bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Oral Microbiome and Salivary Proteins Influence Caries in Children aged 6 to 8 years
Authors: Chen Wang , Jiang Qian , Yan GuoWei , Yang DeQin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Oral microbiome and salivary proteins play a critical role in the occurrence and development of caries. In this study, we used metagenomic and metaproteomic analyses to explore the microbiological and proteinic biomarkers and investigate the etiology of caries in 6-8 year old children. Our study aims to offer a better comprehension of these factors and the relationship with caries, and these findings might facilitate caries risk assessment and provide a basis for future prevention strategies.

Methods

Children six to eight years old living in rural isolated areas including 40 caries-active subjects and 40 caries-free subjects were recruited. Supragingival plaque and unstimulated saliva were collected for 16S rDNA pyrosequencing and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technique coupled with quantitative nano-flow liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS), respectively.

Results

We found 6 phyla and 13 genera predominant in all the samples, and differences in relative abundances can be observed. The Alpha diversity analysis demonstrated that the richness and diversity of the bacterial communities were similar between children with caries-free and caries-active groups; LEfSe detected differences in the bacterial community including Dialister, Selenomonas, Actinomyces, and Mogibacterium in the caries-active group (P<0.05) and Capnocytophaga, Fusobacterium, Desulfuromonadales, Haemophilus, and Porphyromonas in the caries-free group(P<0.05). The core microbiome was defined as 18 predominant genera in preschool children with caries. The results of the salivary proteome identified 9135 unique peptides and 1662 proteins group from 20 salivary samples. Two hundred fifty-eight proteins were differentially expressed between the caries-free and caries-active groups.

Conclusions

The diversity of the microbial community has little effect on caries but some bacteria with different relative abundance between the caries-active and caries-free group could be considered as potential biomarkers for children with caries.In addition, as a critical host factor of caries, the salivary proteins are different in caries-free and caries-active groups.
Genotypic characterisation and antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from patients of different hospitals and medical centres from Poland
Authors: Brzozowski Marcin , Krukowska Żaneta , Galant Katarzyna , Jursa-Kulesza Joanna , Kosik-Bogacka Danuta Izabela 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacillus responsible for infections in immunocompromised patients and is one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections particularly in intensive care and burn units. We aimed to investigate the population structure of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from patients at different hospital wards.

Methods

We analysed a possible presence of P. aeruginosa epidemic or endemic strains in hospitals of the selected region. A genotyping analysis was performed for 202 P. aeruginosa isolates collected from patients of eleven hospitals in north-western Poland. Collections of P. aeruginosa were genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Phenotypic screening for antibiotic susceptibility was performed for the common antimicrobial agents.

