bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sciatic obturator femoral technique versus spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for fixation of open tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixator: A randomised trial
Authors: Shokri Hoda , Kasem Amr 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Peripheral nerve block is an ideal choice for lower limb surgery because of the peripheral site of the surgical procedure and the ability to block pain pathways at multiple levels. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of SOFT (sciatic-obturator-femoral nerve block technique) compared with spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for fixation of open tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixatorMethods This study was conducted over 107 patients ASA I, II scheduled for fixation of open tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixator. The patients were randomly allocated to receive either spinal anaesthesia or SOFT block. In spinal anaesthesia group, patients received spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (7.5-10mg). In SOFT group, patients received SOFT block with bupivacaine 0.25%. Primary endpoint included the duration of analgesia. The secondary endpoints included patient satisfaction scores, time of first analgesic dose, visual analogue scale scores, incidence of adverse events as vomiting, systemic toxicity from local anaesthetic, paresthesia observed within 48 hours of the block.Results The duration of soft block and time to first analgesic dose in SOFT group was significantly longer (p<0.001). The incidence of headache (p=0.028) and back pain (p=0.012) was significantly higher in spinal group. There was no significant difference between the study groups regarding satisfaction scores, the incidence of cardiovascular collapse, seizures and parathesia. Pain scores were significantly lower in SOFT group at 3,6,12 hours postoperative (p<0.001).Time to the first effect was significantly longer in SOFT (P<0.001).Conclusion Our results showed that SOFT is a feasible technique of local anaesthesia for control of postoperative pain with unremarkable adverse events compared with spinal anaesthesia, in patients undergoing elective fixation of tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixator.
Association between the need for normative and self-perceived dental treatment in young Brazilian students
Authors: Delela Fernanda Crestina Leitenski , Martins Aline Blaya , Ely Helenita Correa , Abegg Claides 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose: To assess the level of agreement and association between clinical and self-perceived need for dental treatment in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1470 adolescents aged 15-19 years in 36 cities in southern Brazil. The data were collected in 2011 from a questionnaire and clinical oral examination. The clinical criteria used to determine the need for dental treatment were the positive result of clinical examination for one or more variables of presence of caries, gingival bleeding, trauma, need for restorative treatment and need for aesthetic treatment. The question: "Do you think you currently need dental treatment?" was used to assess the self-perceived need for treatment. Results: Of the adolescents, 55.9% were female and 47.1% had an average family income of 1-3 minimum wages. The majority (87.40%) presented normative needs. Regarding self-perception, 74.60% reported a need for dental treatment. There was significant positive agreement between positive self-perceived assessment of dental treatment needs and normative assessment. The sensitivity value was 76.90%, and specificity was 40.90%. The positive predictive value was 90%, whereas the negative predictive value was 20.30%. Adolescents presenting dental caries had a 24% higher prevalence of self-perceived need for dental treatment. The results of this study showed strong agreement between the need for self-perceived treatment and the need for clinical treatment. Conclusions: The positive self-perception of the need for dental treatment in young people can be used as an instrument to evaluate oral health conditions, since it can be used to meet their normative needs.
Decompensated islet beta cell function in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Liu Dafeng , Zhou Lingyun , Zhang Xinyi , Zeng Yilan , Bai Lang , Wu Dongbo , Tang Hong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background

Dysglycometabolism is often accompanied with decreased islet β cell function based on the homeostasis model assessment of β cell function (HOMA-β). In this study, we aimed to identify the difference in HOMA-β values between Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-hepatitis B virus (non-HBV) patients.Methods

The study included 110 CHB and 110 non-HBV patients matched according to gender, age, and body mass index. HOMA-β values were evaluated.Results

Under the normal glucose tolerance(NGT) condition, the HOMA-β value of the CHB group was in the decompensated stage, and HOMA-β value of CHB was always lower than non-HBV patients (NGT, impaired glucose regulation, and diabetes mellitus: 47.53vs.124.19, 41.59vs.80.17, and 36.46vs.62.92mIU/mmol; t =−4.709, −2.042, and −2.091; P=0.000, 0.047, and 0.046, respectively).Conclusion

