bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Participants’ assessments of the continuing educational program with the delivery mode of a periodontal alliance
Authors: Ni Jing , Wu Yifan , Xie Yufeng , Xue Lian , Dai Xing , Shu Rong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the periodontal continuing educational delivery mode via a periodontal alliance.MethodsAn innovative continuing educational delivery mode via a periodontal alliance has been conducted using a periodontal alliance of 30 hospitals in 18 provinces of China. This delivery mode integrates several instructional methods, including lectures, case presentations, and interactive question and answer sessions, all of which were conducted through online platforms. The effectiveness of the mode was evaluated via a questionnaire that was administered to the participants. The questionnaire consisted of 13 closed‐ended questions and 2 open‐ended questions.ResultsOf the 450 participants, 343 (76%) returned the questionnaire. Of the returned surveys, more than 92% provided positive feedback regarding the instructional methods of the program, stating that the techniques helped them study more efficiently and saved them time and money. More than 85% of the participants were satisfied with the instructional content and more than 90% of the participants considered the educational value of the program to be high, as it helped them identify gaps in knowledge, promoted their ability to establish treatment plans, and encouraged them to network with one another and thereby establish a supportive environment. With respect to the responses to the open‐ended questions, the participants claimed that the most useful aspects of the program were related to time and cost savings. The most frequent feedback with respect to improving the program was to include hands‐on courses and to divide the program into different levels.ConclusionsThe participants responded positively to the program. The periodontal alliance delivery mode was determined to be an effective way to improve the quality of continuing dental education.
Capital market frictions and human capital investment: Evidence from workplace safety around regulation SHO
Authors: Bai John (Jianqiu) , Lee Eunju , Zhang Chi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the effect of capital market frictions on firms’ workplace safety. Using Regulation SHO as a natural experiment, we find a significant increase in work‐related injury rates of pilot firms. The effect is stronger for firms in more competitive industries and with high financial constraints, and weaker for firms whose employees have high negotiating power and with good corporate governance. Further tests suggest that managers’ myopia shifts their focus away from investments in workplace safety when workplace safety is not related to firm performance. Overall, the results highlight how capital market frictions affect firms’ investment in human capital.
Can Karst Conduit Models Be Calibrated? A Dual Approach Using Dye Tracing and Temperature
Authors: Berglund James L. , Toran Laura , Herman Ellen K. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractModeling flow and transport using both temperature and dye tracing provides constraints that can improve understanding of karst networks. A laminar flow and transport model using the finite element subsurface flow model simulated the conduit connection between a sinking stream and spring in central Pennsylvania to evaluate how conduit morphology might affect dye transport. Single and overly tortuous conduit models resulted in high concentrations as dye flowed back into the conduit from the matrix after dye injections ceased. A forked conduit model diverted flow from the main conduit, reducing falling limb dye concentration. Latin hypercube sampling was performed to evaluate the sensitivity of 52 parameter combinations (conduit hydraulic conductivity, conduit cross‐sectional area, matrix transmissivity, matrix porosity, and dispersivity) for four conduit geometry scenarios. Sensitivity of arrival time for 50% of the dye indicated no parameter combinations which simulate falling limb dye concentrations for tortuous geometries, confirming the importance of the forked geometry regardless of other parameters. Temperature data from high‐resolution loggers were then incorporated into the forked conduit model to reproduce seasonal spring temperature using variable sink inflow. Unlike the dye trace models, the thermal models were sensitive to other model parameters, such as conduit cross‐sectional area and matrix transmissivity. These results showed this dual approach (dye and temperature) to karst network modeling is useful for (1) exploring the role of conduit and matrix interaction for contaminant storage, (2) constraining karst conduit geometries, which are often poorly understood, and (3) quantifying the effect of seasonal trends on karst aquifers.
