bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Mandibular Arch Form in A Sudanese Adult Sample With Normal Occlusion&nbsp;
Authors: Mustafa Raja , Abuaffan Amal 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: In fixed orthodontic therapy, maintenance of the original mandibular arch form is considered an essential factor for stability, moreover with the popular use of elastic archwires, and because its shape cannot be easily altered, the pre-determination of mandibular arch form becomes very important for each patient. The purpose of this study is to analyze the mandibular dental arch forms of Sudanese adults with normal occlusion and provides an easy method for orthodontists to determine different types of arch form. Methods: This Descriptive analytical, cross-sectional study determined the mandibular arch in a sample of 104 Sudanese university students. Measurements were done in the mandibular dental cast. Three arch widths and three arch lengths measurements were established and five ratios were determined. Analysis of arch form was done according to Raberin’s polynomial method. Results: The mid arch form was the most prevalent (75%), followed by narrow arch form (11.54%), wide arch form (6.73%), and pointed arch form (6.73%). There were no cases in flat arch form. Conclusions: In Sudanese subjects, four types of arch form were recognized. Norms of transverse and sagittal dimensions of the mandibular arch to determine types of the mandibular arch form in Sudanese orthodontic patients become available.
Development of a Structure-based Computational Simulation to Optimize the Blocking Efficacy of Pro-antibodies
Authors: Huang Bo-Cheng , Lu Yun-Chi , Liao Jun-Min , Liu Hui-Ju , Hong Shih-Ting , Hsieh Yuan-Chin , Chuang Chih-Hung , Chen Huei-Jen , Liao Tzu-Yi , Ho Kai-Wen , Wang Yeng-Tseng , Cheng Tian-Lu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The on-target toxicity of monoclonal antibodies (Abs) is mainly due to the fact that Abs cannot distinguish target antigens (Ags) expressed in disease regions from those in normal tissues during systemic administration. In order to overcome this issue, we “copied” an autologous Ab hinge as an “Ab lock” and “pasted” it on the binding site of the Ab by connecting a protease substrate and linker in between to generate a pro-Ab, which can be specifically activated in the disease region to enhance Ab selectivity and reduce side effects. Previously, we reported that 70% of pro-Abs can achieve more than 100-fold blocking ability compared to the parental Abs. However, 30% of pro-Abs do not have such efficient blocking ability. This is because the same Ab lock linker cannot be applied to every Ab due to the differences in the complementarity-determining region (CDR) loops. Here we designed a method which uses structure-based computational simulation (MSCS) to optimize the blocking ability of the Ab lock for all Ab drugs. MSCS can precisely adjust the amino acid composition of the linker between the Ab lock and Ab drug with the assistance of molecular simulation.Results: We selected αPD-1, αIL-1β, αCTLA-4 and αTNFα Ab as models and attached the Ab lock with various linkers (L1 to L7) to form pro-Abs by MSCS, respectively. The resulting cover rates of the Ab lock with various linkers compared to the Ab drug were in the range 28.33%-42.33%. The recombinant pro-Abs were generated by MSCS prediction in order to verify the application of molecular simulation for pro-Ab development. The binding kinetics effective concentration (EC-50) for αPD-1 (200-250-fold), αIL-1β (152-186-fold), αCTLA-4 (68-150-fold) and αTNFα Ab (20-123-fold) were presented as the blocking ability of pro-Ab compared to the Ab drug. Further, there was a positive correlation between cover rate and blocking ability of all pro-Ab candidates. Conclusions: The results suggested that MSCS was able to predict the Ab lock linker most suitable for application to αPD-1, αIL-1β, αCTLA-4 and αTNFα Ab to form pro-Abs efficiently. The success of MSCS in optimizing the pro-Ab can aid the development of next-generation pro-Ab drugs to significantly improve Ab-based therapies and thus patients’ quality of life.
