bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomaterials and biocompatibility: An historical overview
Authors: Marin Elia , Boschetto Francesco , Pezzotti Giuseppe 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis review focuses on the characteristics and applications of biomaterials through the ages, ranging from the prehistoric times to the beginning of the era of modern medicine, which has been arbitrarily set to the middle of the 19th century, when aseptic procedures, antiseptic substances and modern anesthetics were developed. After a brief discussion on the definition of “biomaterial” from an historical point of view and a short introduction on the general history of surgery and dentistry, each material or class of materials will be presented with references listed in chronological order and, where possible, with their real, scientifically demonstrated effects on biological tissues. Particular attention has been given to references that are nowadays considered spurious or affected by translation errors or other kinds of biases.
Design of dental implants at materials level: An overview
Authors: Jiang Xunyuan , Yao Yitong , Tang Weiming , Han Dongmei , Zhang Li , Zhao Ke , Wang Shuanjin , Meng Yuezhong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDue to the excellent restoration of masticatory function, satisfaction on aesthetics and other superiorities, dental implants represent an effective method to resolve tooth losing and damaging. Current dental implant systems still have problems waiting to be addressed, and problems are centralized on the materials of implant bodies. This review aims to summarize major developments in the field of dental implant materials, starting with an overview on structures, procedures of dental implants and challenges of implant materials. Next, implant materials are examined in three categories, that is, metals, ceramics, and polymers, their mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and bioactivity are summarized. And as an important aspect, strategies of surface modification are also reviewed, along with some finite element analysis to guiding the research direction of implant materials. Finally, the conclusive remarks are outlined to provide an outlook on the future research directions and prospects of dental implants.
Procalcitonin as a prognostic marker of patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yan Ling , Wang Shuling , Xu Lanlan , Zhang Zhen , Liao Pu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe information on mortality after an acute stroke patient is still limited.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic potential of procalcitonin (PCT) serum levels in acute ischemic stroke.MethodsA total of 748 patients were enrolled in this study. Prognostic potential of PCT was evaluated by Kaplan‐Meier analysis and multivariable Cox hazard regression analyses.ResultsProcalcitonin levels were found to be significantly higher in acute ischemic stroke patients who died in 30 days than those who survived. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that PCT was significantly associated with 30‐day mortality, and Cox regression analysis revealed that PCT was a strong predictor of 30‐day overall mortality. Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed that overall cumulative 30‐day mortality was significantly higher in those with PCT levels >1.5 ng/mL when compared to those with PCT levels <1.5 ng/mL.ConclusionsProcalcitonin is a significant independent prognostic marker of 30‐day mortality after the one set of acute ischemic stroke.
Appraising circular RNAs as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer: A pair‐wise meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Hongjun , Wang Kun , Pei Dongxu , Xu Haisheng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs), proven as single‐stranded closed RNA molecules, have been implicated in the onset and development of multiple cancers. This study aimed to summarize existing evidences regarding the clinicopathologic, diagnostic, and prognostic significances of circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC).MethodsEligible studies were identified using online databases. The quality of the included studies was judged, and patients' clinical characteristics, diagnostic data, and overall survival (OS) were extracted from the electronic medical record. Fisher's method was adopted to determine P values for clinicopathologic features. The diagnostic and prognostic data from all included studies were merged.ResultsThirty eligible studies were comprised of 2687 GC patients were enrolled in the meta‐analyses. Altered expressions of circRNAs in GC tissues were significantly associated with worse clinicopathologic features. Abnormally expressed circRNAs yielded a pooled sensitivity of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69‐0.81) and a specificity of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.70‐0.83) in distinguishing GC from noncancerous controls, which corresponded to an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83. The survival analysis showed that the oncogenic circRNA signature could be an independent risk factor of OS (HR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.60‐2.78, P = .000). Patients with down‐regulated circRNAs (tumor suppressor genes) presented a significantly shorter OS time than those with high‐level circRNAs (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.27‐0.42, P = .000). Stratified analyses based on sample type, control source, circRNA expression status, and cutoff setting also produced robust results.ConclusionsCircRNAs may play an important role as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of GC.