Results

All P. aeruginosa isolates were distributed among 116 different pulsotype groups. We identified 30 groups of clonally related strains, each containing from 2 to 17 isolates. Typed the obtained 13 unique patterns, designated as A, D, J, K, M, N, Ó, P, T, X, AC, AD, and AH. The two largest clusters, D and E, contained 17 and 13 isolates, respectively. Strains of those groups were continuously isolated from patients at intensive care units and burn units, indicating transmission of those strains.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrate the clonal relatedness of P. aeruginosa strains and their constant exchange in hospitals over a period of 15 months. The obtained results indicate a predominantly non-clonal structure of P. aeruginosa .
Gumbel-softmax-based Optimization: A Simple General Framework for Optimization Problems on Graphs
Authors: Li Yaoxin , Liu Jing , Lin Guozheng , Hou Yueyuan , Mou Muyun , Zhang Jiang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In computer science, there exist a large number of optimization problems defined on graphs, that is to find a best node state configuration or a network structure such that the designed objective function is optimized under some constraints. However, these problems are notorious for their hardness to solve because most of them are NP-hard or NP-complete. Although traditional general methods such as simulated annealing (SA), genetic algorithms (GA) and so forth have been devised to these hard problems, their accuracy and time consumption are not satisfying in practice. In this work, we proposed a simple, fast, and general algorithm framework based on advanced automatic differentiation technique empowered by deep learning frameworks. By introducing Gumbel-softmax technique, we can optimize the objective function directly by gradient descent algorithm regardless of the discrete nature of variables. We also introduce evolution strategy to parallel version of our algorithm. We test our algorithm on four representative optimization problems on graph including modularity optimization from network science, Sherrington-Kirkpatrick (SK) model from statistical physics, maximum independent set (MIS) and minimum vertex cover (MVC) problem from combinatorial optimization on graph, and Influence Maximization problem from computational social science. High-quality solutions can be obtained with much less time consuming compared to traditional approaches.
Determinants of quality of life and life satisfaction of urban residents
Authors: Kotarski Hubert 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The assessment of quality of life and life satisfaction of Rzeszow residents aged 18-75 using a WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire which consists of 26 questions and analyses 4 basic domains of quality of life: physical, psychological, social relationships, functional environment of the respondent and a global quality of life and self-assessment of one’s health.Methods: The survey was conducted on a representative sample of 618 adult residents of Rzeszow (Poland; population: 195 031). Respondents were randomly selected through systematic random sampling with latent layer division from the population register shared by Rzeszow Municipal Office.Results: Good scale score reliability for the entire tool was confirmed in the study population: the Cronbach's α compatibility coefficient for sub-tests (four domains) between 0.746-0.848, and for the entire test - 0.921. The results indicate that gender does not differentiate the quality of life of Rzeszow residents. However, the quality of life is affected by age, education, financial situation, and body mass index.Conclusions: I found that the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire is an interesting research tool when analysing the quality of life and may be useful in comparative studies of the quality of life of the residents of cities/towns, counties or regions.
Mitochondrial-nuclear coadaptation revealed through mtDNA replacements in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Nguyen Tuc H.M. , Sondhi Sargunvir , Ziesel Andrew , Paliwal Swati , Fiumera Heather 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Mitochondrial function requires numerous genetic interactions between mitochondrial- and nuclear- encoded genes. While selection for optimal mitonuclear interactions should result in coevolution between both genomes, evidence for mitonuclear coadaptation is challenging to document. Genetic models where mitonuclear interactions can be explored are needed. Results: We systematically exchanged mtDNAs between 15 Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates from a variety of ecological niches to create 225 unique mitochondrial-nuclear genotypes. Analysis of phenotypic profiles confirmed that environmentally-sensitive interactions between mitochondrial and nuclear genotype contributed to growth differences. Exchanges of mtDNAs between strains of the same or different clades were just as likely to demonstrate mitonuclear epistasis although epistatic effect sizes increased with genetic distances. Strains with their original mtDNAs were more fit than strains with synthetic mitonuclear combinations when grown in media that resembled isolation habitats. Conclusions: This study shows that natural variation in mitonuclear interactions contributes to fitness landscapes. Multiple examples of coadapted mitochondrial-nuclear genotypes suggest that selection for mitonuclear interactions may play a role in helping yeasts adapt to novel environments and promote coevolution.
A comparative case study of prescribing and non-prescribing physiotherapists and podiatrists
Authors: Carey Nicola , Edwards Judith , Otter Simon , Gage Heather , Williams Peter , Courtenay Molly , Moore Ann , Stenner Karen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Increasing numbers of nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals across the world have prescribing rights for medicines: over 90,000 of the eligible United Kingdom workforce are qualified as non-doctor prescribers. In order to inform future developments, it is important to understand the benefits and impact of prescribing by allied health professionals including physiotherapists and podiatrists.Aim: to compare outcomes of physiotherapist and podiatrist Independent Prescriber (PP- IP) patients with those of physiotherapist and podiatrist non-prescribers (PP-NPs). Outcome measures included patient satisfaction, ease of access to services, quality of life and cost implications.Design: a mixed method comparative case study Methods: Using mixed methods of data collection, outcomes were compared between 7 sites where care was provided from a PP-IP (3 podiatrist and 4 physiotherapist IPs) and 7 sites from a PP-NP (3 podiatrist and 4 physiotherapist NPs). Patients were followed up for 2 months (2015-2016). Results: 489 patients were recruited: n=243 IP sites, and n=246 NP sites. Independent prescribing was found to be highly acceptable, and equivalent in terms of quality of life (p>0.05) and patient satisfaction (p≤0.05) compared to care provided by NPs. PP-IP care delivery was found to be more resource intensive than NP-PP, with longer consultation duration for IPs (around 6.5 mins), and a higher proportion of physiotherapy patients discussed with medical colleagues (around 9.5 minutes). ConclusionThis study provides new knowledge that PP-IPs provide high levels of care. PP-IP care delivery was found to be more resource intensive. Further research is required to explore cost effectiveness. A more focussed exploration within each profession using targeted outcome measures would enable a more robust comparison, inform future developments around the world and help ensure non-doctor prescribing is recognised as an effective way to alleviate shortfalls in the global workforce.