Establishment of a Chronic Trypanosoma Equiperdum Infection Model in Mice
Authors: Tanaka Yusuke , Suganuma Keisuke , Watanabe Kenichi , Kobayashi Yoshiyasu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Dourine, caused by chronic infection with Trypanosoma equiperdum, is one of the African trypanosomiasis in equids. Since the pathogenesis of dourine has not yet been elucidated, experimental studies using mouse infection models are needed. However, mice cannot be infected with most T. equiperdum strains or rapidly develop parasitemia if infection is established and die within a few days. A sequential method of isolating parasites from dourine-affected horses and adapting them to in vitro cultures using soft agarose media was recently developed. Various T. equiperdum strains adapted to in vitro conditions have since been established using this technique. We used one of these strains, the T. equiperdum IVM-t2 strain. In the present study, we inoculated mice with the IVM-t2 strain and successfully produced a chronic infection model in mice. In the clinical examination, periodic parasitemia and skin plaques, which are characteristic clinical signs of dourine-affected horses, were observed. A histopathological examination revealed that some of the lesions observed in infected horses, such as vaginitis, trypanosomal sand, and peripheral neuritis, were reproduced in mice. This mouse model will be a valuable tool for pathological, immunological, and parasitological in vivo research, and will contribute to investigations on the mechanisms underlying the disease process and the host-protozoa relationship.
Conventional vs. High-definition tDCS: A Comparison of Neurophysiological and Behavioural Effects
Authors: Masina Fabio , Arcara Giorgio , Galletti Eleonora , Cinque Isabella , Gamberini Luciano , Mapelli Daniela 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) seems to overcome a drawback of Conventional tDCS: the wide-spread diffusion of the electric field. Nevertheless, most of the differences that characterise the two techniques are based on mathematical simulations and not on real, behavioural and neurophysiological, data. The study aims to compare Conventional and HD-tDCS, investigating differences both at a behavioural level, in terms of dexterity performance, and a neurophysiological level, as modifications of alpha and beta power as measured with EEG. Thirty participants took part in three sessions, one for each montage: Conventional tDCS, HD-tDCS, and sham. In all the conditions, the anode was placed over C4, while the cathode/s placed according to the montage. At baseline, during, and after each stimulation condition, dexterity was assessed with a Finger Tapping Task. In addition, resting-state EEG was recorded at baseline and after the stimulation. Power spectrum density was calculated, selecting two frequency bands: alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (18–22 Hz). Linear mixed effect models (LMMs) were used to analyse the modulation induced by tDCS. To evaluate differences among the montages and consider state-dependency phenomenon, the post-stimulation measurements were covariate-adjusted for baseline levels. We observed that HD-tDCS induced an alpha power reduction in participants with lower alpha. Conversely, Conventional tDCS induced a beta power reduction in participants with higher beta at baseline. Furthermore, data suggested a positive behavioural effect of HD-tDCS on dexterity in participants with lower beta at baseline. Conventional and HD-tDCS distinctively modulated cortical activity. The study highlights the importance of considering state-dependency to determine the effects of tDCS on individuals.
Short-Term Outcomes in Infants With Mild Neonatal Encephalopathy: A Retrospective, Observational Study
Authors: Aoki Yoshinori , Kono Tatsuo , Enokizono Mikako , Okazaki Kaoru 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Neonatal encephalopathy due to acute perinatal asphyxia is a major cause of perinatal brain damage. Moderate to severe neonatal encephalopathy is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. However, the neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates with mild neonatal encephalopathy are unclear. The primary aim of this single-center observational study was to assess the short-term outcomes in term neonates with mild neonatal encephalopathy due to perinatal asphyxia. A secondary aim was to identify predictors of a poor prognosis by identifying the characteristics of these infants according to their short-term outcomes.Methods: We retrospectively investigated all infants with perinatal asphyxia at Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center from January 2014 to December 2019. An abnormal short-term outcome was defined as any one of the following: seizures or abnormal electroencephalography, abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging obtained within the first 4 weeks of life, abnormal neurological examination findings at discharge, and gastrostomy or tube feeding. Results: In total, 110 term infants with perinatal asphyxia during the study period were screened and 61 were diagnosed with mild neonatal encephalopathy. Eleven (18%) of these infants had an abnormal short-term outcome. The median Thompson score at admission was significantly higher in infants with abnormal short-term outcomes than in those with normal short-term outcomes (5 [interquartile range, 4-5.5] vs 2 [interquartile range, 1-3], p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a cutoff value of 4 had high sensitivity and specificity (90.9% and 83.0%, respectively) for prediction of an abnormal short-term outcome.Conclusions: Eighteen percent of infants with mild encephalopathy had an abnormal short-term outcome, such as abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging findings. The Thompson score at admission may be a useful predictor of an abnormal short-term outcome in infants with mild neonatal encephalopathy.
