bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of nano-carbonate apatite dentifrice in relief from dentin hypersensitivity following non-surgical periodontal therapy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ding Pei-Hui , Dai Anna , Hu Hua-Jiao , Huang Jia-Ping , Liu Jia-Mei , Chen Li-Li 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) could occur or intensify after non-surgical periodontal therapy because of the exposure of dentine tubules, but currently no gold standard exists to treat DH. It has been demonstrated that nano-sized particles presented potential for dentine tubules blocking and remineralization. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of dentifrice containing nano-carbonate apatite (n-CAP) in reducing dentine hypersensitivity (DH) after non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Methods: 48 periodontitis patients with DH were included in this clinical trial. After non-surgical periodontal therapy, patients included were randomized to test and control group and the respective dentifrices were applied at chairside, after which they were instructed to brush teeth with the allocated dentifrices twice a day at home. Periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline and the last follow-up. DH was measured by air-blast test and recorded by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Schiff sensitivity scale at baseline, after polishing (0 week) and 2/4/6 weeks.
Results: 45 participants completed the follow-up. Periodontal parameters were improved and comparable between groups. Significant reduction in DH was observed in both groups at all time-points compared to baseline in terms of VAS and Schiff score. The test group achieved significantly greater relief from hypersensitivity compared with the control group after 4-week at-home use (for change of VAS, test group: 2.27 ± 2.47 versus control group: 1.68 ± 2.24, p = 0.036; for change of Schiff, test group: 0.94 ± 0.92 versus control group: 0.61 ± 0.83, p < 0.001). The 6-week results showed borderline significance between groups in terms of change of Schiff (p = 0.027) and no significance in terms of change of VAS (p = 0.256).
Conclusions: Home-use of n-CAP based dentifrice had some benefit on alleviation of DH following non-surgical periodontal therapy after 4 weeks compared to the control product.
Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (No. ChiCTR-IPR-17011678, http://www.chictr.org.cn/, registered 16 June, 2017)
Keywords: dentin hypersensitivity; dentifrices; randomized controlled trial; periodontitis
Quality of Life in chronic musculoskeletal symptomatic Chilean population: Secondary analysis of National Health Survey 2009-2010
Authors: Mena-Iturriaga Maria Jesus , Mauri-Stecca Manuel Vicente , Sizer Phillip S. , Leppe Jaime 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is defined as the patient's perception of their health status. HRQoL can be modified by illnesses, treatments or social and health policies. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a modifying factor of HRQoL that leads to lower quality of life, elevated suffering and disability. Knowing HRQoL in subjects reporting chronic musculoskeletal symptoms (cMSS), like pain, discomfort or swollenness lasting more than 3 months, will provide information to health teams and organizations engaged in the Chilean health system. This study aim was to determine the relationship between HRQoL and musculoskeletal symptoms measured in three different Chilean groups: (1) without symptoms; (2) with acute symptoms; and (3) with cMSS. Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2009-10 Chilean National Health Survey (NHS) was executed to determine the relationship between HRQoL (measured with SF-12) in three MSS groups. The Chilean NHS considered a national, probabilistic, stratified and multistage sample of 5,293 participants aged 15 and older; it was representative at the national, urban-rural and regional levels. A multivariate logistic regression model studied the relationship between cMSS and HRQoL, adjusted for age, sex, educational level and residence area as control variables (p<0.05). Results: Out of 5,293 participants in the NHS 2009-10, 5,276 subjects were included for analysis. The median age was 46 years (IQR 31-60), 59.4% women, a median of 10 years formal education (IQR 7-12) and an urban residence in 85.2% of the population of the NHS 2009-10. The observed population prevalence of people with cMSS was 42.6% (95% CI 40.4 - 44.9). Presence of cMSS is a risk factor for low HRQoL, exhibited both in the physical (OR 3.1 95% CI 2.7-3.5) and mental (OR 1.9 95% CI 1.6-2,) HRQoL dimensions, independent of control variables. Conclusions: Physical and mental HRQoL are affected in people with cMSS, low educational level and advanced age. This is especially seen in women. This information will facilitate assessment and treatment of cMSS as a prevalent and multidimensional health problem.
