bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detrended Fluctuation Analysis and Discrete Wavelet Transform for Similarity Comparison of RNA secondary structure
Authors: Yang Lina , Liu Yang , Wang Patrick , Li Xichun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is an important biological macromolecule. Through in-depth studies of RNA, its function has been increasingly discovered. The function of RNA is mostly dependent on its secondary structure because of its conserved nature. The discovery of an approximate relationship between two RNA secondary structures can help to understand their functional relationship better. This discovery can also help in exploring many unknown functions. Currently, RNA secondary structural similarity analysis methods are mainly divided into alignment-based methods and alignment-free methods. Alignment-free methods can obtain similarities and differences among RNA secondary structures more quickly and more accurately than alignment-based methods. Results In this paper, a novel alignment-free method based on the triple vector curve representation of RNA is proposed. A combinational method involving a discrete wavelet transform and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) with a sliding window is used to generate the distance matrix. Finally, a phylogenetic tree is constructed using the distance matrix. Experiments are performed on RNA viruses and non-coding RNA datasets, and the phylogenetic trees generated by different methods are compared. The results show that our method yields more accurate results in the comparison of RNA secondary structures. Conclusion The method in this paper enables a more accurate analysis of the similarities between RNA secondary structures. This method has certain application value in the comparison of RNA secondary structures, especially in the analysis of longer RNA sequences.
Protective Effect of S-Allyl Cysteine Against Neonatal Asthmatic Rats
Authors: Jiang Li , Li Yuning , Wang Fang , Zhang Xindao , Zhao Ruiping 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
S-Allyl cysteine (SAC), an organic compound and a natural constituent of Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic have been consumed in routine foods are known to possess various biological activities. Nevertheless, scientific evidence on the protective effect of SAC against neonatal asthmatic rats is not available. The present study aimed at investigating the anti-asthmatic activity of SAC in neonatal asthmatic rats using Wistar rats. The study conducted in four groups consists of normal control rats, asthma-induced, asthma animals administered with SAC (25 mg/kg), and SAC control. At the end of experimental period, inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammatory markers, fibrinogen level, activated partial thromboplastin time, coagulation factor activity, and histopathology were elucidated. The current investigation exhibits that SAC significantly reduced the total leukocytes, with restored fibrinogen level, and activated partial thromboplastin time. In addition, the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were also attenuated in SAC treated animals. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, MCP-1, RANTES, and Eotoxin were reduced in SAC treated animals. Treatment of rats with SAC significantly reduced inflammation and eosinophil infiltration in the lungs. These results suggest that SAC exert protection in neonatal asthmatic rats suffering from acute or chronic inflammation by inducing anti-inflammatory and cell-protective responses.
Adsorbed Leucaena Protein on Citrate Modified Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Application As Magnetic Coagulant
Authors: Kristianto Hans , Reynaldi Edwin , Prasetyo Susiana , Sugih Asaf K 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Natural coagulants from plants resources have gained a lot of attention as it is renewable, biodegradable, non-hazardous, lower cost, and less sludge generated compared to chemical coagulants. However there are still some drawbacks, namely long settling time and possible increase of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the treated water. In this paper we tried to address these drawbacks by utilizing citrate modified Fe3O4 to adsorb protein from Leucaena leucocephala as the active coagulating agent. The effect of trisodium citrate concentration and protein adsorption pH to the adsorbed protein was investigated. It was found that the trisodium citrate concentration of 0.5 M and pH 4.0 gave the highest protein adsorption. The obtained magnetic coagulant was furthermore characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TEM, to observe the characteristics before and after protein adsorption. Furthermore the effect of pH (2-10) and coagulant dosage (60-600 mg. L-1) to the removal of synthetic Congo red wastewater and sludge volume formation was investigated. It was found that pH 3.0 was the best pH for coagulation due to charge neutralization mechanism of leucaena protein. Furthermore the highest removal was obtained at dosage 420mg. L-1 with 80% removal. This result was comparable with crude extract of leucaena with half settling time (20 min) and lower increase of permanganate value.
Analysis of Related Factors to the Anxiety State of Dental Healthcare Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Yichang, China
Authors: Zhao Suli , Cao Jing , Zhang Lin , Liu Beibei , Sun Rongcan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
As Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exerted impact on every aspect of daily life, it is important to adopt appropriate measures to cope with the situation. Since dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) are characterized with high level of stress and have the potential for exposure to infectious materials, the mental state of them requires concern. This study used two web-based questionnaires to compare the anxiety state of DHCP to that of the general public after dental settings in Yichang, China returned to a full scope of services. Subsequently, potential factors influencing the anxiety state of DHCP were analyzed. Results indicated that they were more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders than the general public were. For DHCP, those who were at a younger age, provided care without level three protective measures, had conflicts with patients or colleagues, and/or had less knowledge of COVID-19 were more prone to anxiety disorders. Practical suggestions were proposed at the end of this study to help DHCP maintain better mental health conditions. As COVID-19 continues to spread, this study could provide data support for adopting appropriate measures at dental settings.
