
Published: March 2020

Background:

Machine learning is one of the most popular research areas today. It relates
closely to the field of data mining, which extracts information and trends from large datasets.

Aims:

The objective of this paper is to (a) illustrate big data analytics for the Indian derivative
market and (b) identify trends in the data.

Methods:

Based on input from experts in the equity domain, the data are verified statistically using
data mining techniques. Specifically, ten years of daily derivative data is used for training and
testing purposes. The methods that are adopted for this research work include model generation
using ARIMA, Hadoop framework which comprises mapping and reducing for big data analysis.

Results:

The results of this work are the observation of a trend that indicates the rise and fall of price
in derivatives , generation of time-series similarity graph and plotting of frequency of temporal data.

Conclusion:

Big data analytics is an underexplored topic in the Indian derivative market and the
results from this paper can be used by investors to earn both short-term and long-term benefits.