Machine learning models for prediction of postoperative ileus in patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Li Xueyan , Ma Genshan , Qian Xiaobo , Wu Yamou , Huang Xiaochen , Gu Chengyong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: We aimed to assess the performance of machine learning algorithms for the prediction of risk factors of postoperative ileus (POI) in patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery for malignant lesions. Methods: We conducted analyses in a retrospective observational study with a total of 637 patients at Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Four machine learning algorithms (logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, gradient boosting decision tree) were considered to predict risk factors of POI. The total cases were randomly divided into training and testing data sets, with a ratio of 8:2. The performance of each model was evaluated by area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC), precision, recall and F1-score. Results: The morbidity of POI in this study was 19.15% (122/637). Gradient boosting decision tree reached the highest AUC (0.76) and was the best model for POI risk prediction. In addition, the results of the importance matrix of gradient boosting decision tree showed that the five most important variables were time to first passage of flatus, opioids during POD3, duration of surgery, height and weight. Conclusions: The gradient boosting decision tree was the optimal model to predict the risk of POI in patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery for malignant lesions. And the results of our study could be useful for clinical guidelines in POI risk prediction.
Motivations and expectations driving community participation in entomological research projects: Target Malaria as a case study in Bana, Western Burkina Faso
Authors: Barry Nourou , Toé Patrice , Pare/Toe Lea , Lezaun Javier , Drabo Mouhamed , Dabiré Roch , Diabate Abdoulaye 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Most field entomology research projects require active participation by local community members. Since 2012, Target Malaria, a not-for-profit research consortium, has been working with residents in the village of Bana, in Western Burkina Faso, in various studies involving mosquito collections, releases and recaptures. The long-term goal of this work is to develop innovative solutions to combat malaria in Africa with the help of mosquito modification technologies. Since the start of the project, members of local communities have played an important role in research activities, yet the motivations and expectations that drive their participation remain under-investigated. This study aims to examine the factors that motivate some members of the local community to contribute to the implementation of Target Malaria’s activities in the village of Bana, and, more broadly, to explore the motivations animating citizen participation in entomological research work. Methods A qualitative approach was used to examine the factors motivating the local community to assist in the implementation of Target Malaria’s entomological research activities in Bana. 85 individual in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted, followed by three focus groups, one with youths who had participated in mosquito collections, and two with adult men and women from the village. All data collected were fully transcribed, processed, and submitted for thematic content analysis. Results Data showed that the willingness of local community members to participate in entomological research activities was informed by a wide range of motivational factors. Although interviewees expressed their motivations under different semantic registers, the data showed a degree of consistency around five categories of motivation: (a) enhance protection from mosquitoes and malaria, (b) contribute to a future world free of the disease, (c) acquire knowledge and skills, (d) earn financial compensation, and (e) gain social prestige for the village. Conclusion These varying motivations reflected fundamentally different personal and collective perceptions about the participation process. Beyond the specific circumstances of this case, our study highlights the importance of understanding the varied, context-specific reasons driving collective participation in entomological research and vector control activities.
The impact of parents' health behaviours on their preferences regarding vaccinations in Bialystok, Poland
Authors: Kraśnicka Jolanta , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta , Klimaszewska Krystyna , Cybulski Mateusz , Guzowski Andrzej , Lewko Jolanta , Łukaszuk Cecylia , Kowalczuk Krystyna , Doroszkiewicz Halina , Baranowska Anna , Krajewska-Ferishah Katarzyna , Rolka Hanna , Kulak Wojciech 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Currently, as the number of vaccinated children in Poland and throughout Europe is decreasing. Many factors impact on the rate vaccination and parents’ health behaviours may affect the frequency of vaccinations.. The aim of the study was to assess the association of parents’ health behaviors with children’s vaccinations.