‘It's Complicated’: Canadian Correctional Officer Recruits’ Interpretations of Issues Relating to the Presence of Transgender Prisoners
Authors: RICCIARDELLI ROSEMARY , PHOENIX JO , GACEK JAMES 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDrawing upon semi‐structured interviews with correctional officer recruits in training (n = 55), we reflect on recruit interpretations of transgender (trans) prisoner placement within federal prisons in light of recent changes instigated by Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau. Recognising that prison is a carceral and gender binary space, we assert that trans prisoner lives and experiences cannot easily be appropriately recognised or included in prison policy and prisoner management procedures. Our findings reveal that most recruits are supportive and appreciative of the complexities of trans experiences, yet some, especially those with prior experience working in prisons, describe occupational strains tied to accommodating trans prisoners.
Characterization of a mouse model to study the relationship between apical periodontitis and atherosclerosis
Authors: Berlin‐Broner Y. , Alexiou M. , Levin L. , Febbraio M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimFirst, to determine the feasibility of using the low‐density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR KO) mouse model to study apical periodontitis (AP). Secondly, to investigate the causal relationship between AP and atherosclerosis. It was hypothesized that it would be feasible to induce AP and atherosclerosis in LDLR KO mice and find a difference in atherosclerosis between AP and Sham groups.MethodologyUsing a published methodology, AP was induced in LDLR KO mice by exposing the dental pulp of the four first molars (Tx). Shams received only anaesthesia. Mice were fed a high fat, Western‐type diet (WTD), to induce atherosclerosis. At 16 weeks, mice were euthanized and aortas collected to measure atherosclerosis lesion burden (oil red O staining). Periapical lesions were validated using micro‐CT and histology. Systemic inflammation was measured using a cytokine array.ResultsBoth groups developed a similar degree of atherosclerosis (mean lesion area 7.46 ± 0.44% in the Tx group compared with 7.65 ± 0.46%, in the Sham group, P = 0.77), and a similar degree of inflammation. Periapical lesions (PALs) in all four molars were only identified in a small subset of Tx mice.ConclusionsA novel mouse model, which combines AP and CVD, was created. This model allows investigation of the relationship between the two diseases, whilst avoiding other potential common confounders. Although no difference in the degree of atherosclerosis was found between the groups, more studies in which the number of periapical lesions, changes in systemic inflammation and the degree of atherosclerosis are correlated are necessary to ultimately determine the impact of AP on CVD.
A connectivity mapping approach predicted acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) to induce osteo/odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp cells
Authors: Rankin R. , Lundy F. T. , Schock B. C. , Zhang S.‐D. , Al‐Natour B. , About I. , Irwin C. , Linden G. J. , El‐Karim I. A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimTo use connectivity mapping, a bioinformatics approach, to identify compounds that could induce odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp cells (DPCs) and to experimentally validate this effect. A subsidiary aim was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effect of any identified compound.MethodologyThe Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was searched for microarray data sets assessing odontogenic differentiation of human DPCs. An odontogenic gene expression signature was generated by differential expression analysis. The statistical significant connectivity map (ssCMap) method was used to identify compounds with a highly correlating gene expression pattern. DPCs were treated with the compound identified, and osteo/odontogenic differentiation was assessed by Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase activity and expression of osteo/odontogenic genes ALPL, RUNX2, COL1A1, DSPP, DMP1 and SPP1 by RT‐PCR. The anti‐inflammatory effect of the compound was assessed using an ex vivo pulpitis model, and cytokine levels were measured with multiplex assay. Means were compared using the t‐test or ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test with the level of significance set at P ≤ 0.05.ResultsThe GEO database search identified a specific gene expression signature for osteo/odontogenic differentiation. Analysis using ssCMap found that acetylsalicylic acid [(ASA)/aspirin] was the drug with the strongest correlation with that gene signature. The treatment of DPCs with 0.05 mmol L−1 ASA showed increased alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.001), mineralization (P < 0.05), and increased the expression of the osteo/odontogenic genes, DMP1 and DSPP (P < 0.05). Low concentration (0.05 mmol L−1) ASA reduced inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 (P < 0.001), CCL21 (P < 0.05) and MMP‐9 (P < 0.05) in an ex vivo pulpitis model.ConclusionsConnectivity mapping, a web‐based informatics method, was successfully used to identify aspirin as a candidate drug that could modulate the differentiation of DPCs. Aspirin was shown to induce odontogenic differentiation in DPCs in vitro and this, together with its anti‐inflammatory effects, makes it a potential candidate for vital pulp therapies.
