bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First insights into the molecular basis association between promoter polymorphisms of the IL1B gene and Helicobacter pylori infection in the Sudanese population: computational approach
Authors: Idris Abeer Babiker , Idris Einas Babiker , Ataelmanan Amany Eltayib , Mohamed Ali Elbagir Ali , Arbab Bashir M. Osman , Ibrahim El-Amin Mohamed , Hassan Mohamed A. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects nearly half of the world’s population with a variation in incidence among different geographic regions. Genetic variants in the promoter regions of IL1B gene can affect cytokine expression and creates a condition of hypoacidity which favors the survival and colonization of H. pylori. Aim: To characterize the polymorphic sites in the 5’- region [-687_+297] of IL1B in H. pylori infection using in silico tools.Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from 122 gastric biopsies and genotyping of IL1B-31 polymorphism was performed using PCR with confronting two-pair primer (PCR-CTPP) to investigate its association with the susceptibility to H. pylori infection in the Sudanese population. In addition, Sanger sequencing was applied to detect SNPs in the 5’-region [-687_+297] of IL1B in 14 H. pylori-infected patients; and bioinformatics analyses were used to predict whether these mutations would alter transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) or composite regulatory elements (CEs) in this region. Also, comparative analysis was conducted for this region in 11 species using ECR browser and Mulan search engine. Results: A total of five nucleotide variations were detected in the 5’-regulatory region which led to the addition or alteration of the TFBSs and CEs. Genotyping of IL1B-31 C>T revealed a significant association between -31T and susceptibility to H. pylori infection in the studied population (P=0.0363). Comparative analysis showed conservation rates of IL1B upstream [−368_+10] region above 70% in chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, a domesticated dog, cow and rat.Conclusion: In H. pylori-infected patients, three detected SNPs (-338, -155 and -31) located in the IL1B promoter were predicted to alter TFBSs and CE, thereby might affecting gene expression. These in silico predictions provide insight for further experimental in vitro and in vivo studies of the regulation of IL1B expression and its relationship to H. pylori infection. However, recognition of regulatory motifs by computer algorithms is fundamental for understanding gene expression patterns.
Association between platelet count and mucosal healing in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Furukawa Shinya , Yagi Sen , Shiraishi Kana , Mori Kenichirou , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Kawasaki Keitarou , Mizukami Yuji , Suzuki Seiyuu , Uraoka Masayoshi , Shibata Naozumi , Nakamura Sanae , Imamine Satoshi , Murakami Hidehiro , Ohashi Katsuhisa , Torisu Masamoto , Hasebe Aki , Yano Harumi , Murakami Masato , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Hiasa Yoichi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Mucosal healing (MH) has been indicated as the therapeutic goal for ulcerative colitis (UC). Platelet count is known as an inflammation evaluation. However, the association between platelet count and MH among patients with UC is still scarce. We therefore assessed this issue among Japanese patients with UC.Methods: The study subjects consisted of 345 Japanese patients with UC. Platelet count was divided into quartiles on the basis of the distribution of all study subjects (low, moderate, high, and very high). Several endoscope specialists were responsible for evaluating MH and partial MH, which was defined as a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0 and 0-1, respectively. Estimations of crude odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for partial MH and MH in relation to platelet count were performed using logistic regression analysis. Age, sex, CRP, steroid use, and anti-Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) preparation were selected a priori as potential confounding factors.Results: The percentage of partial MH and MH were 63.2 and 26.1%, respectively. Moderate and very high was independently inversely associated with partial MH (moderate: OR 0.40 [95%CI: 0.19-0.810], very high: OR 0.37 [95%CI: 0.17-0.77], p for trend= 0.034). Similarly, moderate, high, and very high were independently inversely associated with MH (moderate: OR 0.37 [95% CI: 0.18-0.73], high: OR 0.41 [95% CI: 0.19-0.83], and very high: OR 0.45 [95% CI: 0.21-0.94], p for trend = 0.033) after adjustment for confounding factors.Conclusions: Among patients with UC, platelet count was independently inversely associated with MH.
