bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐administered proximal implant‐supported hygiene measures and the association to peri‐implant conditions
Authors: Pons Ramón , Nart José , Valles Cristina , Salvi Giovanni E. , Monje Alberto 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundDental plaque biofilm is considered to be the underlying cause of peri‐implant diseases. Moreover, it has been corroborated recently the association between the presence of these diseases and deficiently designed implant‐supported prostheses. In this regard, professional‐administered oral hygiene measures have been suggested to play a dominant role in prevention.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in dental implant patients according to accessibility for self‐performed oral hygiene using a 0.5 mm interproximal brush. Periodontal and peri‐implant status were assessed based on clinical and radiographic variables to determine the prevalence of peri‐implant diseases. In addition, the participants completed a questionnaire on the efficiency and accessibility for self‐performed proximal hygiene. Associations of descriptive data were analyzed using the chi‐squared test and Mann‐Whitney U‐test. Correlations of the variables with the primary outcome (accessibility) were assessed by means of generalized estimation equations and multilevel logistic regression models.ResultsBased on an a priori power calculation, a total of 50 patients (171 implants) were consecutively recruited. From these, 46% of the prostheses allowed proper access for performing proximal hygiene whereas 54% of the prostheses precluded proper access. Poor access for proximal hygiene displayed tendency towards statistical significance with peri‐implant disease (OR = 2.31; P = 0.090), in particular with peri‐implant mucositis (OR = 2.43; P = 0.082) when compared to good access. In addition, an association was observed to increased levels of mucosal redness (P = 0.026) and the full‐mouth bleeding score (P = 0.018). On the other hand, the presence of peri‐implant disease was related to self‐reported assessment of oral hygiene measures (P = 0.015) and to patient perception of gingival/mucosal bleeding when performing oral hygiene (P = 0.026). In turn, the diagnosis of peri‐implant disease was significantly associated to the quantity and quality of information provided at the time of implant therapy (P = 0.004), including the influence of confounders upon disease occurrence (P = 0.038)ConclusionsTo a certain extent, accessibility for self‐performed proximal hygiene is associated to the peri‐implant condition. On the other hand, the information received by the patient from the dental professional is essential for self‐monitoring of the peri‐implant conditions and for alerting to the possible presence of disorders.
Cardamine hupingshanensis aqueous extract improves intestinal redox status and gut microbiota in Se‐deficient rats
Authors: Cheng Yuxin , Huang Yuting , Liu Kunyuan , Pan Siyi , Qin Zhiguo , Wu Ting , Xu Xiaoyun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAs an essential trace element for mammalian species, selenium (Se) possesses powerful antioxidant properties and is a potential regulator of intestinal microbiota. However, effects of Cardamine hupingshanensis aqueous extract (CE), rich in Se, on balancing the intestinal redox status and regulating gut microbiota have been neglected.RESULTSAn Se‐deficient rat model was established by feeding a low‐Se diet (LD) for 5 weeks and CE was then supplemented to LD or normal‐Se‐diet (ND) rats. Antioxidant enzyme activities and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration were increased by CE in both LD and ND rats. CE improved the intestinal morphology of LD rats impaired by deficient Se. Intestinal microbiota demonstrated various changes; for example, Butyrivibrio was increased in LD rats, while Bacteroides, Christensenellaceae, Clostridiaceae and Blautia were enhanced in ND rats.CONCLUSIONOur findings provide evidence that CE shows potential in improving intestinal redox status and regulating gut microbiota. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Production of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity via bioconversion of wheat straw by Inonotus obliquus under submerged fermentation with the aid of a surfactant