Clinicians should focus on dysglycometabolism of patients with CHB.
A Novel LNP-based Chlamydia subunit vaccine formulation that induces Th1 responses without upregulating IL-17 provides equivalent protection in mice as formulations that induced IL-17 and Th1 cytokines
Authors: Boddicker Melissa Ann , Kaufhold Robin M. , Cox Kara S. , Lucas Bob J. , Xie Jinfu , Nahas Deborah D. , Touch Sinoeun , Espeseth Amy S. , Vora Kalpit , Skinner Julie M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Sexually transmitted Chlamydia infections can lead to the development of debilitating diseases such as chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. It has been proposed that immunity against Chlamydia infection and disease may be determined by a balance of IL-17 signaling. We sought to evaluate novel formulations for a candidate Chlamydia vaccine, consisting of Chlamydia major outer membrane protein (MOMP) alone or in combination with polymorphic membrane protein D (PmpD) and polymorphic membrane protein G (PmpG) as target immunogens. Native MOMP (nMOMP) isolated from C. muridarum elementary bodies (EBs) and recombinant PmpD and PmpG proteins were adjuvanted with Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), in one of two formulations containing either lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or the cationic lipid dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDA). Antibody titers to C. muridarum, nMOMP, and EBs were evaluated by ELISA, and T-cell responses by intracellular cytokine staining (ICS). Protection from challenge was determined by qPCR and gross pathology. All mice immunized with the new vaccine formulations showed significantly higher antibody titers to nMOMP (P<0.001) and C. muridarum EBs (P<0.001), when compared to the negative control group (adjuvant alone). Antibody titers in vaccine groups with Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA)+LNP were higher as compared to the MPLA+DDA group (P<0.001) except for groups 6 (Cm nMOMP+PmpG+PmpD p73+PmpD p82+MPLA+DDA) vs 7 (Cm nMOMP+PmpG+PmpD p73+PmpD p82+MPLA+LNP) for both C. muridarum EBs and PmpG; the groups were not statistically significant. ICS analysis showed more robust CD4+ T-cell responses (IFN-γ/IL-2/TNF-α) in the dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDA) and LNP groups compared to the adjuvant alone group. The combination of DDA and MPLA gave robust Th17 responses in comparison to MPLA and LNP group. Immunized groups also showed protection from challenge with C. muridarum , as evidenced by a reduction in bacterial shedding from the vagina for all groups (P<0.003) compared to shedding from the adjuvant control, Group 1. Both vaccine formulations generated robust immunological responses and both vaccine formulations were protective by reducing bacterial shedding after challenge. This data indicates equal protection can be achieved without the induction of Th17 responses.
Opium is an important risk factor for coronary artery ectasia; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Masoumi Moohammad 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Introduction Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare cardiovascular disorder with unknown mechanisms and related risk factors. The roles played by homocysteine in induction of cardiovascular diseases have also been documenetd previously. This project was designed to explore the roles played by opium in the pathogenesis of CAE disorder and the roles of the plausible risk factors on the homocysteine and other biochemical factors.Material and methods This cross-sectional study was performed on the 46 patients with CAE, 30 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 42 cases without CAE and CAD (controls). Demographic data and information regarding opium consuming and also smoking were collected using standard chek list. Serum levels of homocysteine, creatinin (Cr), urea, fasting blood glucose (FBG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG) and cholestrol (Chol) were determined.Results Statistical analysis revealed that opium consumers were significantly higher in CAD and CAE patients when compared to healthy controls. Opium increased serum levels of Cr in the normal controls, and decreased HDL in the CAD patients. Homocysteine serum levels were not altered among the groups.Discussion Due to the results it appears that opium may be considered as a risk factor for either CAE or CAD independent of homocysteine and also may be the risk factor for kidney diseases in the normal population.
An in vitro comparison of a novel Self-Assembling Peptide Matrix Gel and selected desensitizing toothpastes in reducing fluid flow by dentine tubular occlusion