Metabolic and renal changes in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection after hepatitis C virus clearance by direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Nevola Riccardo , Rinaldi Luca , Zeni Letizia , Sasso Ferdinando C , Pafundi Pia C , Guerrera Barbara , Marrone Aldo , Giordano Mauro , Adinolfi Luigi E 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackground and AimThe impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance by direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) on HCV‐related extrahepatic manifestations is not well known. We evaluated the effect of viral clearance on metabolic and renal parameters.MethodsIn this prospective study, HCV patients who achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR) by DAAs were evaluated before, at the end, and 24 weeks after treatment for glycemic (serum glucose and insulin, HOMA‐IR, HOMA‐β, and HOMA‐S) and lipid (serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein [LDL], high‐density lipoprotein) metabolism and renal function (serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]).ResultsA total of 343 consecutive HCV patients were evaluated. At 24 weeks of post‐follow‐up, an increase in body mass index (BMI) was observed (P < 0.05). Regardless of hepatic fibrosis levels and BMI, a reduction in serum glucose (P = 0.001), HOMA‐IR (P < 0.001) and HOMA‐β (P < 0.001) and an increase in HOMA‐S (P < 0.001) values were observed at 24 weeks after HCV clearance as compared to pretreatment values; 32.4% of patients with impaired fasting glucose normalized serum glucose values and 44.6% of diabetics showed an improvement in glycemic control. In contrast, serum cholesterol (P < 0.001) and LDL cholesterol (P < 0.001) values were increased. Renal function was improved with about 10% reduction of serum creatinine values (P < 0.02) and an increase of eGFR (P < 0.001). A baseline eGFR of ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was a negative predictor of renal function improvement. HCV clearance was an independent factor improving glucose metabolism and renal function.ConclusionsOur study shows an occurrence of changes in metabolic and renal parameters in HCV patients with SVR, anticipating possible future clinical scenarios that the clinician must know for proper management.
Andrographolide mitigates cartilage damage via miR‐27‐3p‐modulated matrix metalloproteinase13 repression
Authors: Chen Shaojian , Luo Zhihuan , Chen Xiaguang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundAs a potential anti‐arthritic agent, Andrographolide (And) is capable of promoting chondrocyte proliferation and preventing apoptosis in pathologic condition. The present study aimed to explore the roles of And in in vivo and in vitro models of osteoarthritis (OA), as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms.MethodsAn OA mouse model was established using anterior cruciate ligament transection operation on the left knee joint. The pathological changes of articular cartilage were assessed using safranin O staining. Chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis were measured using cell a counting kit‐8 assay and flow cytometry. Bioinformatics algorithms and a luciferase reporter assay were used to evaluate matrix metalloproteinase13 (MMP13) as a direct target of miR‐27‐3p.ResultsAnd had the ability to prevent catabolism and facilitate anabolism of articular cartilage in an experimental OA model in mice. In addition, And alleviated chondrocyte apoptosis in in vitro and in vivo models of OA. We also found that both up‐regulation of MMP13 and down‐regulation of miR‐27‐3p in the proximal tibia of OA mice and interleukin (IL)‐1β‐stimulated chondrocytes were reversed by And administration simultaneously. MMP13 was validated as direct target of miR‐27‐3p and could be suppressed by overexpression of miR‐27‐3p in mouse chondrocyte. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐27‐3p or MMP13 loss‐of‐function in chondrocytes could alleviate IL‐1β‐induced apoptosis.ConclusionsThese results indicated that miR‐27‐3p/MMP13 signaling axis might be a potential therapeutic target of And for preventing the progression of OA.