Acupoint Application Therapeutic Mechanism for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia: A Network Pharmacology Analysis
Authors: Liu Shan , zhang chi , Zhang Zexin , Guo Wei , Xia Jiangnan , Li Jing , Wang Zhijie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background and objective: Acupoint application (AA) therapy, a traditional Chinese medicine external treatment method, is recommended as a complementary Chinese medicine therapy for treating new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19), and can help improve curative effects, promote patient recovery, and improve immunity to prevent disease, but the mechanism is not clear. We sought to explore the key targets and mechanisms of Ephedra and Asarum, the main components used in AA, in the treatment of COVID-19 in this study. Methods: The active compounds and related targets of Ephedra and Asarum used in AA were screened by searching four databases. COVID-19-related target genes were identified from three disease databases, and the key targets of treating COVID-19 were obtained by Venn diagram using Cytoscape 3.2.1 software, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were used to explore possible mechanisms and pathways. The verification of the binding force between the compounds and target genes was completed by performing molecular docking with Autodock and pymol software.Results: Twenty-four active components of AA corresponded to 252 targets, with 713 target genes related to COVID-19, and 56 key genes were selected. GO analysis results showed that biological processes mainly included the inflammatory and immune responses, and cell components were mainly the plasma membrane and nucleus, with molecular functions including protein binding and identical protein binding. The top pathways included Immune System, Cytokine Signaling in Immune System, Adaptive Immune System, Signaling by Interleukins, Innate Immune System, and Signaling by GPCR.Conclusion: The results of this study preliminarily verified that Ephedra and Asarum used in AA therapy could treat COVID-19 via multiple compounds and multi-pathways, which provided a basis for clinical application and further research.
Resilience of The Hellenic Navy Seals Assessed by Heart Rate Variability During Cognitive Tasks
Authors: Mourtakos Stamatis , Vassiliou Georgia , Papageorgiou Christos , Philippou Anastasios , Bersimis Fragkiskos , Geladas Nikolaos , Koutsilieris Michael , Sidossis Labros , Papageorgiou Charalabos 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

The interaction between high physical performance under extreme conditions and the simultaneous control of the cognitive executive functioning has been a subject of research in literature for the past few decades. Stroop test and Heart-rate variability (HRV), have been verified as a valuable clinical tool for the assessment of cerebral and autonomic/ cardiovascular stress responses respectively.
Objective

The investigation of HRV adaptive response to stress and cognitive stress resilience under strenuous conditions.
Methods

34 subjects were enrolled (n = 34). Of them, 18 were candidates under intense preparation for their enlistment in the Hellenic Navy SEALs (H.N.S.) and 16 were healthy controls, matched for sex and similar in age and demographics. All subjects underwent standard Color Word Stroop Testing, arithmetic stroop testing and emotional stroop testing, along with mental state and personality examination with the use of Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90R) scl-90 and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), respectively. HRV variables in time and frequency domains recordings were acquired, during each aforementioned cognitive testing procedure.
Results

Our results showed that H.N.S.’s performance on both cognitive and emotion stroop tasks (p ≥ 0.054 for all cognitive and emotion stroop tasks’ features) was equivalent to controls even though they exhibited statistically significant lower levels of HRV in different time (ranged from p < 0.01 to p < 0.05) and frequency domain variables (ranged from p < 0.01 to p < 0.05). Finally, in a between group comparison of the psychometric tools, O.Y.K.s had significantly higher somatization, anxiety and neuroticism than controls.
