bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Shear bonding Strength of ION-Z GIC to a Resin Composite Using Different Adhesive Systems: RCT Study
Authors: Lala Sana , Lazkani Thuraya 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:In restorative dentistry we usually use Sandwich Technique for posterior restorations where GIC is placed below and a resin composite is placed over it. The bonding strength between these two materials are low. We are looking for the best adhesive system to put it in between. We think that the self-etching bond will give the best bonding strength between them whereas total etch will give lower bonding strength than self-etching system. Methods:ION-Z GIC was bonded to resin composite by using two different bonding agents. The thirty specimens used were prepared by using acrylic blocks with holes in each hole to retain the ION-Z GIC. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups:Group I: Control group.Group II: Total-etch adhesive was applied and cured over ION-Z GIC.Group III: Self-etch adhesive was applied and cured.The composite resin placed over the ION-Z GIC and cured. The shear bond strength was measured by shearing of the bonded specimens on Universal Testing Machine (Model 114) using speed of 0.1mm / minute. The reading was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey's test.Results:The test showed statistically significant difference between Group III and Group I and between Group III and Group II. Group III had the highest shear bonding strength.Conclusion:Self-etch adhesive agent produces have better shear bond strength to ION-Z than total-etch adhesive and to the group without any bonding agent.
Security and Efficiency of Percutaneous Microwave Ablation using Combined Computed Tomography and Ultrasound-Guided Imaging in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Prospective Study
Authors: Zhao Wenpeng , Guo Jiang , Li Honglu , Cai Liang , Duan Youjia , Hou Xiaopu , Du Hongliu , Shao Xihong , Diao Zhenying , Li Changqing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: We prospectively evaluated the security and efficiency of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) using combined computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US)-guided imaging in patients with BCLC-A1-3 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) given that they have shortcomings when used alone.Methods: We included 88 consecutive patients with single HCC who were treated with transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE). The patients were divided into 3 groups at random by using draw lots 1 week after TACE. The combination group (34 patients) received MWA under the guidance of CT and US, while the single group (CT group, 30 patients; US group, 24 patients) received MWA under the guidance of CT or US alone. Contrast-enhanced MRI or CT scans were performed in all patients 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure. The study endpoints included the treatment time, puncture time, local recurrence rate, and adverse events.Results: The median diameter of the lesions was 3.1 (1.5-4.2) cm. The median treatment time was 38.6 (30-45) min and 36.7 (30-47) min in the combination group and US group, respectively. The median puncture number was 1.2 (1-2) times and 1.1 (1-2) times, respectively. Both were significantly less than in the CT group (45.8 min and 4.2 times). The local recurrence rate was 5.9% in the combination group, which was significantly inferior to that in the US group (16.7%). The grade C complication rate in the combination group was 5.9%, while it was 13.3% and 8.3% in the CT group and US group, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the combination group and CT group.Conclusions: Using CT- and US-guided microwave ablation in patients with BCLC-A1-3 hepatocellular carcinoma appeared to be much better in terms of security and efficiency than the use of microwave ablation under the guidance of CT or US alone.
Deep Post-GWAS Analysis Identifies Potential Risk Genes and Causal Variants for Alzheimer’s Disease, Providing New Insights Into Its Disease Mechanisms
Authors: WANG ZHEN , Zhang Quanwei , Lin Jhih-Rong , Jabalameli M.Reza , Mitra Joydeep , Nguyen Nha , Zhang Zhengdong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a genetically complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. It affects more than 45 million people worldwide and currently remains untreatable. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many AD-associated common variants, only about 25 genes are currently known to affect the risk of developing AD, despite its highly polygenic nature. Moreover, the causal variants underlying GWAS AD-association signals remain unknown.Methods:We developed a computational pipeline that integrates 936 AD-associated SNPs, linkage disequilibrium and genomic data from multiple sources – e.g., disease genes databases, functional annotation of genetic variants, GTEx, and the 1000 Genomes Project – to predict both AD risk genes and their causal variants.Results:We identified 342 putative AD risk genes in 203 risk regions spanning 502 AD-associated common variants. 246 AD risk genes have not been identified as AD risk genes by previous GWAS, and 115 of them are outside the risk regions, likely under the regulation of transcriptional regulatory elements contained therein. Even more significantly, for 109 AD risk genes, we predicted 150 causal variants, of both coding and regulatory (in promoters or enhancers) types, and 85 (57%)of them are supported by functional annotation. In-depth functional analyses showed that AD risk genes were overrepresented in AD-related pathways or GO terms – e.g., the complement and coagulation cascade andphosphorylation and activation of immune response – and their expression was relatively enriched in microglia, endothelia, and pericytes of the human brain. We found nine AD risk genes – e.g., IL1RAP, PMAIP1, LAMTOR4 – as predictors for the prognosis of AD survival and genes such as ARL6IP5with altered network connectivity between AD patients and normal individuals involved in AD progressionConclusions: Our findings provide novel biological insights into the genetic architecture, expression profiles, functional pathways involved in the AD etiology, and open new strategies for developing therapeutics targeting AD risk genes or causal variants to influence AD pathogenesis.