Authors: Zhao Wei , Huang Panpan , Zhu Zhenduo , Chen Cui , Xu Xiangqun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study investigated the effect of surfactants on wheat straw biodegradation and the growth‐associated generation of exo‐ and endo‐phenolic compounds (EPC and IPC) and antioxidant activity expression by liquid‐cultured Inonotus obliquus, an edible and medicinal mushroom, also known as a white rot fungus. Changes in the chemical composition and multiscale structure of wheat straw, in the production and activity of EPC and IPC and in individual flavonoids were analyzed.RESULTSFungal pretreatment decreased significantly the contents of all lignocellulose components, increased and enlarged substrate porosity and caused changes in the structure of wheat straw with the aid of Triton X‐100. A gradual increase in EPC and IPC production was observed up to 6.4‐ and 1.5‐fold for 9 days. The EPC obtained on day 9 showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 of 30.96 mg L−1) against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radicals. High‐performance liquid chromatographic results indicated the presence of high amounts of epicatechin‐3‐gallate (ECG; (374.9 mg g−1) and epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG; 447.2 mg g−1) in the EPC; other polyphenols were also enhanced but to a lesser extent. Surfactant supplementation was effective in enhancing flavonoid production and in increasing antioxidant activity in EPC.CONCLUSIONSThe results indicated enhanced accumulation of phenolic compounds, particularly ECG and EGCG in Inonotus obliquus via biodegradation and bioconversion of lignocellulose residues. They also indicated enhancement in the production of several flavonoids and also an increase in antioxidant activity in the product by a surfactant‐treated process, which may be a useful way of exploiting underused lignocellulosic residues to various high‐added‐value functional ingredients. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparing Survival and Movements of Non‐Urban and Urban Translocated Mule Deer
Authors: Wright Chloe A. , Adams Ian T. , Stent Patrick , Ford Adam T. 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTIn many parts of North America, deer (Odocoileus spp.) have adapted to live in urban areas and are a source of negative human‐wildlife interactions. Management strategies such as culling, immunocontraceptives, sterilization, and translocation have been implemented to manage urban deer populations. In the East Kootenay region of southern British Columbia, urban mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations have been increasing, whereas non‐urban mule deer populations have decreased. In 2014 a non‐urban mule deer research project began in the area and in 2016 an urban deer translocation trial was approved in the same region. We fit 121 non‐urban deer with global positioning system (GPS)‐collars and translocated 135 urban mule deer to non‐urban areas, of which 57 were fit with GPS‐collars. We tested if annual survival between urban translocated (i.e., translocated) and non‐urban deer differed, and if translocated deer survival increased in subsequent years after translocation. We also determined if age, body condition, release site, capture area and distance between capture and release sites affected translocated deer survival. We evaluated if translocated deer exhibited different movement behaviors than non‐urban deer by comparing probability of migration, maximum net displacement, home range size, and probability of crossing a paved road. Finally, during our study we observed some translocated deer return to a municipal area after translocation and assessed if any covariates such as age, release site, or capture city could help predict this behavior. Annual survival of translocated deer was 0.48 and was significantly lower than survival of non‐urban deer, which was 0.77. We observed 20 of 57 collared translocated deer return to a town after translocation. Translocated deer had larger net displacements and larger seasonal home range sizes than non‐urban deer. Non‐urban deer were more likely to migrate than translocated deer and crossed fewer paved roads than translocated deer. The management effectiveness of translocation to reduce urban deer densities is mixed because annual survival of translocated deer may be lower than may be acceptable to some stakeholders. Additionally, some translocated deer returned to an urban area, and the large distances traveled by deer after translocation may unintentionally spread disease. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Is Familial Nonmedullary Thyroid Cancer A More Aggressive Type of Thyroid Cancer?