A multilevel analysis of the importance of oral health instructions for preventing tooth loss: The 8020 Promotion Foundation Study of Japanese Dental Patients
Authors: Saito Mizuki , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Fukai Kakuhiro , Furuta Michiko , Aida Jun , Ando Yuichi , Miyazaki Hideo , Kambara Masaki 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Many studies have reported risk factors for tooth loss. Oral health instruction is considered effective at improving oral health behavior and oral health. However, few studies have examined the relationship of dental clinic factors, such as the number of dental hygienists and implementation of oral health instructions, with tooth loss. Here, we conducted a multilevel analysis to clarify the dental clinic risk factors associated with tooth loss.Methods: Baseline surveys were conducted at 1,216 dental clinics in 46 prefectures in Japan, and 12,399 dental patients aged 20 years and over underwent oral examinations and completed a questionnaire. The dental clinics also completed a questionnaire at baseline. A 3-year follow-up survey included 2,488 patients in 585 dental clinics. Multilevel multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the risk of tooth loss at the patient and clinic levels.Results: Of the patient variables, older age, higher mean probing pocket depth, current or past smoking, and bleeding during tooth brushing were associated with higher risks of tooth loss. Individuals having many teeth and visiting dental clinics for maintenance were at significantly lower risk of tooth loss. Of the clinic variables, patients attending dental clinics with four or more dental hygienists had a significantly lower risk of tooth loss (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50–1.00). Patients attending dental clinics that provide oral health instructions for 20 min or more had a significantly lower risk of tooth loss (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.96).Conclusions: In addition to individual risk factors for tooth loss, dental clinic factors such as length of oral health instruction and number of dental hygienists are associated with tooth loss. In dental clinics, ensuring sufficient time for dental hygienists to provide oral health instructions can help prevent tooth loss in dental patients.
Choroidal Alterations of Sturge-weber Syndrome Secondary Glaucoma and Non-glaucoma Port-wine Stain Patients Distinguished by Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Wu Yue , Huang Lulu , Liu Yixin , Xu Li , Guo Wenyi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the choroidal changes in Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) secondary glaucoma and non-glaucoma port-wine stain (PWS) patients by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).Methods: SWS and PWS patients who were over 3 years old and treated or screened at our ophthalmology department were included in the study. Baseline demographics, EDI-OCT and fundus photography data were collected from all patients.Results: Forty-six non-glaucoma PWS (NGPWS) patients and 35 SWS secondary glaucoma（SG）patients were included, with mean ages of 16.52±13.63 and 13.94±8.27 years, respectively (p>0.05). Among these patients, 2 exhibit bilateral PWS and unilateral glaucoma. Thus the two eyes of each person were divided into NGPWS group and SG group respectively. Twenty-one eyes had choroidal hemangiomas and 7 eyes had excessive thickening of the choroid without choroidal hemangiomas. Choroidal hemangiomas were only observed in ipsilateral eyes of SG patients. The choroidal thicknesses of the ipsilateral and contralateral eyes of NGPWS patients were 358.10±117.40 μm (45 eyes) and 288.20±79.04 μm (41 eyes), respectively (p<0.05). The choroidal thicknesses of the ipsilateral and contralateral eyes of SG patients were 511.40±242.10 μm (15 eyes) and 283.90±92.27 μm (29 eyes), respectively (p<0.05). Significant differences were found between the ipsilateral eyes of SWS and PWS patients (p<0.05). Six of 12 eyes (50%) with choroidal hemangiomas exhibited post-operative posterior segment complications. Conclusions: Non-glaucoma PWS and SWS secondary glaucoma patients had a thicker choroid in the ipsilateral eye. The trend was even more pronounced in SWS secondary glaucoma patients. Choroidal hemangiomas were only found in the ipsilateral eyes of SG. In addition, choroidal hemangioma was a risk factor for post-operative posterior segment complications in SWS patients.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome After Recurrent Pregnancies
Authors: Kisli Mesude 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The primary aim of the retrospective study was to study whether the number of births in women ( primipara, multipara and grand multipara women ) the long term after deliveries has an impact on the development of Carpal tunnel syndrome ( CTS ).Methods: Our study population is composed of patients who are referred with suspicion of CTS. Four hundred and fifty female patients ( 150 primara, 150 multipara and 150 grand multipara women ) referred to the electrophsiology laboratory with clinical suspicion CTS were included into the descriptive and retrospective study between November 2016 and June 2018. Primiparity, multiparity and grand multiparity were defined as women having 1, 2 – 5 and 6 - 9 deliveries, respectively. Patients who passed 2 years after their last birth were included in the study. All of the patients were assessed and compared in terms of electrophysiological CTS presence and degree of CTS. Also BMI was calculated for each patient and it compared among groups.Results: The disease has not been changed with the number of births ( p > 0.05 ). The mean BMI of the primipara, multipara and grand multipara women were 28,06 ± 1,12 kg / m2, 27,59 ± 3,72 kg / m2 and 27,82 ± 3,11 kg / m2, respectively. There was no significant statistically difference in BMI among groups ( p > 0.05). However, the severity of the disease varies according to BMI ( p < 0.05 ). It was calculated that as the BMI increases, the severity of the disease increases. Conclusions: Number of pregnancies in women ( primipara, multipara and grand multipara women ) concerning the long term after deliveries has not impact on the development of CTS. Other risk factors such as BMI may play a significant role in the development of CTS in these patients.