Authors: Hill Robert G , Chen Helen , Lysek Dominikus A , Gillam David 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: The objective of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the ability of a novel self-assembling peptide matrix gel with calcium phosphate in effectively occluding dentine tubules compared to selected desensitizing toothpastes. Methods: Mid-coronal dentine discs with a thickness of 1 mm were sectioned from caries-free human molars. The discs were etched with 6% citric acid for 2 minutes, halved and subjected to a 2-minute brushing with a novel gel (SAPM) and three selected desensitizing toothpastes ([SRP], [SRR] and [CSP]). The ability of the desensitizing gel and toothpastes to occlude the dentine tubules was assessed and compared before and after brushing using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on both etched and fractured dentine surfaces. The SEM observations were supplemented by hydraulic conductance measurements using a modified Pashley model before and after tooth brushing (n=5). Results: The results demonstrated that there was a reduction in both the number and the diameter of the open dentine tubules, which was evident for all the treated dentine discs. The particles that occluded the open dentine tubules, however had different morphologies and distribution. The self-assembling peptide matrix gel (SAPM) demonstrated the greater reduction in the number of open tubules compared to the other desensitizing toothpastes. Reductions in the hydraulic conductance measurements were observed for all tested materials (mean [SD, %]: SAPM 55.1 [12.5], SRP 64.9 [18.5], SRR 39.1 [17.1] and CSP 27.6 [6.8]). No statistically differences were observed between the SAPM and SRP, SRR toothpastes (paired t-Test; ≤0.05) although a significant difference was noted between the SAPM and the CSP toothpastes. There was an overall trend for reduction for the SAPM compared to the SRR toothpaste. Conclusion: The results would suggest that a novel self-assembling peptide matrix gel (SAPM) was effective in blocking the dentine tubules and may therefore have the potential to be an effective desensitizing product for the treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity.
Comparison of two different approaches for sensitivity analysis in Heihe River basin (China)
Authors: Huo Aidi , Huang Zhikai , Cheng Yuxiang , Van Liew Michael W. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Distributed watershed models should pass through a careful sensitivity analysis and calibration procedure before they are utilized as a decision making aid in the planning and management of water resources. Although manual approaches are still frequently used for sensitivity and calibration, they are tedious, time consuming, and require experienced personnel. This paper describes two typical and effective automatic approaches for sensitivity analysis and calibration for the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). These included the Sequential Uncertainty Fitting (SUFI-2) algorithm and Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE-UA) algorithm. The results show the following. (1) The main factor that influences the simulated accuracy of the Heihe River basin runoff is the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) runoff curve parameters. (2) SWAT performed very well in the Heihe River basin. According to the observed runoff data from 2005 to 2013, the determination coefficient R2 of the simulation and the efficiency coefficient (Ens) of the model was higher than 0.8. (3) Compared with the Shuffled Complex Evolution, the SUFI-2 algorithm provides almost the same overall ranking of the sensitive parameters, but it is found to require less time with higher accuracy. The SUFI-2 provides a practical and flexible tool to attain reliable deterministic simulation and uncertainty analysis of SWAT, it can lead to a better understanding and to better estimated values and thus reduced uncertainty.
An Effective Cumulative Torsion Angles Model for Prediction of Protein Folding Rates
Authors: Li Yanru , Zhang Ying , Lv Jun 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Protein folding rate is mainly determined by the size of the
conformational space to search, which in turn is dictated by factors such as size, structure and
amino-acid sequence in a protein. It is important to integrate these factors effectively to form a
more precisely description of conformation space. But there is no general paradigm to answer this
question except some intuitions and empirical rules. Therefore, at the present stage, predictions of
the folding rate can be improved through finding new factors, and some insights are given to the
above question.