Effects of pre-operative air-powder polishing and rubber-cup prophylaxis on tooth bleaching : Randomized controlled split-mouth clinical study
Authors: kurklu zeliha gonca bek , ozcan mustafa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim the study to compare the effects of pre-operative air-powder polishing and rubber-cup prophylaxis on tooth bleaching Methods: 23 subjects suffering from discoloration, were enrolled in a randomized controlled split mouth experimental study. Before bleaching, air powder polishing (APP) and rubber-cup polishing (RCP) techniques were applied on either side of the mouth. A 40% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent applied two 15-minute applications for in-office bleaching. The tooth bleaching effects assessed immediately after and 1 week. Results: There were no significant differences between prophylaxis groups with respect to all color parameters (ΔL, Δa, Δb, ΔEab, ΔE00 and ΔSGU) at immediate period (p>0,05). At 1 week assessment period there were no significant differences between prophylaxis groups with respect to all color parameters (p>0,05) except delta E00 (p<0,05). Conclusions: Two prophylaxis techniques produced similar efficacy in bleaching treatment and the APP technique produced higher levels of color changes.
Treatment of pediatric lateral condylar humerus fractures with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning
Authors: Xie Li-wei , Wang Juan , Deng Zhi-qiang , Zhao Ren-huan , Chen Wei , Kang Chi , Ye Jia-jun , Liu Xin , Zhou Ying , Shen Hai 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Lateral condylar humerus fractures (LCHFs) are the second most common pediatric distal humerus fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation is recommended for fractures displaced by more than 2 mm. Few studies described using closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) for treating fractures with greater displacements. This study aims to explore the feasibility of CRPP in treating displaced LCHFs. Methods: All patients underwent attempted CRPP first. Once a satisfying reduction was obtained, as determined using fluoroscopy based on the relative anatomical position of the fragments, an intraoperative arthrogram was performed to further confirm the congruence of the articular surface of the distal humerus. Open reduction is necessary to ensure adequate reduction if the fracture gap is more than 2.0 mm on either anteroposterior view or oblique internal rotational view by fluoroscopy after CRPP. All included fractures were treated by a single pediatric surgeon.Results: Forty-six patients were included, 29 boys and 17 girls, with an average age of 5.2 years. Of these, 22/28 (78%) Jakob type II fractures and 14/18 (78%) Jakob type III fractures were treated with CRPP. All cases in Song stages II and III, 19/25 (76%) cases in Song stage IV, and 14/18 (78%) cases of Song stage Ⅴ were treated with CRPP. The remaining converted to open reduction with internal fixation. Overall, 36 of the 46 patients (78%) were treated with CRPP. The average pre-op displacement was 7.2 mm, and the average post-op displacement was 1.1 mm on the anteroposterior or oblique internal rotational radiograph in cases treated with CRPP. CRPP was performed in an average of 37 minutes. The average casting period was 4 weeks and the average time of pin removal was 6 weeks postoperatively. The average time of follow-up was 4 months. All patients achieved union, regardless of closed or open reduction. No infection, delayed union, cubitus varus or valgus, osteonecrosis of the trochlea or capitellum, or pain were recorded during follow-up. Conclusions: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning effectively treats LCHFs with displacement more than 4 mm. More than 3/4 of Song stage V or Jakob type III patients can avoid an incision.