The impact of computer‐mediated immediate feedback on developing oral presentation skills: An exploratory study in virtual reality
Authors: Van Ginkel Stan , Ruiz Dominic , Mononen Asko , Karaman Cendel , de Keijzer Ander , Sitthiworachart Jirarat 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFeedback plays a central role in learning. Crucial to this is the nature and timing of the feedback. This experimental study explores the efficacy of immediate computer‐mediated feedback within a virtual reality environment designed to facilitate the development of pre‐university students' presentation skills. Two conditions were established to assess the efficacy: immediate computer‐mediated feedback; a control condition of delayed expert‐mediated feedback. Results showed improvement but no statistically relevant difference in performance gains between the two conditions, suggesting both can facilitate learning. Furthermore, students perceived the environment to be an effective and motivating platform in which to practise presentation skills. For educators seeking viable alternatives to face‐to‐face presentation practice and feedback, the finding that immediate computer‐mediated feedback is potentially as effective in aiding presentation performance is crucial for two reasons: first, it expands practice opportunities for students; second, it could result in less pressure on resources, including time and staffing.
A novel tumour suppressor lncRNA F630028O10Rik inhibits lung cancer angiogenesis by regulating miR‐223‐3p
Authors: Qin Limei , Zhong Menglong , Adah Dickson , Qin Li , Chen Xiaoping , Ma Chunquan , Fu Qiang , Zhu Xiaoping , Li Zhili , Wang Nina , Chen Yanfeng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLung cancer is the world's leading cause of cancer‐related morbidity and mortality despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy; thus, there is an urgent need to find new molecules to develop novel treatment strategies. Although ncRNAs were found to account for 98% transcripts, the number of lncRNAs with distinct function in lung cancer is extremely limited. We previously demonstrated that Plasmodium infection inhibits tumour growth and metastasis, but the exact mechanisms involved have not been fully understood. In this study, we carried out RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) of tumour tissues isolated from LLC tumour‐bearing mice treated with either Plasmodium yoelli (Py)‐infected red blood cells or uninfected red blood cells. We found that F630028O10Rik (abbreviated as F63) is a novel lncRNA that was significantly up‐regulated in tumours isolated from mice treated with Py‐infected red blood cells compared to the control. By using gene silencing technique, F63 was found to inhibit both tumour Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) secretion and endothelial cells clone formation, migration, invasion and tube formation. Injection of cholesterol‐modified siRNA‐F63 into mice tumour tissues produced a significant increase in tumour volume, blood vessel formation and angiogenesis 17 days after injection. We further showed that inhibiting miR‐223‐3p results in the down‐regulation of VEGFA and VEGFR2 which are vital molecules for angiogenesis. These results reveal that F63 inhibit tumour growth and progression by modulating tumour angiogenesis suggesting F63 can be a novel lncRNA with great potential as a candidate molecule for gene therapy in lung cancer.