Treatment of Probable Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada with Single Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide
Authors: Kalavar Meghana , Patel Nimesh A , Al-Khersan Hasenin , Ale Anibal , Yannuzzi Nicolas A , Swaminathan Swarup S , Albini Thomas A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background A 36-year-old woman with a history of poorly controlled diabetes was diagnosed with probable Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH). We are reporting the use of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (0.4 mg) to both eyes to successfully treat the ocular manifestations of VKH.Findings Nine days after injection, subretinal fluid in the right eye improved and 13 days later, the serous detachment had almost completely resolved. One month after injections, both the right and left eye showed decreased leakage and fewer punctate lesions on fluorescein angiography. Ocular examination remained stable other than development of ocular hypertension bilaterally, which was treated with topical hypertensive drops. Two years later, patient developed a cataract in the right eye, for which the patient underwent phacoemulsification. Three years after treatment, visual acuity remains 20/20 while imaging studies and bilateral full field electroretinogram remained normal.Conclusion Intravitreal steroids can be considered as treatment in VKH in situations where systemic corticosteroids are contraindicated, such as patients with a history of poorly controlled diabetes. Complications of local steroids need to be carefully considered, even after a single injection. In some patients short-term treatment of VKH with local corticosteroid may result in long-term visual stability.
Quality of life in patients with nasal obstruction after septoplasty: a single institution prospective observational study
Authors: Dabrowska-Bien Justyna , Skarzynski Henryk , Gorski Sebastian Filip , Skarzynski Piotr Henryk 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Nasal obstruction is a common symptom in otorhinolaryngological practice. It can impact significantly on the individual’s quality of life. The primary goal of the study was to evaluate quality of life after septoplasty in adults with nasal obstruction. A secondary goal was to assess the effectiveness of septoplasty.
Methods

This was a single institution prospective observational study. Patients had experienced septal deviation and symptomatic nasal obstruction with no benefit from medical treatment. There were 51 patients who completed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE-POL) scale as well as a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before undergoing septoplasty, 3 months later, and finally 7 months after surgery. Patients evaluated changes in their nasal obstruction and changes in their quality of life using the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI-S).
Results

There was significant improvement in nasal obstruction after septoplasty. Before septoplasty the mean score on NOSE was 60.3 ± 20.4; 3 months after surgery it was 32.9 ± 16.8; and 7 months after surgery it was 39.6 ± 33.2. VAS results also proved a significant enhancement in nasal obstruction after septoplasty. Patients reported an improvement in nasal obstruction as well as a positive change in quality of life, confirming the effectiveness of septoplasty.
Conclusions

In patients with deformed septum, septoplasty contributes to high satisfaction of the patient and a compelling improvement in disease-specific quality of life. The NOSE-POL questionnaire is a useful tool for measuring the outcomes of this procedure.
