bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wind and Gravity in Shaping Picea Trunks
Authors: Larjavaara Markku , Auvinen Mikko , Kantola Anu , Mäkelä Annikki 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background:Understanding why trunks (tree stems) are the size that they are is important. However, this understanding is fragmented into isolated schools of thought and has been far from complete. Realistic calculations on minimum trunk diameters needed to resist bending moments caused by wind and gravity would be a significant step forward. However, advancements using this biomechanical approach have been delayed by difficulties in modelling wind gusts. We felled and measured five Norway spruces (Picea abies) in an unthinned monoculture in southeastern Finland planted 67 years earlier. We focused on forces working on storm-bent (maximally bent) trees caused by gravity and the strongest gust in a one-hour simulation with a large-eddy simulation model. Results:The three largest trees resisted mean above-canopy wind speeds ranging from 10.2 m s-1 to 12.7 m s-1 (3.3-fold in the gust), but the two smallest were well protected by a dense layer of leaves from the bending tops of larger trees, and could have resisted stronger winds. Gravity caused approximately one quarter of the critical bending moments. Conclusions:Our biomechanical modelling of trunk taper based on wind and gravity leads to diameters close to those measured, and we discuss the potential causes of the deviations. This approach could also be used to model tree biomasses and how those may change with changing climate.
Comparison of Clinicopathological Features and Long-Term Prognosis Between Mixed Predominantly Differentiated-Type and Pure Differentiated-Type Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Okagawa Yutaka , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Kondo Hitoshi , Tomita Yusuke , Uozumi Takeshi , Iida Reiichi , Sakano Hiroya , Tokuchi Kaho , Jin Takashi , Yoshida Masahiro , Fujii Ryoji , Minagawa Takeyoshi , Morita Kohtaro , Yane Kei , Ihara Hideyuki , Hirayama Michiaki , Oyamada Yumiko , Okushiba Shunichi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent studies have shown that mixed predominantly differentiated-type (MD) early gastric cancer (EGC) might have more malignant potential than pure differentiated-type (PD) EGC. However, no study has analyzed all differentiated-type EGC cases treated endoscopically and surgically. This study aimed to compare the differences in clinicopathological features and long-term prognosis between MD- and PD-EGC. Methods: We evaluated all patients with differentiated-type EGCs who were treated endoscopically and surgically in our hospital between January 2010 and October 2014. The clinicopathological features and long-term prognosis of MD-EGC were compared with those of PD-EGC.Results: A total of 459 patients with 459 lesions were evaluated in this study; of them, 409 (89.1%) and 50 (10.9%) were classified into the PD and MD group, respectively. Submucosal invasion was found in 96 (23.5%) of the PD group and in 33 (66.0%) of the MD group (p<0.01). The rates of positive lymphatic and vascular invasion and ulceration were significantly higher in the MD group than in the PD group (p<0.01). The proportion of patients with lymph node metastasis was also significantly higher in the MD group than in the PD group (5 (10%) vs 6 (1.5%), p<0.01). The 5-year overall and EGC-specific survival rates in the PD were 88.3% and 99.5%, respectively, while they were 94.0% and 98.0% in the MD group, respectively. Conclusions: MD-EGC has more malignant potential than PD-EGC. However, the long-term prognosis of MD-EGC is good and is not significantly different from that of PD-EGC when treated appropriately.
Health-related quality of life in children with congenital heart disease aged 5 to 7 years: a multicentre controlled cross-sectional study
Authors: Abassi Hamouda , Huguet Helena , Picot Marie-Christine , Vincenti Marie , Gauillaumont Sophie , Auer Annie , Werner Oscar , Villeon Grégoire De La , Lavastre Kathleen , Gavotto Arthur , Auquier Pascal , Amedro Pascal 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
In the context of tremendous progress in congenital cardiology, more attention has been given to patient-related outcomes, especially in assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with congenital heart diseases (CHD). However, most studies have mainly focused on teenagers or adults and currently, few HRQoL controlled data is available in young children. This study aimed to evaluate HRQoL of children with CHD aged 5 to 7 y.o., in comparison with contemporary peers recruited in school, as well as the factors associated with HRQoL in this population.