Authors: Muallem Kalmovich Limor , Jabarin Basel , Koren Shlomit , Or Karen , Marcus Efrat , Tkacheva Inna , Benbassat Carlos , Steinschneider Miriam 
Published: August 2020

ObjectivesFamilial non‐medullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC) is a distinct entity, increasingly diagnosed. By lacking an accurate genetic diagnostic test, its diagnosis is currently clinically based, with an ongoing debate over whether it has a more aggressive clinical behavior than sporadic non‐medullary thyroid cancer (SNMTC). We seek to compare in this study, the clinicopathological variables, and the outcome of FNMTC versus SNMTC patients.MethodsWe retrospectively searched a database of 465 patients that underwent thyroidectomy at Assaf Harofeh Medical Center (91.4% between 1990 and 2019) for demographics, risk factors, medical history, diagnostic workup, primary treatment, follow‐up, and disease outcome data. We compared 47 FNMTC versus 321 SNMTC patients, and FNMTC patients with ≥2 (n = 34) versus ≥3 (n = 13) first‐relative affected members.ResultsThere were no significant differences in demographics, histopathology, TNM stage, treatment, and disease outcome between the FNMTC and SNMTC groups. The T2 and T4 tumor stage in the ≥3‐member group were 25% and 8.3% compared to 0% and 0% in the two‐member group (P = .02 and P = ns, respectively). Also, LN involvement was significantly higher in the ≥3‐member group (61.6% vs. 24.2%, respectively; P = .036).ConclusionFNMTC is not a more aggressive disease than SNMTC, but this may not apply for the ≥3‐affected‐relatives group. A large multicenter study including only families with three or more affected relatives is needed. Until then, a family history of NMTC should not be overlooked.Level of Evidence3/5 Laryngoscope, 131:E677–E681, 2021
Mussel‐Inspired Polydopamine: The Bridge for Targeting Drug Delivery System and Synergistic Cancer Treatment
Authors: Wang Wenyan , Tang Zhuo , Zhang Yi , Wang Qiuxu , Liang Zhigang , Zeng Xiaowei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPolydopamine (PDA), a mussel‐inspired molecule, has been recognized as attractive in cancer therapy due to a number of inherent advantages, such as good biocompatibility, outstanding drug‐loading capacity, degradability, superior photothermal conversion efficiency, and low tissue toxicity. Furthermore, due to its strong adhesive property, PDA is able to functionalize various nanomaterials, facilitating the construction of a PDA‐based multifunctional platform for targeted or synergistic therapy. Herein, recent PDA research, including targeted drug delivery, single‐mode therapy, and diverse synergistic therapies against cancer, are summarized and discussed. For synergistic therapy, advanced developments are highlighted, such as photothermal/radiotherapy, chemo−/photothermal/gene therapy, photothermal/immune therapy, and photothermal/photodynamic/immune therapy. Finally, the challenges and promise of PDA for biomedical applications in the future are discussed.
A Biomimetic Hybrid Hydrogel Based on the Interactions between Amino Hydroxyapatite and Gelatin/Gellan Gum
Authors: Wang Lvyang , Li Mengya , Li Xiumin , Liu Jie , Mao Yajie , Tang Keyong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this work, a gelatin (Gel)‐oxidized gellan gum (OG)/amino hydroxyapatite (mHap) hybrid hydrogel with Schiff base linkages is reported. The mHap is obtained by modifying hydroxyapatite with tetraethyl orthosilicate and 3‐aminopropyl‐triethoxysilane. The effects of different mHap contents on the structure, morphology, and properties of hydrogels are particularly investigated. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersion spectroscopy reveals that mHap of around 100 nm is uniformly distributed inside the hydrogel with interconnected porous structures. Notably, the hydrogel with 1 wt% mHap possesses the highest compressive stress (2.01 ± 0.10 MPa) at 90% strain, as well as the lowest equilibrium swelling ratio (97% ± 5%) and degradation rate than other hydrogels. Besides, an ultra‐high compressive stress equivalent to 91% of the initial stress can be obtained by this hydrogel after 50 loading‐unloading cycles (85% strain). Meanwhile, after being swollen, this improved hydrogel also exhibits better structural stability than Gel‐OG hydrogel. The in vitro 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay further shows that all hydrogels are nontoxic against mouse fibroblasts. This work provides a biomimetic strategy to construct the organic/inorganic hydrogels with excellent interactions, elasticity, reversibility, and biocompatibility, which is of great importance for the practical applications in cartilage tissue engineering.
Structural Insights into the Mechanism of Heat‐Set Gel Formation of Polyisocyanopeptide Polymers
Authors: Gavrilov Mikhail , Gilbert Elliot P. , Rowan Alan E. , Lauko Jan , Yakubov Gleb E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOne of the key factors influencing the mechanical properties of natural and synthetic extracellular matrices (ECM) is how large‐scale 3D gel‐like structures emerge from the molecular self‐assembly of individual polymers. Here, structural characterization using small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) of ECM‐mimicking polyisocyanopeptide (PIC) hydrogels are reported as a function of background ions across the Hofmeister series. More specifically, the process of polymer assembly is examined by probing the structural features of the heat‐set gels and correlating them with their rheological and micro‐mechanical properties. The molecular parameters obtained from SANS clearly show changes in polymer conformation which map onto the temperature‐induced changes in rheological and micro‐mechanical behavior. The formation of larger structures are linked to the formation of cross‐links (or bundles), whilst the onset of their detection in the SANS is putatively linked to their concentration in the gel. These insights provide support for the ‘hot‐spot’ gelation mechanism of PIC heat‐set gels. Finally, it is found that formation of cross‐links and heat‐set gelling properties can be strongly influenced by ions in accordance with Hofmeister series. In practice, these results have significance since ions are inherently present in high concentration during cell culture studies; this may therefore influence the structure of synthetic ECM networks.