Methods

The study was carried out using a diagnostic survey method with an original questionnaire and the Inventory of Health Behaviours. Three hundred parents were recruited from the Pro Medica Family Medica Center in Bialystok Poland.

Results

Only 3.7% of respondents did not vaccinate their children. The level of health behaviours was average in 42.3% of the respondents, low in 33%, and high in 24.7%. Significant differences in health behaviours, mainly the level of normal eating habits (p = 0.038) and positive mental attitude (p = 0.022), were found in relation to views on the toxicity of vaccines. Participants who reported that vaccines can cause autism engaged in a higher level of prophylactic behaviours. Respondents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a significantly higher level of health practices.

Conclusions

Parents preferred health behaviours did not effect on children vaccination.

Parents who believed in the toxicity of vaccines were more concerned about proper nutrition, had a positive mental attitude, and engaged in a higher level of preventive behaviours and health practices. Parents who did not vaccinate their children had lower levels of normal eating habits. Parents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a higher level of health behaviours, especially in terms of health practices. However, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results.
Leukoencephalopathy and cerebral edema as the presenting manifestations of SLE in an ANA-negative adolescent female: A case report and review of literature.
Authors: Theisen Alexandra , Bose Paroma , Knight Christina , Oliver Melissa 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with various clinical manifestations involving multiple organ systems. Neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, thus it is important to recognize and diagnosis the disease entity and treat early. When neuropsychiatric symptoms are involved, typically there are many other systemic features to aid in the diagnosis of SLE. Many autoantibodies have been discovered and are used to help diagnose SLE. The antibody present in most cases of pediatric SLE, as well as in many other rheumatic diseases, is the nonspecific antinuclear antibody (ANA), making it a commonly used screening tool by primary care physicians when evaluating a patient with a possible rheumatic disorder. However, a small subset of SLE patients, 1-5%, present with a negative ANA, and it is important to keep SLE on the differential diagnosis in specific instances when a thorough infectious and neurological workup has been completed and proven to be inconclusive. Case Presentation This case involves a Hispanic adolescent female with a negative ANA who presented with diffuse cerebral edema secondary to leukoencephalopathy due to SLE with central nervous system involvement. She had an extensive workup while inpatient involving metabolism, infectious disease, rheumatology, and neurology prior to obtaining the diagnosis of SLE. She was treated with both cyclophosphamide and rituximab and showed improvement. Conclusions A review of the literature revealed 8 cases with SLE presenting with or developing diffuse cerebral edema and/or leukoencephalopathy. Our patient’s case differs in that she was also ANA negative despite other autoantibody positivity. While she did have low complements and transient leukopenia, she did not present with other signs of organ involvement, which made the diagnosis of SLE with neuropsychiatric involvement quite challenging. We discuss the importance of keeping SLE on the differential despite a negative ANA in complex cases without any other cause and to consider initial screening with not only the ANA but also dsDNA and complements to avoid missed diagnoses.
Genome-wide identification of candidate genes associated with β-glucan trait in a hulled and hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) population
Authors: Zhou Longhua , He Ting , Guo Guimei , Li Jing , Lu Ruiju , Huang Jianhua , Li Yingbo , Liu Chenghong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be withdrawn due to author disagreement.
Correlation of giant earthquakes with the lunar phase in seven Indo-Pacific subduction zones and around Mongolia
Authors: Fujii Yoshiaki , Tsuboi Yusuke , Kodama Jun-ichi , Fukuda Daisuke 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Variation in the approximately semidiurnal tidal force affects earthquake occurrence. This paper statistically demonstrates that giant earthquakes occur at lunar phases specific to particular seismic zones. Careful observation during the lunar cycle, especially when seismicity is occurring, should significantly reduce the damage from giant earthquakes. A case study in which a giant earthquake occurred after seismicity was concentrated within the specific lunar phase is discussed.
The protective effects of liguzinediol on congestive heart failure induced by myocardial infarction and its relative mechanism
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhang Dini , Bi Yunhui , Zhang Weiwei , Zhang Yuhan , Meng Qinghai , Li Yu , Bian Huimin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular diseases in the world. Currently, the drugs used to treat HF in the clinic may cause serious side effects. Liguzinediol, 2, 5-dimethyl-3, 6-dimethyl-pyrazine, is a compound synthesized after the structural modification of ligustrazine (one active ingredient of Szechwan Lovage Rhizome ). We aimed to observe the effects of liguzinediol on preventing HF and explore the related mechanisms. Methods : The ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery was operated to established the myocardial infarction (MI) model in Sprague–Dawley rats. Cardiac functions were recorded by echocardiography and hemodynamics. The changes in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), inflammation, and oxidative stress were detected by radioimmunoassay and Elisa kits. Western blot and real-time PCR were applied to determine the expressions of the TGF-β1/Smads pathway. Results : Firstly, liguzinediol enhanced the systolic and diastolic functions of the heart in MI rats. Liguzinediol improved ventricular remodeling by reducing myocardial cell necrosis, as well as reducing collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis. Then, liguzinediol suppressed the activation of RAAS, inhibited the synthesis of pro-inflammation factors, and reduced oxidative stress. In the end, liguzinediol also down-regulated the expressions of the TGF-β1/Smads pathway. Conclusions : Liguzinediol could alleviate HF caused by MI in rats, and the protective effect was associated with the regulation of the TGF-β1/Smads pathway.