Conclusion

In conclusion, these findings indicate flexible autonomic regulation (HRV) supports recovery following challenge during cognitive and emotional tasks (stroop tests), which in turn supports problem solving or adaptability skills. HRV measurement begins to be a sophisticated and relevant tool for both scientific and clinical insights, promising to be an index regarding the psychophysiological resilience especially in the neurovisceral integration (NVI) model. However further longitudinal research on the field is required.
Clinical features of COVID-19 patients with comorbid coronary heart disease
Authors: Yang Hang , GUO RUI , Yang Lincheng , Zhang Ruitao , Ling Yunpeng , Ge Qinggang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: In addition to the lungs, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also affects multiple organs throughout the body. The relationship between COVID-19 infection and cardiovascular disease, and the mechanisms by which this disease causes damage to the cardiovascular system are unclear. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the common comorbidities of COVID-19, but there is insufficient evidence for its clinical features and impact on clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with comorbid CHD and the possible risk factors for the occurrence of critical illness. Methods: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted to analyze COVID-19 patients admitted to the Sino-French New City Campus of Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, Hubei Province and treated by the Peking University National Medical Assistance Team between January 29 and March 10, 2020. Patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acid in nasopharyngeal swab specimens and who had comorbid CHD, were included in the study. Clinical data and laboratory test results of eligible patients were collected, and the factors associated with the occurrence of critical illness among these patients were evaluated. Results: A total of 205 patients were enrolled in this study, including 20 CHD patients and 185 non-CHD patients. The mean age was 66.7 years. Compared to non-CHD patients, more CHD patients had comorbid hypertension and diabetes (P < 0.05). In terms of laboratory tests, the CHD group did not differ significantly from the non-CHD group in blood routine, blood chemistry, and various inflammatory cytokines. More CHD patients experienced myocardial injury (25% vs 8.1% P < 0.031) and CHD patients were more likely to progress to critical illness (40% vs 16.8%P = 0.012). Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a history of CHD, occurrence of myocardial injury, high white blood cell (WBC) count, low lymphocyte count, and elevated levels of Cr, ferritin, IL-2R, IL-8 at admission were factors associated with the occurrence of critical illness. Multivariate regression analysis found that a history of CHD（OR=3.529, 95% CI =1.032-12.075, P =0.044），high WBC count（OR=1.289, 95% CI =1.136-1.463, P＜0.001） and low lymphocyte count（OR=0.215, 95% CI =0.075-0.616, P =0.004）were independent factors for the occurrence of critical illness among COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: COVID-19 patients with comorbid CHD commonly exhibited myocardial injury and were prone to developing critical illness. Among COVID-19 patients, a history of CHD，high WBC count and low lymphocyte count were independent risk factors for the occurrence of critical illness. Greater attention and vigilance are needed in this regard during clinical practice.