Anteroposterior lumbar spine X-ray of L5 lamina for screening of possibility of lower lumbar disc herniation in young adults
Authors: Jin Lin , Zhang Li , Guo Jialiang , Zhang Ruipeng , Yin Yingchao , Hou Zhiyong , Zhang Yingze 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose: This study investigated the association between the height of L5 lamina under anteroposterior lumbar spine X-ray and lower LDH, to determine its significance to the onset of LDH in young adults.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 160 patients aged 18 to 39 years with lower LDH and 160 healthy controls. The anteroposterior lumbar spine X-ray was used to image features of the L5 lamina. The height of L5 lamina (“h”) and of the space between L4 and S1 lamina (“H”) were measured. The difference in height of L5 lamina in each study group was assessed as the ratio of “h/H”.Results: There was no significant difference in sex, age, occupation type, body mass index (BMI), family history or smoking status (p>0.05) between LDH group and the control group. The mean ratio (95% CI) of “h/H” in LDH and control group was 0.28 (0.26, 0.31) and 0.35 (0.32, 0.38) respectively, with statistical difference (p<0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of “h/H” ratio was investigated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The area under the curve was 0.835 (95% CI 0.789, 0.881), using a cut-off of 0.315 (sensitivity 0.806, specificity 0.794). A decrease in the “h/H” ratio, showed an increasing linear trend in the protrusion proportion of L4/5 segments (Z=5.943, p<0.05).Conclusion: Young adults with developmental defects of L5 lamina are more likely to develop lower LDH. Assessment of “h/H” ratio could be used for screening or prediction of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic lower LDH in young adults.
Does substrate colour affect the visual appearance of gilded medieval sculptures?Part II: SEM-EDX observations on gold leaf samples taken from medieval wooden sculptures
Authors: Wu Qing , Döbeli Max , Lombardo Tiziana , Schmidt-Ott Katharina , Watts Benjamin , Nolting Frithjof , Ganz David 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In the previous paper (Part I), the colorimetry and interferometric microscopy measurements on modern gold leaf models have revealed that the visual appearance of a gilded surface, both burnished and unburnished, depends strongly on the substrate type, surface roughness and texture, but not on the colour of the substrate. In this second part, we investigate the materials compositions and technical specifications of medieval gold leaf through combining literature sources and materials analysis such as scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) on samples taken from gilded wooden sculptures. Our study shows that the late medieval gold leaf has a high purity of about 23.7 carat and has an average thickness of 160 nm (with a peak value of 138 nm), purer and thicker than the modern gold leaves studies in Part I. Supportive Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) measurements on gilded models confirms the accuracy and reliability of the SEM-EDX observations on the medieval gold leaf samples. We additionally present observations of a rarely recorded special variant of medieval gold leaf – “fine reinforced gold leaf”. Combined with the findings from Part I, we conclude that light penetrating the medieval gold leaf and reflected from the gilding substrate could not be a significant, or even perceptible contribution to the visual appearance of the gilding. We argue that the misconception surrounding the correlation between the substrate colour and the gilded surface appearance can be attributed to the historical development of gilding and polychromy technologies.
Residual polymer stabiliser causes anisotropic conductivity in metal nanoparticle 2D and 3D printed electronics
Authors: Trindade Gustavo , Wang Feiran , Im Jisun , He Yinfeng , Balogh Adam , Scurr David , Gilmore Ian , Tiddia Mariavitalia , Saleh Ehab , Pervan David , Turyanska Lyudmila , Tuck Christopher , Wildman Ricky , Hague Richard , Roberts Clive 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Inkjet printing of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) allows for design flexibility, rapid processing and enables 3D printing of functional electronic devices through co-deposition of multiple materials. However, the performance of printed devices, especially their conductivity, is lower than those made by traditional manufacturing methods and is previously not fully understood. Here, we revealed that anisotropic electrical conductivity of printed MNPs is caused by organic residuals from MNPs inks. We employed a combination of electrical resistivity tests, morphological analysis and novel 3D nanoscale chemical analysis of printed devices using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to show that the polymer stabiliser polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) tends to concentrate between vertically stacked AgNPs layers as well as at dielectric/conductive interfaces. The understanding of organic residues behaviour in printed nanoparticles reveal potential new strategies to improve nanomaterial ink formulations for functional printed electronics.