Methods
This multicentre controlled prospective cross-sectional study included 124 children with a CHD (mean age = 6.0 ± 0.8 y, 45% female) during their outpatient visit and 125 controls (mean age = 6.2 ± 0.8 y, 54% female) recruited at school. A generic paediatric HRQoL instrument was used (PedsQL 4.0).
Results
Self-reported HRQoL in children with CHD was similar to controls, overall (73.5 ± 1.2 vs. 72.8 ± 1.2, P = 0.7, respectively), and for each dimension. Parents-reported HRQoL was significantly lower in the CHD group than in controls. HRQoL was predicted by the disease severity and by repeated invasive cardiac procedures (surgery or catheterization).
Conclusion
HRQoL in young children with CHD aged 5 to 7 years old was good and similar to controls. This study contributed to the growing body of knowledge on HRQoL in congenital cardiology and emphasized the need for child and family support in the most complex CHD.
Trial registration:
This study was approved by the institutional review board of Montpellier University Hospital (2019_IRB-MTP_02–19) on 22 February 2019 and was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03931096) on 30 April 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03931096.
Assessment of Sodium Thiosulfate Neutralizing Effect on Micro-hardness of Dentin Treated With Sodium Hypochlorite
Authors: Sahebi Safoora , Sobhnamayan fereshteh , Naseri Mohammadhasan , Moazami Fariborz 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of sodium thiosulfate (STS) to reverse the adverse effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on dentin microhardness.
Methods
Fifty single-rooted teeth were decoronated and longitudinally sectioned. The samples were divided into a control and four sample groups (n = 20): Normal saline for 15 min as the control group, G1: 2.5% NaOCl for 15 min without an incubation period, G2: 2.5% NaOCl for 15 min, G3: 2.5% NaOCl for 15 min irrigated with normal saline followed by 5% Na2S2O3 for 10 min, G4: Normal saline for 15 min followed by 5% Na2S2O3 for 10 min. All groups except G1 were incubated for 1 week. The microhardness measurements were determined using the Vickers micro-hardness test. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test for pairwise comparisons. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
All groups showed a significant decrease in the micro-hardness value compared with the control group. NaOCl for 1 week (G2) reduced the micro-hardness of dentine compared with samples, tested immediately after immersion in NaOCl (G1) (p < 0.05). NaOCl alone (G2) or treated with Na2S2O3 (G3) resulted in a significant decrease in microhardness compared with the Na2S2O3 group (G4) (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Sodium thiosulfate as a neutralizing agent could not prevent the microhardness downturn caused by sodium hypochlorite
Complaints of Paediatric Patients After Dental Treatment Under General Anaesthesia I: Pain. A Prospective Observational Study.
Authors: Radácsi Andrea , Katona Krisztián , Farkas Nelli , Kövesi Tamás , Szántó Ildikó , Sandor Balazs 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Dental treatment under general anaesthesia for children is a useful option in behaviour management. However, this treatment modality may also be accompanied by considerable postoperative pain. We aimed to specify factors related to postoperative pain and those that alleviate complaints. Methods: Children treated in general anaesthesia and their parents voluntarily participated in the study. Pain was reported daily by children using Wong Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and by caregivers, using a yes/no questionnaire during hospitalization and throughout the postoperative week. The relation of patient and operation linked factors were evaluated in accordance with the duration and severity of pain. Results: Based on children’s responses and parental feedback, no significant difference was found in pain level between extraction and non-extraction cases. Intraoperative local anaesthesia did not influence pain during hospitalization. Compared to other analgesics postoperative intravenous opioid administration was more effective in pain management. Older patients reported more durable and severe pain during the postoperative week. Treatment time, airway management and the class of extracted primary tooth (molar, anterior) significantly influenced pain during postoperative week. Additionally, parental questionnaires revealed correlation between gender and postoperative pain.Conclusion: Few of the influencing factors are alterable, but with precise and meticulous treatment planning postoperative pain, thereby the distress on families may be reduced.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Studies of Synthetic Copper(I)-containing Small Molecule Complexes Against Streptococcus Mutans in Vitro
Authors: Pan Ting , Wang Yinuo , Liu Fengshou , Lin Huancai , Zhou Yan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

With the goal to develop high efficiency oral antimicrobial agents to prevent dental caries, a collection of copper(I)-containing small molecule complexes with different substitution were synthesized and characterized. In current research, we screened these complexes and explored their antimicrobial activities, especially against cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans.