Comparison of Early Clinical Results of Femoral Neck System and Cannulated Screws in the Treatment of Unstable Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqiang , Li Zhiqiang , Xu Renjie , She Yuanshi , Zhang Xiangxin , Chen Guangxiang , Yu Xiao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: To compare the early clinical effects of femoral neck system and three cannulated screws in the treatment of patients with unstable femoral neck fractures.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 81 patients who received FNS or cannulated screws internal fixation for Pauwels Type-3 femoral neck fracture in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2019. A pair-matched clinical research was performed. People who received FNS were test group and people received cannulated screws were control group. Matching requirements were as follows： the same gender, the similar age and the similar BMI. A total of 30 pairs were successfully matched, with an average age of 53.84 years old. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, hospitalization cost, postoperative VAS score, time walking without crutches, Harris score, femoral head necrosis rate and complication rate were compared between the two groups.Results: Postoperative re-examination of radiographs showed satisfactory reduction in all patients, and all the patients were followed up for 10-22 months. Patients in the FNS group had lower postoperative VAS scores, earlier time to walk without crutches, higher Harris scores at the last follow-up and lower complication rate (P<0.05). However, intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization costs in the FNS group were more（P<0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in operation time, hospital stay and femoral head necrosis rate between two group (P>0.05).Conclusion: For patients who were unstable femoral neck fracture, FNS has better clinical efficacy than cannulated screws, though FNS is more expensive. The excellent biomechanical performance and clinical efficacy of FNS make it a new choice for the treatment of unstable femoral neck fracture.Fund program: Key medical research project of Jiangsu Health Committee（K2019010）
Association of Acute Inflammatory Cytokines, Fracture Malreduction, and Functional Outcome 12 Months After Intra-articular Ankle Fracture – A Prospective Cohort Study of 46 Patients with Ankle Fractures
Authors: Pham That Minh 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Several malreduction criteria have been proposed for ankle surgery, but the criteria of most importance for functional outcome remain undetermined. Furthermore, the acute inflammatory response in the ankle joint after fracture is hypothesized to result in osteoarthritis development, but no study has investigated the correlation between the levels of these inflammatory cytokines and post-surgical functional outcomes. We aimed to identify malreduction criteria and inflammatory cytokines associated with functional outcome after ankle surgery.MethodsDuring surgery, synovial fluid from the fractured and healthy contralateral ankles of 46 patients was collected for chemiluminescence analysis of 22 inflammatory cytokines and metabolic proteins. The quality of fracture reduction was based on 9 criteria on plain X-rays and 5 criteria on weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) scans. After 3 and 12 months, we recorded scores on American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, the Danish version of Foot Function Index (FFI-DK), EQ-5D-5L index score, the Kellgren Lawrence score, and joint space narrowing. ResultsTibiofibular (TF) overlap (p=0.02) and dime sign (p=0.008) correlated with FFI-DK. Tibiotalar tilt correlated positively with joint space narrowing at 3 months (p=0.01) and 12 months (p=0.03). TF widening correlated with FFI-DK (p=0.04), AOFAS (p=0.02), and EQ-5D-5L (p=0.02). No consistent correlations between synovial cytokine levels and functional outcomes were found at 12 months.ConclusionsMalreduction of TF overlap, TF widening, and tibiotalar tilt were the most important criteria for functional outcome after ankle surgery. Increased inflammatory cytokine levels after fracture did not affect functional outcome at 12 months.Trial registration: This cohort study is registered the 10th of December 2018 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03769909, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03769909), was approved by the local committee on health ethics (The Regional Committees on Health Research Ethics for Southern Denmark: J.No. S-20170139), and was reported to the National Danish Data Protection Agency (17/28505).
Minimally Invasive Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy via Tubular Retractor for Adult Rigid Spinal Kyphoscoliosis:A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Xing ZeJun , Ma Zhuo , Ma Xun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
ObjcetiveTo describe a new technique, minimally invasive pedicle subtraction osteotomy (MIS PSO) via tubular retractor, for severe rigid adult spinal deformity.MethodsWe present a case with severe rigid thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis and describe the surgical procedure , to which this patient responded favorably.ResultsNo surgical complications were seen and estimated blood loss was 600ml. The operation process time was about 5 hours. She received 2 unit of packed red blood cells intraoperatively. VAS was 8.5 points at pre-operation and 2 .0 points at 2 years follow-up. The ODI score improved from 33 to 9. Fusion was confirmed by wedging of L2 vertebral body on CT reconstructive films. Routine x-rays showed that spinal imbalance was corrected and maintained at the final follow up. Maximal ambulation distance increased to 5000 feet at 2 years follow-up.ConclusionA MIS PSO is a feasible option for the treatment of certain subtypes of adult spinal deformity. It is technically feasible that although limited by learning curve of minimally invasive tubular technique and open PSO technique. Both operation skill of the surgeons and proper patient selection is the key to successfully treating adult patients with deformity using MIS PSO.