Effect of biomarker identification on power analysis for diagnostics research
Authors: Acharjee Animesh , Larkman Joseph , Cardoso Victor Roth , Gkoutos Georgios V. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Biomarker identification is one of the major and important goal of the functional genomics and translational medicine remits. Large scale –omics data are increasing being accumulated and can provide vital means for the identification of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of complex disease and/or patient/diseases stratification for prospective studies. These tasks are clearly interlinked and it is essential that an unbiased and stable methodology is applied in order to address them. Although, recently, many, primarily machine learning based, biomarker identification approaches have been developed, the exploration of potential associations between biomarker identification and the design of future experiments remains a challenge. Methods In this study, using both simulated and published experimentally derived (real) datasets. We compared the performance of decision based machine learning approach called Random Forest. Four Random forest based feature selection methods namely, Boruta, Permutation based feature selection without correction, Permutation based feature selection with correction, Backward elimination based feature selection. Moreover, we conducted power analysis to estimate the number of samples required for potential future studies using the derived stable from the previous step. Results We presented a number of different RF based stable feature selection methods and compared their performances using simulated as well as published experimentally derived datasets. Across all of the scenarios considered, we found Boruta to be the most stable methodology, whilst Permutation (Raw) offered the largest number of relevant features when allowed to stabilise over a number of iterations. Finally, we developed a web interface (https://joelarkman.shinyapps.io/PowerTools/) to streamline power calculations and aid future study design within a translational medicine context. Conclusions We developed a pipeline to discover biomarkers using RF methods. The web interface, “PowerTools” offers the potential for designing appropriate and cost-effective subsequent future omics study designs.
Head and neck tumors angiogenesis imaging with 68Ga-NODAGA-RGD in comparison to 18F-FDG PET/CT: A pilot study.
Authors: Durante Steve , Dunet Vincent , Gorostidi Fraçois , Mitsakis Periklis , Schaefer Niklaus , Delage Judith , Prior John O. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : Angiogenesis plays an important role in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) progression. This pilot study was designed to compare the distribution of 68 Ga-NODAGA-RGD PET/CT for imaging α v β 3 integrins involved in tumor angiogenesis to 18 F-FDG PET/CT in patients with HNSCC. Material and methods : Ten patients (aged: 58.4 ± 8.3 years [range: 44–73 years], 6 males, 4 females) with a total of 11 HNSCC were prospectively enrolled. Activity mapping and standard uptake values (SUV) from both 68 Ga -NODAGA-RGD and 18 F-FDG PET/CT scans were recorded for primary tumor and compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The relation between the SUV of both tracers was assessed using the Spearman correlation. Results : All HNSCC tumors were visible with both tracers. Quantitative analysis showed higher 18 F-FDG SUV max in comparison to 68 Ga-NODAGA-RGD (14.0 ± 6.1 versus 3.9 ± 1.1 g/mL, p=0.0017) and SUV mean (8.2 ± 3.1 versus 2.0 ± 0.8 g/mL, p=0.0017). Both 18 F-FDG and 68 Ga-NODAGA-RGD uptake were neither correlated with grade, HPV nor p16 protein expression (p≥0.17). Conclusion : All HNSCC tumors were detected with both tracers with higher uptake with 18 F-FDG, however. 68 Ga-NODAGA-RGD has a different spatial distribution than 18 F-FDG bringing different tumor information.
Comparative genomics and pangenome-oriented studies reveal high homogeneity of the agronomically relevant enterobacterial plant pathogen Dickeya solani
Authors: Motyka-Pomagruk Agata , Zoledowska Sabina , Misztak Agnieszka Emilia , Sledz Wojciech , Mengoni Alessio , Lojkowska Ewa 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Dickeya solani was pointed as a significant trait to potato production in Europe and drew much of scientific attention due to remarkable virulence, great devastating potential and easier spread in contrast to other Dickeya spp. In a view of a high need for extensive studies on economically important soft rot Pectobacteriaceae, we performed a nearly conclusive pangenome analysis on D. solani strains to search for genetic foundations that would explain the differences in the observed virulence levels within the D. solani population.Results: High quality assemblies of 8 de novo sequenced D. solani genomes have been obtained. Whole-sequence comparison, ANIb, ANIm, Tetra and pangenome-oriented analyses performed on these genomes sequences and the sequences of 14 additional strains revealed exceptionally high level of homogeneity among the studied genetic material of D. solani strains. With the use of 22 genomes, the pangenome of D. solani, comprising 84.7% core, 7.2% accessory and 8.1% unique genes, has been almost completely determined, suggesting the presence of a nearly closed pangenome structure. Attribution of the genes included in the D. solani pangenome fractions to functional COG categories revealed that higher percentages of accessory and unique pangenome parts in contrast to the core section are encountered in phage/mobile elements- and transcription- associated groups with the genome of RNS 05.1.2A strain having the most significant impact. Also, the first D. solani large-scale genome-wide phylogeny computed on concatenated core gene alignments is herein reported.Conclusions: The almost closed status of D. solani pangenome achieved in this work points to the fact that the unique gene pool of this species should no longer expand. Such a feature is characteristic for taxa, whose representatives either occupy isolated ecological niches or lack efficient mechanisms for gene exchange and recombination, which seems rational concerning a strictly pathogenic species with clonal spread and population structure. Finally, no obvious correlations between the geographical origin of D. solani strains and their phylogeny was found, which might reflect the specificity of the international seed potato market.