Methods

The characterization and minimum inhibitory concentrations of these complexes have been determined by NMR spectroscopy and standard broth microdilution, respectively. Biofilm formation and morphology were evaluated using crystal violet staining, MTT, confocal laser scanning microscope and scanning electron microscope. Finally, we tested the biocompatibility.
Results

Cu1 was screened and presented excellent performance, which suggested that the less lipophilic and less steric copper complexes would be effective toward the bacterial. Cu1 also effectively inhibited the formation of S.mutans biofilm at its minimum inhibitory concentration.
Conclusions

This study demonstrates a high potential of copper(I)-containing small molecule complexes as broad-spectrum inhibitors to treat oral bacterial, especially for diminishing S.mutans biofilm formation.
Empagliflozin Leads to a Rapid and Sustained Improvement of Left Ventricular Filling Pressure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: a Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Rau Matthias , Thiele Kirsten , Hartmann Niels-Ulrik Korbinian , Schuh Alexander , Altiok Ertunc , Möllmann Julia , Keszei András P. , Böhm Michael , Marx Nikolaus , Lehrke Michael 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIn the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial (Empagliflozin Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial) treatment with the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin significantly reduced heart failure hospitalization (HHF) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and established cardiovascular disease. The early separation of the HHF event curves within the first 3 months of the trial suggest that early hemodynamic effects may play a role, potentially mediated by direct diuretic effects of the drug. In this study we examined immediate and more delayed effects of empagliflozin on urinary volume excretion, left ventricular filling pressure and function in addition to hemodynamic parameters.MethodsIn this placebo-controlled, randomized, double blind, exploratory study patients with T2D were randomized to empagliflozin 10 mg or placebo for a period of 3 months. Urinary volume excretion, echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters were assessed after 1 day, 3 days and 3 months of treatment.ResultsBaseline characteristics were comparable in the empagliflozin (n = 20) and placebo (n = 22) group. Empagliflozin led to a significant increase of urinary glucose excretion (baseline: 7.3 ± 22.7 g/24 hrs; day 1: 48.4 ± 34.7 g/24 hrs; p < 0.001) as well as urinary volume (1740 ± 601 mL/24 hrs to 2112 ± 837 mL/24 hrs; p = 0.011) at day one of treatment which remained significant after 3 months. In addition empagliflozin significantly improved left ventricular filling pressure as assessed by a reduction of early mitral inflow velocity relative to early diastolic left ventricular relaxation (E/e’) which became significant at day 1 of treatment (baseline: 9.2 ± 2.6; day 1: 8.5 ± 2.2; p = 0.005) and remained apparent throughout the study. This was primarily attributable to reduced early mitral inflow velocity E (baseline: 0.8 ± 0.2 m/sec; day 1: 0.73 ± 0.2 m/sec; p = 0.003). No difference in left ventricular function or hemodynamic parameters was observed.ConclusionEmpagliflozin treatment of patients with T2D led to a significant rapid and sustained improvement of left ventricular filling pressure.Trial Registration: EudraCT Number: 2016-000172-19; date of registration: 2017-02-20 (clinicaltrialregister.eu)