Original vs Non-Original “Cast-To” Gold Abutment-Implant Connection: Analysis of the Internal Fit and Long-Term Fatigue Performance
Authors: Alonso-Pérez Raquel , Bartolomé José F. , Fraile Cristina , Pradíes Guillermo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Restoring implants with not original abutment-implant connection are widely used by clinicians. Due to the current scarcity of in-vitro studies about compatible abutments and lack of relevant clinical studies, long-term fatigue performance of non-original abutments should be analyzed. The aim of this research was to assess the internal accuracy and the cyclic fatigue life after artificial aging of three implant-abutment configurations restored with one original and two compatible non-original “cast-to” gold abutments.Materials and Methods: Forty-eight original internal hexagon connection implants were connected to three different brands of abutments (n= 16 each): one original to the implant system and two non-originals. Internal accuracy and the percentage of surface with tight contact were assessed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in twelve cross-sectioned samples at three different areas (platform, internal and screw). To evaluate the fatigue mechanical behaviour under cyclic load, samples were loaded according to the ISO Norm 14801 in a universal testing machine at 2 Hz in air. Previously, samples were aged by thermocycling with 10,000 cycles at 5 °C and 55 °C in artificial saliva. Results: Original abutments presented the best accuracy and highest percentage of tight contact in the internal areas. Meanwhile, original abutments showed the lower cyclic fatigue strength degradation and the long-term success. Conclusions: Occlusal loads are transferred more homogenously through the system when original abutments are used because the better fit between the different internal components. This fact provides the highest fatigue resistance for all the restorations studied.
The Association of Priori and Posteriori Dietary Patterns With the Risk of Incident Hypertension: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Ramezankhani Azra , Hosseini-Esfahani Firoozeh , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun , Hadaegh Farzad 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of dietary patterns with incident hypertension.
Materials/methods:
This prospective study was conducted on 4793 individuals of Tehran lipid and glucose study participants, aged ≥ 18 years who were followed for a median of 6.3 years from 2008-11 to 2016-18 surveys. A valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess usual dietary intakes. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and during follow up examinations. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA); healthy eating index (HEI) and dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) score were measured based on dietary recommendations. Time-dependent Cox models, adjusting for confounders were used to examine the association between dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension.
Results
During follow-up, a total of 727 incident cases of hypertension were identified. The mean ± SD age at baseline was 40.3 ± 13.5 and 37.9 ± 12.1 years in men and women, respectively. Two dietary patterns (the healthy and unhealthy) were extracted by PCA. Compared with participants in the first quartile, a 23% (HR: 1.23; 95%CI: 1.00-1.53; P trend: 0.056) increased risk of hypertension was found in the fourth quartile of HEI score. This association was disappeared after further adjustment for confounders. Increasing DASH score, the healthy and unhealthy dietary pattern were not associated with risk of hypertension.
Conclusion
According to our findings, after adjustment for confounders, higher adherence to posteriori- and priori-dietary patterns was not associated with risk of hypertension.