Clinical Practice Guidelines of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine for Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19): Protocol of a Systematic Review
Authors: Li Yuxi , Li Juan , Zhong Dongling , Zhang Yue , Zhang Yonggang , Guo Yan , Clarke Mike , Jin Rongjiang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization declared on 11 March 2020 that thespread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) had escalated from epidemic into pandemic. As the initial outbreak area, China has taken multiple active measures to deal with the epidemic. Updated versions of diagnosis and treatment guideline for novel coronavirus (COVID-19)patients have been issued, and traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been recommended as a treatment.Methods: In this systematic review, we will search for guidelines, expert consensuses and policy documents published since December 2019 in electronic databases and on websites of governments or organizations. Eligible documents will be independently selected, and relevant data will be independently extracted by two reviewers. We will also independently evaluate the methodological quality and reporting quality of the included guidelines, using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch& Evaluation (AGREE) II tool and Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in healthcare (RIGHT) statement, respectively. Any discrepancies will be discussed and resolved through discussion among the reviewers. We will use the extracted information to summarize their recommendationsfor traditional Chinese herbal formulae and Chinese patent medicine for COVID-19 patients, and to summarize the strength and quality of these recommendations with reference to the findings from the AGREE II and RIGHT tools.Discussion: This review will summarize the recommendations in current clinical practice guidelines andprovide insight into the implementation strategies for traditional Chinese herbal medicine in COVID-19 patients. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020179205
Azole-acridine hybrids as potential enzymatic inhibitors of coronavirus-2 main protease and RNA polymerase by molecular modeling strategy
Authors: Rono Charles K. , Makhubela Banothile C.E. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has been identified as the cause of the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As part of the efforts to develop potential drugs with promise for clinical use, a molecular docking study on azole (triazole and pyrazole) based molecules on the main protease Mpro and RNA polymerase as possible inhibitors that could be elected for further experimental bioassays. Autodock has been employed to identify azole derivatives 1-6 preferred conformations in the active site of the enzyme and to estimate their binding affinities to the protease and RNA polymerase targets. From the molecular docking strategy, these new azole compounds though nonpeptides in nature display possible inhibition of Mpro activity with comparable affinities (-4.7 kcal/mol to -6.5 kcal/mol) to the recently reported peptide-like inhibitors such as α-ketoamide inhibitor 13b (-5.0 k/cal/mol). They also exhibit improved binding affinities to RNA polymerase (-6.3 to -7.1 kcal/mol) comparable to remdesivir (-6.6 kcal/mol). Based on the observed binding energies, these compounds may possess anti-coronavirus bioactivity through inhibition of the virus main protease as well as RNA polymerase activities in living cells.
Can Hyperperfusion of Nonaerated Lung Explain COVID-19 Hypoxia?
Authors: Herrmann Jacob , Mori Vitor , Bates Jason H.T. , Suki Béla 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Early stages of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been associated with ‘silent hypoxia’ and poor oxygenation despite relatively small fractions of afflicted lung. Although it has been speculated that such paradoxical findings may be explained by impairment of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in infected lungs regions, no studies have confirmed this hypothesis nor determined whether such extreme degrees of perfusion redistribution are physiologically plausible. Here, we present a mathematical model which provides evidence that the extreme amount of pulmonary shunt observed in patients with early COVID-19 is not plausible without hyperperfusion of the relatively small fraction of injured lung, with three-fold increases in regional perfusion to afflicted regions. Although underlying perfusion heterogeneity (e.g., due to gravity or pulmonary emboli) exacerbated existing shunt in the model, the reported severity of hypoxia in early COVID-19 patients could not be replicated without considerable reduction of vascular resistance in nonoxygenated regions.
Newton’s Laws, G-forces and the impact on the brain
Authors: Evans Vicki 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The thrill to go fast and push boundaries is something that many seek. From John Stapp’s rocket sled at Edwards Air Force Base in the late 1950’s to todays’ Formula 1 drivers, the “need for speed” is broadcast across TV screens weekly. So too are the horror stories of crashes, many at over 300km/hr. Yet “need for speed” continues. It appears that the higher and faster the rollercoaster, the better. This leads to several questions. How does the brain stand up to speed and G-forces? Do Newton’s Laws still have reference in today’s world?
There has been much attention in the general press on the possibility that high G-force rollercoasters are inducing brain injury in riders. However, research does not wholeheartedly support this notion, but rather the risk of brain injury from a rollercoaster is not in the rides, but in the rider – caused by previously undetected brain or neck conditions. That said there is some truth that high G-forces do affect the brain at a chemical and structural level.
This paper will discuss the mechanism of head injury at speed and generally what Newton’s Law means in a neurological setting in todays’ world. Formula 1 racing and rollercoaster rides will be evaluated within a neuroscience context.
Vale Sharryn Byers
Authors: Wallace Lynette 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The Australasian Neuroscience Nurses Association recently lost a valued member and more importantly a great friend in Sharryn Byers. Sharryn was a long serving member of the association, a passionate Neuroscience nurse, patient and nursing advocate. She was a highly committed ANNA executive member over many years at both federal and state levels and was a proud life member.
Sharryn was more than just a run of the mill member who paid her annual fees. She fell into Neurosurgical nursing early in her career and fell in love with the specialty – a love that never left her.
How privacy may be protected in optional randomized response surveys
Authors: Pal Sanghamitra , Chaudhuri Arijit , Patra Dipika 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
There are materials in literature about how privacy on stigmatizing features like alcoholism, history of tax-evasion, or testing positive in AIDS-related testing may be partially protected by a proper application of randomized response techniques (RRT). The paper demonstrates what amendments are necessary for this approach while applying optional RRTs covering qualitative characteristics, permitting a sampled respondent either to directly reveal sensitive data or choose a randomized response respectively with complementary probabilities. Only a few standard RRTs are illustrated in the text.