Platelet Proteome Changes in Dogs with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: LEVENT Pinar , KOCATÜRK Meriç , AKGÜN Emel , SARIL Ahmet , ÇEVİK Ozge , BAYKAL Ahmet Tarik , TANAKA Ryou , CERON Jose Joaquin , YILMAZ Zeki 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Platelets play a central role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and changes in their proteins are involved in the pathophysiology of heart diseases in humans. There is lack of knowledge about the possible role of platelets in chronic heart failure (CHF) in dogs. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the changes in global platelet proteomes in dogs with CHF, to clarify the possible role of platelets in the physiopathology of this disease. Healthy-dogs (n=10) and dogs with CHF due to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (n=10) were used. Blood samples were collected into tubes with acid-citrate-dextrose, and platelet-pellets were obtained by centrifuge and washing steps. Platelet-proteomes were identified using LC-MS based label-free differential proteome expression analysis method and matched according to protein database for Canis lupus familiaris. Results: Totally 107 different proteins were identified in the platelets of the dogs being 4 out of them were significantly up-regulated and 6 down-regulated in the CHF dogs. Guanine-nucleotide-binding protein, apolipoproteins (A-II and C-III) and clusterin levels increased, but CXC-motif-chemokine-10, cytochrome-C-oxidase-subunit-2, cathepsin-D, serine/threonine-protein-phosphatase-PP1-gamma-catalytic-subunit, creatine-kinase-B-type and myotrophin levels decreased in the CHF dogs. These proteins are associated with several molecular functions, biological processes, signaling systems and immune-inflammatory responses.Conclusion: This study describes by first time the changes in the protein composition in platelets of dogs with CHF. Our findings provide a resource for increase the knowledge about the proteome of canine platelets and their roles in CHF and could be a tool for further investigations about the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Development and Evaluation of Recombinant GRA8 Protein for the Serodiagnosis of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Goats
Authors: Jirapattharasate Charoonluk , Udonsom Ruenruetai , Prachasuphap Apichai , Jongpitisub Kodcharad , Dhepakson Panadda 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background The development of sensitive and specific methods for detecting Toxoplasma gondii infection is critical for preventing and controlling toxoplasmosis in humans and other animals. Recently, various recombinant proteins have been used in serological tests for diagnosing toxoplasmosis. The production of these antigens is associated with live tachyzoites obtained from cell cultures or laboratory animals for genomic extraction to amplify target genes. Synthetic genes have gained a key role in recombinant protein production. For the first time, we demonstrated the production of the recombinant protein of the T. gondii dense granular antigen 8 (TgGRA8) gene based on commercial gene synthesis. Recombinant TgGRA8 plasmids were successfully expressed in an Escherichia coli system. The recombinant protein was affinity-purified and characterized via sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. Furthermore, the diagnostic potential of the recombinant protein was assessed using 306 field serum samples from goats via indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) and the latex agglutination test (LAT).Results Western blotting using known positive serum samples from goats identified a single antigen at the expected molecular weight of TgGRA8 (27 kDa). iELISA illustrated that 15.40% of goat samples were positive for T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies. In addition, TgGRA8 provided high sensitivity and specificity, with significant concordance (91.83) and kappa values (0.69) compared with the results obtained using LAT.Conclusion Our findings highlight the production of a recombinant protein from a synthetic TgGRA8 gene and the ability to detect T. gondii infection in field samples. The sensitivity and specificity of TgGRA8 demonstrated that this protein could be a good serological marker for detecting specific IgG in goat sera.