Depression in patients with knee osteoarthritis: risk factors and associations with joint symptoms
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Tu Liudan , Cicuttini Flavia , Zhu Zhaohua , Han Weiyu , Antony Benny , Wluka Anita E. , Winzenberg Tania , Aitken Dawn , Blizzard Leigh , Jones Graeme , Ding Changhai 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background:To describe demographic and clinical factors associated with the prevalence and incidence of depression and explore the temporal relationship between depression and joint symptoms in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods:413 participants were selected from a randomized controlled trial in people with symptomatic knee OA and vitamin D deficiency (age 63.2 ± 7.0 year, 50.4% female). Depression severity and knee joint symptoms were assessed using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), respectively, at baseline and 24 months. Results: The prevalence and incidence of depression was 25.4% and 11.2%, respectively. At baseline, having younger age, a higher body mass index (BMI), greater scores of WOMAC pain (PR: 1.05, 95%CI:1.03, 1.07), dysfunction (PR: 1.02, 95%CI:1.01, 1.02) and stiffness (PR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.09), lower education level, having more than one comorbidity and having two or more painful body sites were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of depression. Over 24 months, being female, having a higher WOMAC pain (RR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.09) and dysfunction score (RR: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.03) at baseline and having two or more painful sites were significantly associated with a higher incidence of depression. In contrast, baseline depression was not associated with changes in knee joint symptoms over 24 months. Conclusion: Knee OA risk factors and joint symptoms, along with co-existing multi-site pain are associated with the prevalence and development of depression. This suggests that managing common OA risk factors and joint symptoms may be important for prevention and treatment depression in patients with knee OA.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01176344Anzctr.org.au identifier: ACTRN12610000495022
Knowledge, attitudes, anxiety, and preventive behaviors towards COVID-19 among health care providers in Yemen: an online cross-sectional survey
Authors: Alrubaiee Gamil Ghaleb , Al-Qalah Talal Ali Hussein , Al-Aawar Mohammed Sadeg A. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The current rapid prevalence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic over the world is associated with a considerable level of scared, anxiety and panic among the public, in particular, healthcare providers (HCPs) as the most vulnerable group at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. To protect and enhance HCPs' capacity to carry out their duties in responding to COVID-19, healthcare authorities should keep them away from stress and anxiety and improve their knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 to ensure their compliance to infection control precautions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes, anxiety, and preventive behaviours among Yemeni HCPs towards COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive, web-based-cross-sectional study was conducted among a number of 1231 Yemeni HCPs. The COVID-19 related questionnaire was designed using Google forms. The responses were coded and analysed using the software package (IBMSPSS), version 22.0. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient test were also used in this study. A p-value of < 0.05 levels with a 95% confidence interval was considered as statistically significant. The data collection started on 22nd April 2020, at 6 PM and closed on 26th April 2020 at 11 AM. Results: The results indicated that out of 1231 of the HCPs participating in this study, 61.6% were male and more than (67%) were in the age group of 20 to 30 years old with a mean of 29.29±6.75. Most of them (86%) had a bachelor degree or above and had 10 years of working experience or less (88.1%). Besides, although 57.1% of the respondents obtained their information via social and news media and 60.0% had never attended lectures/discussions about COVID-19, the results revealed that the majority of respondents had an adequate level of knowledge, an optimistic attitude, moderate anxiety and high performance in preventive behaviors (69.8%, 85.10%, 51.0& 87.70%, respectively) toward the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Although the Yemeni HCPs exhibited an adequate level of knowledge, an optimistic attitude, moderate anxiety and high performance in preventive behaviours toward the COVID-19 pandemic, the results showed gaps in some themes, particularly in their knowledge and attitude on COVID-19 pandemic which need to be updated or refreshed.
How useful are malaria risk maps at the country level? Perceptions of decision-makers in Kenya, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Ghilardi Ludovica , Okello George , Nyondo-Mipando Linda , Chirambo Chawanangwa Mahebere , Malongo Fathy , Hoyt Jenna , Lee Jieun , Sedekia Yovitha , Parkhurst Justin , Lines Jo , Snow Robert W , Lynch Caroline A. , Webster Jayne 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Declining malaria prevalence and pressure on external funding have increased the need for efficiency in malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Modelled Plasmodium falciparum parasite rate (PfPR) maps are increasingly becoming available and provide information on the epidemiological situation of countries. However, how these maps are understood or used for national malaria planning is rarely explored. In this study the practices and perceptions of national decision-makers on the utility of malaria risk maps, showing prevalence of parasitaemia or incidence of illness, was investigated.