Demographic fluctuations lead to rapid and cyclic shifts in genetic structure among populations of an alpine butterfly, Parnassius smintheus
Authors: Jangjoo Maryam , Matter Stephen F. , Roland Jens , Keyghobadi Nusha 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMany populations, especially in insects, fluctuate in size, and periods of particularly low population size can have strong effects on genetic variation. Effects of demographic bottlenecks on genetic diversity of single populations are widely documented. Effects of bottlenecks on genetic structure among multiple interconnected populations are less studied, as are genetic changes across multiple cycles of demographic collapse and recovery. We take advantage of a long‐term data set comprising demographic, genetic and movement data from a network of populations of the butterfly, Parnassius smintheus, to examine the effects of fluctuating population size on spatial genetic structure. We build on a previous study that documented increased genetic differentiation and loss of spatial genetic patterns (isolation by distance and by intervening forest cover) after a network‐wide bottleneck event. Here, we show that genetic differentiation was reduced again and spatial patterns returned to the system extremely rapidly, within three years (i.e. generations). We also show that a second bottleneck had similar effects to the first, increasing differentiation and erasing spatial patterns. Thus, bottlenecks consistently drive random divergence of allele frequencies among populations in this system, but these effects are rapidly countered by gene flow during demographic recovery. Our results reveal a system in which the relative influence of genetic drift and gene flow continually shift as populations fluctuate in size, leading to cyclic changes in genetic structure. Our results also suggest caution in the interpretation of patterns of spatial genetic structure, and its association with landscape variables, when measured at only a single point in time.
Systematic review of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy versus sorafenib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis
Authors: Liu Miao , Shi Junyi , Mou Tong , Wang Yang , Wu Zhongjun , Shen Ai 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground and AimThe prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is very poor. This study aimed to evaluate hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) versus sorafenib (SORF) in the treatment of HCC with PVTT.MethodsStudies were identified online in Embase and MEDLINE before October 31, 2019. The end‐points were overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR), and safety.ResultsSix studies with 417 cases were included in this systematic review. Meta‐analyses demonstrated that HAIC is superior to SORF with respect to OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.38–0.66, P < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 0.47, 95% confidence interval: 0.31–0.73, P = 0.001) irrespective of research territoriality and study quality. Our systematic review also demonstrated that HAIC is superior to SORF with respect to DCR. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the advantage is more obvious in the treatment of types III–IV PVTT with respect to OS (HR: 0.29, P < 0.001) and PFS(HR: 0.39, P < 0.001). HAIC caused more grades 3–4 neutropenia (HR: 10.71), anemia (HR: 7.55), leukopenia (HR: 10.38), and thrombocytopenia (HR: 13.09) than SORF. However, HAIC caused fewer cases of grades 3–4 aspartate aminotransferase rising (HR: 0.21), diarrhea (HR: 0.14), and hand‐foot syndrome (HR: 0.14) than SORF.ConclusionsThis systematic review demonstrated that HAIC is superior to SORF in HCC with PVTT with respect to OS, PFS, and DCR, especially in HCC with types III–IV PVTT. HAIC caused more myelosuppression, whereas SORF is associated with diarrhea and hand‐foot syndrome. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Dyspnoea Assessment In Adults With End‐Stage Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chilvers Maria , Johnston Kylie , Ferrar Katia , Williams Marie T. 
Published: February 2020

SUMMARYBackgroundDyspnoea is a common, disabling symptom of people living with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), which may persist despite optimal management. Dyspnoea assessments can be grouped according to the instruments that assess domains related to: sensory‐perception (intensity, sensory quality), affective distress (unpleasantness) and impact/burden (function, quality of life).ObjectivesTo describe dyspnoea assessment in adults with ESKD receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT).DesignSystematic review.MethodsFive databases were searched. Primary studies reporting an assessment of dyspnoea in adults with ESKD receiving RRT were included. Studies were excluded where participants with ESKD had received palliative/conservative treatment (no dialysis) or renal transplant. Conference abstracts, protocols, commentaries and/or images were excluded. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted the data. Descriptive analysis summarised the (1) number and type of instruments used to assess dyspnoea; (2) which dyspnoea domains to be assessed and (3) rationale and context for dyspnoea assessment.ResultsFrom 2,234 records screened, 28 studies were eligible for inclusion (observational n = 22 and experimental n = 6). Across studies, 12 different instruments were identified (dyspnoea‐specific n = 3, subscale of a comprehensive instrument n = 9). Most instruments (n = 11, 92%) assessed a single domain (intensity n = 6, unpleasantness n = 6 and impact/burden n = 5). Studies reported a rationale for measuring dyspnoea (n = 26) as either a characteristic of the participant cohort (n = 14) or as an outcome (n = 14).ConclusionsSurprisingly, a few primary studies reported assessment of dyspnoea in people with ESKD receiving RRT. When assessed, there was a predominance of unidimensional instruments. As dyspnoea is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, routine dyspnoea assessment may improve management and relieve suffering.