An Indo-Pacific see-saw wobbles the Earth at intraseasonal timescales
Authors: Afroosa M , Rohith B , Paul Arya , Durand Fabien , Bourdallé-Badie Romain , Sree P.V. , de Viron Olivier , Ballu Valérie , Shenoi S.S.C. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Strong large-scale winds can relay their energy to the ocean bottom and elicit an almost immediate intraseasonal barotropic (depth independent) response in the ocean. The intense winds associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), over the tropical interface between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean (popularly known as Maritime Continent) generate significant basin-wide intraseasonal barotropic sea level variability in the tropical Indian Ocean. Here we show, using an ocean general circulation model and a network of in-situ bottom pressure recorders, that the concerted barotropic response of the Indian and the Pacific Ocean to these winds leads to an intraseasonal see-saw of oceanic mass in the Indo-Pacific basin. This global-scale mass shift is unexpectedly fast, as we show that the mass field of the entire Indo-Pacific basin is dynamically adjusted to MJO in a few days. We also explain how this near-global-scale MJO-induced oceanic phenomenon is the first signature from a climate mode that can be isolated into the Earth polar axis motion, in particular during the strong see-saw of early 2013.
A global assessment of drivers and risks associated with pollinator decline
Authors: Dicks Lynn , Breeze Tom , Ngo Hien , Senapathi Deepa , An Jiandong , Aizen Marcelo , Basu Parthiba , Buchori Damayanti , Galetto Leonardo , Garibaldi Lucas , Gemmill-Herren Barbara , Howlett Brad , Imperatriz-Fonseca Vera L. , Johnson Steven , Kovács-Hostyánszki Anikó , Kwon Y. , Lattorff Hans Michael , Lungharwo Thingreipi , Seymour Colleen , Vanbergen Adam , Potts Simon 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Pollinator decline has attracted global attention, and substantial efforts are underway to respond, through national pollinator strategies and action plans. These policy responses require clarity on what is driving pollinator decline, and what risks it generates for society, in different parts of the world. Using a formal expert elicitation process, we evaluated relative regional and global importance of eight pressures driving pollinator decline, and ten consequent risks to human well-being. Our results indicate that global policy responses should focus on reducing pressure from changes in land cover and configuration, land management, and pesticides, as these were considered very important drivers in most regions. We quantify for the first time how the importance of drivers, and risks from pollinator decline, differ among regions. For example, losing access to managed pollinators was only considered a serious risk to people in North America, whereas yield instability in pollinator-dependent crops, classed as a serious or high risk in four regions, presented only moderate risk in Europe and North America. Overall, perceived risks were substantially higher in the Global South. Despite extensive, research on pollinator decline, our analysis reveals considerable scientific uncertainty about what this means for human society.
Early humans recipe for processing plants foods at Blombos Cave, South Africa (85-82 ka)
Authors: Larbey Cynthia , Niekerk Karen van , Henshilwood Christopher , Jones Martin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We present the results of archaeobotanical research conducted into the plant diet of early modern humans who intermittently occupied Blombos Cave on the southern Cape coast of South Africa during the Middle Stone Age (MSA). Botanical samples were taken from two combustion events in the MSA sequence dated to 85 and 82 kya (kya = thousands of years ago). Analysis of these samples shows charred starchy plants had undergone processing sequences prior to cooking. The plant cells show evidence of having been pounded whilst still fresh and some of these fragments indicate pounded starchy plant food was mixed with pounded seeds prior to cooking. We infer that these samples represent the earliest known example of food processing and mixing in a ‘recipe’ as part of early human foodways. We consider these findings and their role in human evolution in the context of human behavioural modernity.
Sustained methane emissions from China after 2012 despite declining coal production and rice-cultivated area
Authors: Sheng Jianxiong , Tunnicliffe Rachel , Ganesan Anita , Maasakkers Joannes , Shen Lu , Prinn Ronald , Song Shaojie , Zhang Yuzhong , Scarpelli Tia , Bloom Alexis , Rigby Matt , Manning Alistair , Parker Robert , Boesch Hartmut , Lan Xin , Zhang Bo , Zhuang Minghao , Lu Xi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
China's anthropogenic methane emissions are the largest of any country in the world. A recent study using atmospheric observations suggested that recent policies aimed at reducing emissions of methane due to coal production in China after 2010 had been largely ineffective. Here, based on a longer observational record and an updated modelling approach, we find that China's growth in methane emissions did decline (0.3±0.1 (±1σ) Tg CH4 yr-2 for 2012-2017, as compared to 0.77±0.2 Tg CH4 yr-2 for 2010-2012). We find that the decrease in growth rate after 2012 can in part be attributed to a decline in China's coal production. However, coal mine methane emissions have not declined as rapidly as production, implying that there may be substantial fugitive emissions from abandoned coal mines that have previously been overlooked. We also find that emissions over rice-growing regions do not show a negative trend (0.13±0.05 Tg CH4 yr-2 for 2010-2017) despite reports of shrinking rice paddy areas, implying potentially significant emissions from new aquaculture activities, which are thought to be primarily located on converted rice paddies.