Comparison of Long‐Term Stability of Initiating Monolayers in Surface‐Initiated Controlled Radical Polymerizations
Authors: Li Mingxiao , Fromel Michele , Ranaweera Dhanesh , Pester Christian W. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe reproducibility of polymer brush synthesis via surface‐initiated controlled radical polymerization is interrogated. Experiments compare the stability of initiating monolayers for surface‐initiated (SI) reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (SI‐RAFT) and SI atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP). Initiator‐functionalized substrates are stored under various conditions and grafting densities of the resulting polymer brush films are determined via in situ ellipsometry. Decomposition of one of the examined SI‐RAFT initiators results in limited reproducibility for polymer brush surface modification. In contrast, initiators for SI‐ATRP show excellent stability and reproducibility. While both techniques bring inherent benefits and limitations, the described findings will help scientists choose the most efficient technique for their goals in chemical and topographical surface modification.
Molecular Damage Detection in an Elastomer Nanocomposite with a Coumarin Dimer Mechanophore
Authors: Zhang Yudi , Lund Ethen , Gossweiler Gregory R. , Lee Bobin , Niu Zhenbin , Khripin Constantine , Munch Etienne , Couty Marc , Craig Stephen L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMolecular force probes that generate optical responses to critical levels of mechanical stress (mechanochromophores) are increasingly attractive tools for identifying molecular sites that are most prone to failure. Here, a coumarin dimer mechanophore whose mechanical strength is comparable to that of the sulfur–sulfur bonds found in vulcanized rubbers is reported. It is further shown that the strain‐induced scission of the coumarin dimer within the matrix of a particle‐reinforced polybutadiene‐based co‐polymer can be detected and quantified by fluorescence spectroscopy, when cylinders of the nanocomposite are subjected to unconstrained uniaxial stress. The extent of the scission suggests that the coumarin dimers are molecular “weak links” within the matrix, and, by analogy, sulfur bridges are likely to be the same in vulcanized rubbers. The mechanophore is embedded in polymer main chains, grafting agent, and cross‐linker positions in a polymer composite in order to generate experimental data to understand how macroscopic mechanical stress is transferred at the molecular scale especially in highly entangled cross‐linked polymer nanocomposite. Finally, the extent of activation is enhanced by approximately an order of magnitude by changing the regiochemistry and stereochemistry of the coumarin dimer and embedding the mechanophore at the heterointerface of the particle‐reinforced elastomer.
Prodromal Markers of Upper Limb Deficits in FMR1 Premutation Carriers and Quantitative Outcome Measures for Future Clinical Trials in Fragile X‐associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome
Authors: O'Keefe Joan A. , Bang Deborah , Robertson Erin E. , Biskis Alexandras , Ouyang Bichun , Liu Yuanqing , Pal Gian , Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth , Hall Deborah A. 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundFragile X‐associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) is a rare, late‐onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor and cerebellar gait ataxia, affecting premutation carriers (PMC) of CGG expansions (range, 55–200) in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. Discovery of early predictors for FXTAS and quantitative characterization of motor deficits are critical for identifying disease onset, monitoring disease progression, and determining efficacy of interventions.MethodsA total of 39 PMC with FXTAS, 20 PMC without FXTAS, and 27 healthy controls performed a series of upper extremity (UE) motor tasks assessing tremor, bradykinesia, and rapid alternating movements that were quantified using an inertial‐based sensor system (Kinesia One; Great Lakes NeuroTechnologies, Cleveland, OH, USA). Sub‐scores from the clinician‐rated FXTAS Rating Scale were correlated with the severity scores generated by the sensor system to determine its validity in FXTAS.ResultsPMC with FXTAS had significantly worse postural and kinetic tremor compared with PMC without FXTAS (P = 0.02, 0.03) and controls (P = 0.001, 0.0001), respectively, and slower finger tap (P = 0.001), hand movement (P = 0.0001), and rapid alternating movement speed (P = 0.003) and amplitude (P = 0.04) than controls. PMC without FXTAS had significantly worse right finger tap (P = 0.004), hand movement (P = 0.01), and rapid alternating movement speed (P = 0.003) and amplitude (P = 0.02) than controls. FXTAS Rating Scale subscores significantly correlated with all tremorography scores except for finger taps and left rapid alternating movement.ConclusionsThese findings support the use of inertial sensor quantification systems as promising measures for preclinical FXTAS symptom detection in PMC, characterization of the natural history of FXTAS, assessment of medication responses, and outcome assessment in clinical trials.
Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of DA‐9701 in Parkinson's Disease: PASS‐GI Study
Authors: Choi Ji‐Hyun , Lee Jee‐Young , Cho Jin Whan , Koh Seong‐Beom , Yang Young Soon , Yoo Dalla , Shin Cheol‐Min , Kim Hee Tae 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of DA‐9701 on gastrointestinal symptom‐related quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease on stable dopaminergic medications.MethodsThis multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 4 trial included a total of 144 patients with Parkinson's disease with gastrointestinal dysfunctions based on predefined criteria. Participants were randomized to take either DA‐9701 or placebo for 4 weeks, and then both groups were administered DA‐9701 for an additional 8 weeks while antiparkinsonian medications were unchanged. The primary outcome measure was gastrointestinal symptoms and related quality‐of‐life changes assessed on the Korean Nepean dyspepsia index after 4 and 12 weeks of therapy. We also evaluated the impact of DA‐9701 therapy on parkinsonian motor symptoms at each time point.ResultsThe gastrointestinal symptom‐related quality‐of‐life score significantly improved in the DA‐9701‐treated group compared with the placebo‐treated group after 4weeks (adjusted P = 0.012 by linear mixed effect model analysis). The overall gastrointestinal symptom and dyspepsia sum scores improved at 12 weeks after intervention in the DA‐9701‐first treated group (adjusted P = 0.002 and 0.014, respectively) and also in the placebo‐first treated group (adjusted P = 0.019 and 0.039) compared with the baseline. Parkinsonian motor severity was not significantly affected by DA‐9701 treatment in both groups at 4 and 12 weeks after intervention. There were no drug‐related serious adverse events throughout the trial.ConclusionsDA‐9701 therapy improved gastrointestinal symptom‐related quality of life, and 12 weeks of daily administration can relieve the overall severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease without affecting motor symptoms. (Clinical trial identifier: NCT02775591.) © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Functional Roles of B‐Vitamins in the Gut and Gut Microbiome
Authors: Uebanso Takashi , Shimohata Takaaki , Mawatari Kazuaki , Takahashi Akira 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe gut microbiota produce hundreds of bioactive compounds, including B‐vitamins, which play significant physiological roles in hosts by supporting the fitness of symbiotic species and suppressing the growth of competitive species. B‐vitamins are also essential to the host and certain gut bacterium. Although dietary B‐vitamins are mainly absorbed from the small intestine, excess B‐vitamins unable to be absorbed in the small intestine are supplied to the distal gut. In addition, B‐vitamins are supplied from biosynthesis by distal gut microbiota. B‐vitamins in the distal colon may perform many important functions in the body. They act as 1) nutrients for a host and their microbiota, 2) regulators of immune cell activity, 3) mediators of drug efficacy, 4) supporters of survival, or the fitness of certain bacterium, 5) suppressors of colonization by pathogenic bacteria, and 6) modulators of colitis. Insights into basic biophysical principles, including the bioavailability of B‐vitamins and their derivatives in the distal gut are still not fully elucidated. Here, the function of single B‐vitamin in the distal gut including their roles in relation to bacteria are briefly reviewed. The prospect of extending analytical methods to better understand the role of B‐vitamins in the gut is also explored.