Objective:
Its purpose is to propose a new parameter that can describe the size of the
conformational space to improve the prediction accuracy of protein folding rate.

Method:
Based on the optimal set of amino acids in a protein, an effective cumulative backbone
torsion angles (CBTAeff) was proposed to describe the size of the conformational space. Linear
regression model was used to predict protein folding rate with CBTAeff as a parameter. The degree
of correlation was described by the coefficient of determination and the mean absolute error MAE
between the predicted folding rates and experimental observations.

Results:
It achieved a high correlation (with the coefficient of determination of 0.70 and MAE of
1.88) between the logarithm of folding rates and the (CBTAeff)0.5 with experimental over 112 twoand
multi-state folding proteins.

Conclusion:
The remarkable performance of our simplistic model demonstrates that CBTA based
on optimal set was the major determinants of the conformation space of natural proteins.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Disordered Eating Attitudes and Behaviors Among High-school Girls in Al-Madinah City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Qahtani Awad M. , Al-Harbi Lamees M. 
Published: November 2019

Objectives::
To determine the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors
among high-school girls in Al-Madinah City, Saudi Arabia.

Methods::
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Al-Madinah city in 2014-15. A multi-
stage random sampling technique was adopted to include female students of government secondary
schools. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and socio-economical questionnaires were used in the
study for assessing the prevalence of disordered eating. All data were entered and analyzed using
SPSS version 20.

Results::
Overweight and obesity were reported among 11.2% and 5.6% of them, respectively,
whereas 31.3% of the participants were underweight. The overall prevalence of disordered eating
attitudes among female students was 42.5%. This rate was significantly higher among younger
(≤16 years old) and those of the first scholastic level than others. The rate of disordered eating
attitude was reported at a higher rate among obese students (59.1%) than underweight (41.5%) and
normal students (42.4%). The commonest reported disordered eating behavior was self-reported
binge eating behaviour (25.2%), followed by self-induced vomiting (8.7%) and the use of laxatives/
diuretics to control weight (6.1%).

Conclusion::
The findings show a high prevalence of disordered eating attitude among high school
female students in Al-Madinah city. Younger girls and those of the first scholastic level showed
higher disordered eating attitude.
Determination of Phenolic Compounds’ Extraction Conditions from Pistacia palaestina Leaves at Two Different Stages of Maturity
Authors: Zam Wissam , Ali Ali , Hasan Razan 
Published: November 2019

Background:Phenolic compounds are distributed throughout the plant kingdom. Numerous investigations have proved that Pistacia species have secondary metabolites, and these contain different classes of bioactive phenolic compounds.Objective:The objective of the present work was to optimize the extraction conditions of phenolic compounds from Pistacia palaestina leaves cultivated in Syria and find out the effects of the solvent type, extraction time, and temperature on total phenolic content (TPC) and in vitro antioxidant activity% (AA%). Two different growth stages were studied.Methods:Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content values were estimated using 2,2’-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, respectively.Results:The highest TPC and AA% were found in fresh leaves (14.32g/100g and 92.69%, respectively). The optimum extraction solvent for phenolic recovery and antioxidant capacity was acetone 40%. Changes both in temperature (25, 40, 60 and 80°C) and time (15, 30, 45 and 60 min) had no significant influence on TPC and AA% of Pistacia extracts.Conclusion:Phenolic compounds could be extracted in a short time at a low temperature and could be used as natural antioxidant agents.
Molecular Complex of Glycyrrhizic Acid Monoammonium Salt with Cholesterol
Authors: Yakovishin Leonid A. 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Glycyrrhizic Acid (GA) is the major triterpene saponin of licorice roots. The
most important derivative of GA is its monoammonium salt (glycyram, GC). Some pharmacological
properties of triterpene saponins explain their molecular complexation with Cholesterol (Chol). However,
the molecular complexation of GC with Chol has not been proven. The functional groups of GA
and GC involved in the interactions with Chol were not identified.