Assessing information-sharing networks within small-scale fisheries and the implications for conservation interventions
Authors: Arlidge William , Firth Josh , Alfaro-Shigueto Joanna , Ibanez-Erquiaga Bruno , Mangel Jeffrey , Squires Dale , Milner-Gulland EJ 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The effectiveness of biodiversity conservation interventions is often dependent on local resource users' underlying social interactions. However, it remains unclear how fine-scale differences in information shared between resource users can influence network structure and the success of behavior-change interventions. Using network null models that incorporate a pre-network data permutation procedure, we compare information-sharing networks in a Peruvian fishing community where a trial conservation intervention is underway to reduce the incidental capture of sea turtles (bycatch). We show that the general network structure detailing information sharing about sea turtle bycatch differs from other fishing-related information sharing, specifically in degree assortativity and eccentricity. This finding highlights the importance of assessing social networks in contexts directly relevant to the desired intervention and that fine-scale differences in the information shared between resource users may influence network structure. Our findings also demonstrate how null model approaches developed in the ecological sciences can elucidate important differences between human networks and identify the social contexts which might be more or less appropriate for information-sharing related to conservation interventions.
Fluid Proteomics of CSF and Serum Reveal Important Neuroinflammatory Proteins in Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Outcome Prediction Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Lindblad Caroline , Pin Elisa , Just David , Nimer Faiez Al , Nilsson Peter , Bellander Bo-Michael , Svensson Mikael , Piehl Fredrik , Thelin Eric Peter 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and a subsequent neuroinflammatory process. We aimed to perform a multiplex screening of brain enriched and inflammatory proteins in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in order to study their role in BBB disruption, neuroinflammation and long-term functional outcome in TBI patients and healthy controls. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study on 90 severe TBI patients and 15 control subjects. Clinical outcome data, Glasgow Outcome Scale, was collected after 6-12 months. We utilized a suspension bead antibody array analyzed on a FlexMap 3D Luminex platform to characterize 177 unique proteins in matched CSF and serum samples. In addition, we assessed BBB disruption using the CSF-serum albumin quotient (QA), and performed Apolipoprotein E-genotyping as the latter has been linked to BBB function in the absence of trauma. We employed pathway-, cluster-, and proportional odds regression analyses.Results: TBI patients had an upregulation of structural and neuroinflammatory pathways in both CSF and serum. In total, 114 proteins correlated with QA, among which the top-correlated proteins were complement proteins. A cluster analysis revealed protein levels to be strongly associated with BBB integrity, but not carriage of the Apolipoprotein E4-variant. Among cluster-derived proteins, innate immune pathways were upregulated. Forty unique proteins emanated as novel independent predictors of clinical outcome, that individually explained ~10% additional model variance. Among proteins significantly different between TBI patients with intact or disrupted BBB, complement C9 in CSF (p = 0.014, ΔR2 = 7.4%) and complement factor B in serum (p = 0.003, ΔR2 = 9.2%) were independent outcome predictors also following step-down modelling. Conclusions: This represents the largest concomitant CSF and serum proteomic profiling study so far reported in TBI, providing substantial support to the notion that neuroinflammatory markers, including complement activation, predicts BBB disruption and long-term outcome. Individual proteins identified here could potentially serve to refine current biomarker modelling or represent novel treatment targets in severe TBI.