Dynamic features of placebo effects addressing persistent insomnia disorder: A meta‐analysis of placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trials
Authors: Jiang Binghu , He Dongmei , Guo Zhiwei , Gao Zhanhui 
Published: February 2020

SummaryIt has been accepted knowledge that placebo effects have been significant in insomnia clinical trials. However, the dynamic features of placebo effects have not been clarified. Our aim was therefore to conduct a meta‐analysis of placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trials to characterize the dynamic features of placebo effects addressing persistent insomnia disorder. We performed a comprehensive literature search for randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic regimens addressing persistent insomnia disorder. We pooled separate effect size estimates (Hedge's g) of placebo and regimen conditions across trials for outcome measures, and multilevel mixed‐effects models were used to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. The placebo effects were significant and robust to improve the symptoms of insomnia, and subjective measures were significantly smaller than objective measures (p < .001), but placebo response rates were nearly identical between subjective and objective measures. The overall placebo effects were influenced by publication year (p = .015), treatment duration (p = .010), sample size (p < .001) and therapeutic regimen (p < .001). Placebo effects showed a diphasic feature within treatment duration: initially a decrease and subsequently being stable; a sustained decline trend after withdrawals; and a steady‐to‐upward trend for a mixed therapeutic regimens in a large‐scale period over decades. The dynamic features of placebo effects addressing persistent insomnia disorder may lead to the development and validation of dosing strategies that require less medication exposure to maintain clinical effects.
Novel (p)ppGpp0 suppressor mutations reveal an unexpected link between methionine catabolism and GTP synthesis in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Osaka Natsuki , kanesaki Yu , Watanabe Megumi , Watanabe Satoru , Chibazakura Taku , Takada Hiraku , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Asai Kei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn bacteria, guanosine (penta)tetra‐phosphate ([p]ppGpp) is essential for controlling intracellular metabolism that is needed to adapt to environmental changes, such as amino acid starvation. The (p)ppGpp0 strain of Bacillus subtilis, which lacks (p)ppGpp synthetase, is unable to form colonies on minimal medium. Here, we found suppressor mutations in the (p)ppGpp0 strain, in the purine nucleotide biosynthesis genes, prs, purF and rpoB/C, which encode RNA polymerase core enzymes. In comparing our work with prior studies of ppGpp0 suppressors, we discovered that methionine addition masks the suppression on minimal medium, especially of rpoB/C mutations. Furthermore, methionine addition increases intracellular GTP in rpoB suppressor and this effect is decreased by inhibiting GTP biosynthesis, indicating that methionine addition activated GTP biosynthesis and inhibited growth under amino acid starvation conditions in (p)ppGpp0 backgrounds. Furthermore, we propose that the increase in intracellular GTP levels induced by methionine is due to methionine derivatives that increase the activity of the de novo GTP biosynthesis enzyme, GuaB. Our study sheds light on the potential relationship between GTP homeostasis and methionine metabolism, which may be the key to adapting to environmental changes.
Segmental infantile hemangioma and concomitant hypertension in three African American neonates
Authors: Kullberg Sara A. , Rheault Michelle N. , Haggstrom Anita , Maguiness Sheilagh M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe present three African American infants with segmental, ulcerated infantile hemangiomas and concomitant, persistent hypertension. When treated with beta‐blocker therapy, the hemangiomas decreased in size and the ulcerations resolved, but there was no impact on the elevated blood pressure in one of our patients. We failed to identify any associations between infantile hemangioma and hypertension in the literature.