Methods

A document review of recent National Malaria Strategic Plans was combined with 64 in-depth interviews with stakeholders in Kenya, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The document review focused on the type of epidemiological maps included and their use in prioritising and targeting interventions. Interviews (14 Kenya, 17 Malawi, 27 DRC, 6 global level) explored drivers of stakeholder perceptions of the utility, value and limitations of malaria risk maps.

Results

Three different types of maps were used to show malaria epidemiological strata: malaria prevalence using a PfPR modelled map (Kenya); malaria incidence using routine health system data (Malawi); and malaria prevalence using data from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DRC). In Kenya the map was used to target preventative interventions including long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp), whilst in Malawi and DRC the maps were used to target in-door residual spraying (IRS) and LLINs distributions in schools. Maps were also used for operational planning, supply quantification, financial justification and advocacy. Findings from the interviews suggested that decision-makers lacked trust in the modelled PfPR maps when based on only a few empirical data points (Malawi and DRC).

Conclusions

Maps were generally used to identify areas with high prevalence in order to implement specific interventions. Despite the availability of national level modelled PfPR maps in all three countries, they were only used in one country. Perceived utility of malaria risk maps was associated with the epidemiological structure of the country and use was driven by perceived need, understanding (quality and relevance), ownership and trust in the data used to develop the maps.
Effects of fluoride and calcium phosphate-based varnishes on pH, lactic acid, and trace elements in saliva: a randomized clinical trial.
Authors: Pascual Andrea Poza , Muñoz Clara Serna , Silva Amparo Perez , Martínez-Beneyto Yolanda , Ruiz Antonio Jose Ortiz 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: When dental plaque is not regularly removed, bacteria break down sugars in the diet forming acids as by-products. Lactic acid is the main acid involved in caries. As acids accumulate minerals are lost from the surface layer of the tooth. The imbalance in demineralization/remineralization favors the loss of calcium and phosphate from the teeth. Saliva contains the most important microelements for the remineralization and maturation of dental tissue and plays a crucial role in maintaining the oral environment. Fluoride is the agent par excellence in preventing and detaining cavities. However, remineralization may be hampered by limited levels of calcium and phosphate, and new products have been developed to ensure a constant supply. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the application of two varnishes − MI Varnish (5% sodium fluoride with CPP-ACP) and Clinpro White Varnish (5% sodium fluoride with fTCP) – applied every three months in children with high caries risk for 12 months on salivary pH, lactic acid concentrations and trace elements.Methods: We conducted a controlled, randomized clinical trial where MI Varnish and Clinpro White Varnish were applied quarterly in children with a high risk of caries, for 12 months. We included 58 children aged 4-12 years, assigned to control (placebo), Clinpro and MI groups. Baseline and three-monthly saliva samples were taken. We assessed changes in pH, lactic acid concentrations and trace elements in saliva. Results: At 12 months, all groups showed a nonsignificant increase in pH levels and a reduction in lactic acid, which was greatest in the placebo group. There was a significant reduction in 24Mg (p= <0.001), 31P (p = 0.033) and 66Zn (p= 0.005) levels in the placebo group (p≤0.05), but not in the other elements studied: 23Na, 27Al, 39K, 44Ca, 52Cr, 55Mn, 57Fe, 59Co, 63Cu, 75As, 111Cd, 137Ba, 208Pb and 19F. Conclusions: Neither pH, lactic acid concentrations or most salivary trace elements were useful in defining patients at high risk of caries or in monitoring the effect of MI Varnish and Clinpro White Varnish after three-monthly application for 12 months. Trial registration: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN13681286. Registered 26 May 2020.
Medial entorhinal spike clusters carry more finely tuned spatial information than single spike
Authors: Quinlan Leo , Tyree Susan , Munn Rob 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Many cells within the entorhinal cortex (EC) fire relatively infrequently, with the majority of their spikes separated by many hundreds of milliseconds. However, most cells are seen to occasionally fire two or more spikes in quick succession. Recent evidence has shown that, in EC grid cells, “burstier” cells; cells that fire more of their spikes in bursts, have more well defined spatial characteristics than cells that fire fewer bursts. We divide the spikes fired by single cells into single spikes and “clusters” of spikes occuring within 100ms. We show that these burst “clusters” of spikes fired by cells in MEC convey more finely tuned spatial and directional information than the numerically more common single spikes. In addition, we find that introducing environmental uncertainty decreases the ratio of clusters fired to single spikes. Most crucially, we find that single spikes are less spatially precise than clusters, and these spikes are more closely entrained to LFP theta than clusters. These findings demonstrate that clusters of spikes in EC convey more specific information about space than single spikes, may reflect “certainty” about spatial position and direction, and may represent a different firing “mode” in which intraregional communication is less relevant than interregional traffic.
The relationship between ratio of serum triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and frequency of sarcopenia in Chinese community adults
Authors: Wang Na , Chen Mengjun , Fang Danhong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background In a previous study, the high ratio of serum triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) was relevant to a high risk of sarcopenia in Korean old males. In this study, the purpose was to discover the association in Chinese community adults.MethodsChinese adults who had physical examinations from May 2016 to August 2017 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were involved in this study. The univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to evaluate possible effect.ResultsIn total, 2613 adults were involved in the study, with 13.85% presenting sarcopenia. Individuals with TG/HDL-C ratios <2.78 or ≥2.78 were categorized as TG/HDL-Clow or TG/HDL-Chigh, respectively. 1266 individuals were in high group and the remaining were in the low group. By univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses, the ratio of TG/HDL-C remained independent association with sarcopenia status(OR: 0.63; 95%CI: 0.49-0.81). ConclusionsThe negative association between sarcopenia and TG/HDL-C ratio was discovered in Chinese community population.