Genomic and clinical characterisation of multidrug-resistant carbapenemase-producing ST231 and ST16 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates colonising and causing disease in hospitalised patients at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand from 2015 to 2017
Authors: Boonyasiri Adhiratha , Jauneikaite Elita , Brinkac Lauren M. , Greco Chris , Lerdlamyong Kanokorn , Tangkoskul Teerawit , Nguyen Kevin , Thamlikitkul Visanu , Fouts Derrick E. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) have continually grown as a global public health threat, with significant mortality rates observed across the world. We examined the clinical data from patients with CPE infections and their outcomes, concentrating on Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. We analysed the clinical information, performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and conducted molecular epidemiological and genomic analyses on the isolates to identify patterns in the data.Methods: The clinical characteristics of 33 hospitalised patients with confirmed CPE, including patient-related factors associated with the development of CPE infections, were examined. Patients were divided according to whether they were “colonised” or “infected” with CPE and by the timing and frequency of their rectal swab collections, from which 45 swabs were randomly selected for analysis. CPE isolates were purified, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests performed. Whole genome sequences of these isolates were determined and analysed to compute bacterial multilocus sequence types and plasmid replicon types, infer phylogenetic relationships, and identify antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes.Results: Altogether, 88.9% (40/45) of the CPE isolates were K. pneumoniae. The most abundant carbapenemase gene family in the K. pneumoniae isolates (33/39) was blaOXA-232, with blaNDM-1 additionally identified in 19 of them. All CPE isolates carrying either blaOXA-232 or blaNDM-1 were resistant to meropenem, but only 40 from 45 were susceptible to colistin. Among the CPE-infected patients (n=18) and CPE-colonised patients who developed CPE infections during the study (n=3), all but one received standard colistin-based combination therapy. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the polyclonal spread of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (CPKP) within the patient population, with the following two major subclades identified: ST16 (n=15) and ST231 (n=14). CPKP-ST231 had the highest virulence score of 4 and was associated with primary bacteraemia. The siderophores yersiniabactin and aerobactin, considered to be important virulence factors, were only identified in the CPKP-ST231 genomes.Conclusions: This study has revealed the genomic features of disease-causing or colonising CPE isolates, focusing on antimicrobial resistance and virulence determinants. This type of multi-layered analysis can be further exploited in Thailand and elsewhere to modify the regimes used for empirical antibiotic treatment and improve the management strategies for CPE infections in hospitalised patients.
Long-Term HbA1c Variability and Cardiovascular Death: Insights from the EMPA-REG OUTCOME Trial
Authors: Ceriello Antonio , Ofstad Anne Pernille , Zwiener Isabella , Kaspers Stefan , George Jyothis , Nicolucci Antonio 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Glucose variability has been associated with cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in type 2 diabetes, however, the interplay between glucose variability, empagliflozin and CV death has not been explored. In the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, empagliflozin reduced the risk of CV death by 38%. We explore post-hoc the association between HbA1c variability and CV death, and the potential mediating effects of HbA1c variability on empagliflozin’s CV death reductions.Methods: In total, 7,020 patients with type 2 diabetes and established CV disease received placebo, empagliflozin 10 mg or 25 mg. We defined within-patient HbA1c variability as standard deviation, coefficient of variation and range of HbA1c measurements (%) post-baseline. First, we compared HbA1c variability until week 28 and 52 by Wilcoxon tests. We explored the association between CV death and HbA1c variability in placebo and pooled empagliflozin arms separately with landmark analyses at week 28 and 52, and additionally with HbA1c variability as a time-dependent co-variate. We used Cox regression models adjusted for baseline risk factors including changes in HbA1c from baseline to week 12, and the interaction term HbA1c variability* treatment.Results: HbA1c variability was lower with empagliflozin compared to placebo. In all Cox analyses, high HbA1c variability increased the risk for CV death in both treatment arms with no interaction with treatment.Conclusions: HbA1c variability was reduced by empagliflozin and high values of HbA1c variability were associated with an increased risk of CV death. Empagliflozin’s reduction in CV death did not appear to be mediated by reductions in HbA1c variability.ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01131676. Registered May 27 2010. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01131676