Patient Survey on Polypharmacy in the Clinic and Its Impact on Health Professionals' Management of Polypharmacy: a Before-after Study
Authors: Hirose Yuta , Shikino Kiyoshi , Ohira Yoshiyuki , Matsuoka Sumihide , Mikami Chihiro , Tsuchiya Hayami , Yokokawa Daiki , Ikegami Akiko , Tsukamoto Tomoko , Noda Kazutaka , Uehara Takanori , Ikusaka Masatomi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Patient awareness surveys on polypharmacy have been reported previously, but no previous study has examined the effects of sending feedback to health professionals on reducing medication use. Our study aimed to conduct a patient survey to examine factors contributing to polypharmacy, feedback the results to health professionals, and analyze the resulting changes in the number of polypharmacy patients and prescribed medications. Methods: Study 1: In July 2016, we conducted a questionnaire survey among adult patients receiving medical care at Minamihama clinic. We examined polypharmacy and its contributing factors by performing logistic regression analysis. Study 2: We sent feedback of survey results to 12 health professionals. Performing a t-test and a chi-square test on medical fee receipts, we analyzed changes in the percentage of polypharmacy patients and the number of prescribed medications during one month before and after the feedback. Results: In the questionnaire survey, significant differences were found in the following 3 items: age (odds ratio (OR)=3.14; 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.01-4.91), number of medical institutions (OR=2.34; 95%CI=1.50-3.64), and patients' difficulty with asking their doctors to deprescribe their medications (OR=2.21; 95%CI=1.25-3.90). After the feedback, the percentage of polypharmacy patients decreased from 21.5% to 20.1% and the mean number of prescribed medications per patient decreased from 8.2 to 7.7 (p<0.001, respectively).Conclusions: Providing feedback to health professionals on polypharmacy survey results may lead to a decrease in the number of polypharmacy patients. Factors contributing to polypharmacy included age (75 years or older), the number of medical institutions (2 or more institutions), and patients' difficulty with asking their physicians to deprescribe their medications. Feedback to health professionals reduced the percentage of polypharmacy patients and the number of prescribed medications. Trial registration: UMIN. Registered 21 June 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm
Triglyceride-glucose index linked to hospital mortality in critically ill stroke patients: an observational multicentre study on eICU database
Authors: Zhang Bingjun , Liu Lingling , Ruan Hengfang , Zhu Qiang , Yu Dafan , Yang Yu , Lu Zhengqi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The triglyceride‑glucose (TyG) index is a reliable surrogate of insulin resistance and a marker for ischemic stroke (IS) incident. Whether the TyG index predicts stroke outcome remains uncertain. This study investigated the prognostic value of the TyG index in critically ill stroke patients.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study that included stroke patients, and all data were extracted from the eICU Collaborative Research Database. The TyG index was calculated as the ln (fasting glucose level [mg/dL] × triglyceride level [mg/dL]/2). The outcomes included the hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) death. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors. The smoothing curves and forest plots were illustrated.Results: A total of 4570 eligible subjects were enrolled. The mean level of TyG index was 9.1 ± 0.7. The hospital and ICU mortality rate were 10.3% and 5.0% respectively. TyG index as a continuous variable was associated hospital mortality in univariate analysis (OR 1.723, 95% CI 1.524-1.948, P < 0.001), adjusted model 1 (OR 1.861, 95% CI 1637-2.116, P < 0.001) and adjusted model 2 (OR 2.543, 95% CI 1.588-4.073, P < 0.001). TyG was also associated ICU mortality in univariate analysis (OR 2.146, 95% CI 1.826-2.523, P < 0.001), adjusted model 1 (OR 2.183, 95% CI 1.847-2.580, P < 0.001), and adjusted model 2 (OR 2.672, 95% CI 1.376-5.188, P < 0.001). The smoothing curves observed a continuous linear association after adjusting all covariates both in hospital and ICU mortality. Subgroup analysis demonstrated TyG index was associated with increased risk of hospital and ICU death in critically ill IS (P < 0.05), but not in hemorrhage stroke (P > 0.05).Conclusion: The TyG index is a potential predictor for hospital and ICU mortality in critically ill stroke patients, especially in IS patients.
Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, And Treatment Outcomes Of Patients With COVID-19 At Siriraj Hospital – Thailand’s Largest University-Based Super-Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Sirijatuphat Rujipas , Suputtamongkol Yupin , Angkasekwinai Nasikarn , Horthongkham Navin , Chayakulkeeree Methee , Rattanaumpawan Pinyo , Koomanachai Pornpan , Assanasen Susan , Rongrungruang Yong , Chierakul Nitipatana , Ratanarat Ranistha , Jitmuang Anupop , Wangchinda Walaiporn , Kantakamalakul Wannee 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The epidemiology and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in Thailand are scarce. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult hospitalized patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at Siriraj Hospital during February 2020 to April 2020. Results: Of 1,409 patients who underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2, 1,029 patients (73%) had risk factors for COVID-19 acquisition of which 107 patients had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Among the 104 patients who were treated with antiviral medications, 78 (75%) received 2-drug regimen (lopinavir/ritonavir or darunavir/ritonavir plus chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine), and 26 (25%) received a 3-drug regimen with favipiravir added to the 2-drug regimen. Disease progression was observed in 18 patients (16.8%). All patients with COVID-19 were discharged alive. Conclusions: The prevalence of COVID-19 was 7.5% among patients who underwent RT-PCR testing, and 10% among those having risk factors for COVID-19 acquisition. Combination antiviral therapies for COVID-19 patients were well-tolerated and produced a favorable outcome.