A comparison study on a new five-parameter generalized Lindley distribution with its sub-models
Authors: Tharshan Ramajeyam , Wijekoon Pushpakanthie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn recent years, modifications of the classical Lindley distribution have been considered by many authors. In this paper, we introduce a new generalization of the Lindley distribution based on a mixture of exponential and gamma distributions with different mixing proportions and compare its performance with its sub-models. The new distribution accommodates the classical Lindley, Quasi Lindley, Two-parameter Lindley, Shanker, Lindley distribution with location parameter, and Three-parameter Lindley distributions as special cases. Various structural properties of the new distribution are discussed and the size-biased and the length-biased are derived. A simulation study is conducted to examine the mean square error for the parameters by means of the method of maximum likelihood. Finally, simulation studies and some real-world data sets are used to illustrate its flexibility in terms of its location, scale and shape parameters.
Application of iterated filtering to stochastic volatility models based on non-Gaussian Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process
Authors: Szczepocki Piotr 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard (2001) proposed a class of stochastic volatility models in which the volatility follows the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process driven by a positive Levy process without the Gaussian component. The parameter estimation of these models is challenging because the likelihood function is not available in a closed-form expression. A large number of estimation techniques have been proposed, mainly based on Bayesian inference. The main aim of the paper is to present an application of iterated filtering for parameter estimation of such models. Iterated filtering is a method for maximum likelihood inference based on a series of filtering operations, which provide a sequence of parameter estimates that converges to the maximum likelihood estimate. An application to S&P500 index data shows the model perform well and diagnostic plots for iterated filtering ensure convergence iterated filtering to maximum likelihood estimates. Empirical application is accompanied by a simulation study that confirms the validity of the approach in the case of Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard’s stochastic volatility models.
New linear model for optimal cluster size in cluster sampling
Authors: Shukla Alok Kumar , Yadav Subhash Kumar 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In this paper, a nonlinear model is proposed for improving the relationship between the size of a cluster and the variance within the cluster. This model describes the most appropriate functional relation between the within-cluster variance and the cluster size. Through this model, we can obtain the optimum size of a cluster and an estimate of the variance between clusters. The proposed model leads to further improvement in the estimation of the optimum size of a cluster, and the formula for the determination of optimum cluster size leads to explicit solution of models.
New Mineral Names
Authors: Belakovskiy Dmitriy I. , Cámara Fernando , Uvarova Yulia 
Published: June 2020

In this issue
This New Mineral Names has entries for 6 new minerals, including, beusite-(Ca), graftonite-(Ca), graftonite-(Mn), hyršlite, magnesiobeltrandoite-2N3S, and zincovelesite-6N6S.
Interaction of village and school latrines on educational outcomes in India
Authors: Orgill-Meyer Jennifer 
Published: June 2020

AbstractResearch has shown that improved sanitation environments can lead to better educational outcomes. Similarly, there is some evidence that school latrines may also improve school enrollment and attendance, particularly for girls. This paper explores the interaction effect of village-level latrine coverage and school latrines on child educational outcomes. The overall improved sanitation conditions from higher latrine coverage and the presence of school latrines might produce an additive effect and improve educational outcomes even further. Using multiple years of data from the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) in India, this paper shows that there is no evidence of an additive effect. However, across multiple models, village-level latrine coverage is associated with lower school dropout rates and higher test scores, particularly among girls. School latrines do not appear to have a strong positive association with educational outcomes.
Recent Advances in Peptide Nucleic Acids as Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Chen Wei , Dong Bo , Liu Wenen , Liu Zhengchun 
Published: June 2020

:
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the slow progress in searching for new
antimicrobial agents makes it hard to treat bacterial infections and cause problems for the healthcare
system worldwide, including high costs, prolonged hospitalizations, and increased mortality. Therefore,
the discovery of effective antibacterial agents is of great importance. One attractive alternative
is antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA), which inhibits or eliminates gene expression by binding to
the complementary messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence of essential genes or the accessible and functionally
important regions of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Following 30 years of development, PNAs
have played an extremely important role in the treatment of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and acidfast
bacteria due to their desirable stability of hybrid complex with target RNA, the strong affinity for
target mRNA/rRNA, and the stability against nucleases. PNA-based antisense antibiotics can
strongly inhibit the growth of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a sequence-specific and
dose-dependent manner at micromolar concentrations. However, several fundamental challenges,
such as intracellular delivery, solubility, physiological stability, and clearance still need to be addressed
before PNAs become broadly applicable in clinical settings. In this review, we summarize
the recent advances in PNAs as antibacterial agents and the challenges that need to be overcome in
the future.