Methods:
The complexation has been investigated by the method of isomolar series in the spectrophotometric
version, IR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The constant is calculated on the basis of isomolar
curves.

Results:
The molecular complex of GC with Chol has been prepared for the first time. It has been
shown that GC forms a 1 : 1 complex with Chol having a stability constant Ks of (3.3 ± 0.2)×105
(mol/L)-1 (in 70% aqueous EtOH at 18 °С).

Conclusion:
Intermolecular interaction in the complex is carried out by hydrogen bond formation between
C=O group of GC (in carboxyl group of the terminal residue of glucuronic acid in the carbohydrate
part) and 3β-hydroxyl group of Chol: -С=О⋅⋅⋅Н-О-. Hydrophobic contacts of the aglycone part of
GC with a lipophilic Chol molecule are possible.
Genetics of Atrial Fibrilation: In Search of Novel Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Lozano-Velasco Estefanía , Garcia-Padilla Carlos , Aránega Amelia E. , Franco Diego 
Published: November 2019

:Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmogenic disease in humans, ranging from 2% in the general population and rising up to 10-12% in 80+ years. Genetic analyses of AF familiar cases have identified a series of point mutations in distinct ion channels, supporting a causative link. However, these genetic defects only explain a minority of AF patients. Genomewide association studies identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), close to PITX2 on 4q25 chromosome, that are highly associated to AF. Subsequent GWAS studies have identified several new loci, involving additional transcription and growth factors. Furthermore, these risk 4q25 SNPs serve as surrogate biomarkers to identify AF recurrence in distinct surgical and pharmacological interventions. Experimental studies have demonstrated an intricate signalling pathway supporting a key role of the homeobox transcription factor PITX2 as a transcriptional regulator. Furthermore, cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperthyroidism, hypertension and redox homeostasis have been identified to modulate PITX2 driven gene regulatory networks. We provide herein a state-of-the-art review of the genetic bases of atrial fibrillation, our current understanding of the genetic regulatory networks involved in AF and its plausible usage for searching novel therapeutic targets.
Analysis of Senegal Type Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Arrangement in Wind Farm
Authors: Zheng Li , Wenda Zhang , Ruihua Han , Weiqiang Qi 
Published: November 2019

Background:
In a wind farm, the wind speed of the downstream wind turbine will be
lower than the wind speed of the upstream wind turbine due to the influence of the wake. Therefore,
the wake of wind turbines is one of the uncertain factors predicting the annual power generation of
the wind farms. The study on the wake can effectively improve the efficiency of power generation.
The arrangement of vertical axis wind turbines in wind farms is rarely studied. Therefore, it is important
to study the vertical layout of wind turbines under the influence of wakes to obtain the best
layout and unit spacing.

Objective:
The objective of this study is to obtain the optimal layout and unit distance of wind turbines
in Senegal wind farms by studying the arrangement of Senegal vertical axis wind turbines in
wind farms.

Methods:
Based on the ANSYS CFX flow field calculation module, the fluid dynamics model of
the Senegal fan was established and the flow field simulation analysis was carried out. Based on the
Jensen wake model and its improved model, three layout methods for the wind farm wind turbines
were proposed: two units were arranged in series, two units were arranged in parallel, and three
units were staggered. Through the simulation model, the wind energy utilization coefficient and
wind speed of the wind turbine in the wind farm were obtained.

Results:
The optimal separation distance between the units was analyzed from four different angles:
wind energy utilization coefficient, torque analysis, downstream tail flow and wind speed cloud contour.
Finally, based on the optimal arrangement and unit distance, a triangular staggered wind farm
composed of 10 units was established, and the integrated flow field characteristics of the whole
wind farm were simulated and analyzed. The integrated flow field wake characteristics of the wind
farm were obtained.

Conclusion:
In all the three arrangements, the optimum distance between the units must be three
times the diameter of the wind turbine. This arrangement ensures that most of the units are unaffected
by the wake, the area affected by the low-velocity wake of the wind farm is small, and the area
affected by the high-speed wake is large.