TFPI2 and NDRG4 gene promoter methylation analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells are novel epigenetic noninvasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer diagnosis
Authors: Bagheri Hadi , Mosallaei Meysam , Bagherpour Bahram , Khosravi Sharifeh , Salehi Ahmad Reza , Salehi Rasoul 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundAs a result of the growing prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC), new screening and early detection methods are required. Among the novel biomarkers, DNA methylation has emerged as a high‐potential diagnosis/screening molecular marker. The present study aimed to assess non‐invasive early diagnosis of CRC by examining promoter methylation of TFPI2 and NDRG4 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).MethodsFifty CRC patients and 50 normal controls were recruited to the present study. Quantitative methylation of the promoter region of the TFPI2 and NDRG4 genes was analyzed in DNA extracted from PBMCs of all cases and control subjects using a methylation‐quantification endonuclease‐resistant DNA (MethyQESD) method.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of the TFPI2 gene for the diagnosis of CRC was 88% and 92%, respectively, and, for the NDRG4 gene, it was 86% and 92%, respectively. The methylation range for the TFPI2 gene was 43.93% and 11.56% in patients and controls, respectively, and, for the NDRG4 gene, it was 38.8% in CRC patients and 12.23% in healthy controls (p < 0.001). In addition, we observed that a higher percentage of methylation was correlated with the higher stage of CRC.ConclusionsThe results of the present study reveal that PBMCs are reliable sources of methylation analysis for CRC screening. Furthermore, the TFPI2 and NDRG4 genes provide sufficiently high sensitivity and specificity to be nominated for use in a novel noninvasive CRC screening method in PBMCs.
Edge precoloring extension of hypercubes
Authors: Casselgren Carl Johan , Markström Klas , Pham Lan Anh 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe consider the problem of extending partial edge colorings of hypercubes. In particular, we obtain an analogue of the positive solution to the famous Evans' conjecture on completing partial Latin squares by proving that every proper partial edge coloring of at most edges of the ‐dimensional hypercube can be extended to a proper ‐edge coloring of . Additionally, we characterize which partial edge colorings of with precisely precolored edges are extendable to proper ‐edge colorings of .
The clinical characteristics of pneumonia patients coinfected with 2019 novel coronavirus and influenza virus in Wuhan, China
Authors: Ding Qiang , Lu Panpan , Fan Yuhui , Xia Yujia , Liu Mei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) infection emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then the novel coronavirus pneumonia disease has been spreading quickly and many countries and territories have been affected, with major outbreaks in China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran. Influenza virus has been known as a common pathogen in winter and it can cause pneumonia. It was found clinically that very few patients were diagnosed with both COVID‐19 and influenza virus. A total of 5 of the 115 patients confirmed with COVID‐19 were also diagnosed with influenza virus infection, with three cases being influenza A and two cases being influenza B. In this study, we describe the clinical characteristics of those patients who got infected with COVID‐19 as well as influenza virus. Common symptoms at onset of illness included fever (five [100%] patients), cough (five [100%] patients), shortness of breath (five [100%] patients), nasal tampon (three [60%] patients), pharyngalgia (three [60%] patients), myalgia (two [40%] patients), fatigue (two [40%] patients), headache (two [40%] patients), and expectoration (two [40%] patients). The laboratory results showed that compared to the normal values, the patients' lymphocytes were reduced (four [80%] patients), and liver functions alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (two [40%] patients and two [40%] patients) and C‐reactive protein (four [80%] patients) were increased when admitted to hospital. They stayed in the hospital for 14, 30, 17, 12, and 19 days (28.4 ± 7.02), respectively. The main complications for the patients were acute respiratory distress syndrome (one [20%] patients), acute liver injury (three [60%] patients), and diarrhea (two [40%] patients). All patients were given antiviral therapy (including oseltamivir), oxygen inhalation, and antibiotics. Three patients were treated with glucocorticoids including two treated with oral glucocorticoids. One of the five patients had transient hemostatic medication for hemoptysis. Fortunately, all patients did not need intensive care unit and were discharged from the hospital without death. In conclusion, those patients with both COVID‐19 and influenza virus infection did not appear to show a more severe condition because based on the laboratory findings, imaging studies, and patient prognosis, they showed similar clinical characteristics as those patients with COVID‐19 infection only. However, it is worth noting that the symptoms of nasal tampon and pharyngalgia may be more prone to appear for those coinfection patients.
Reconstruction of the Late Holocene climate and environmental history from North Bolgoda Lake, Sri Lanka, using lipid biomarkers and pollen records
Authors: Gayantha Kasun , Routh Joyanto , Anupama Krishnamurthy , Lazar Jean , Prasad Srinivasan , Chandrajith Rohana , Roberts Patrick , Gleixner Gerd 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTThe catastrophic impact and unpredictability of the Indian Ocean Monsoon (IOM) over South Asia are evident from devastating floods, mudslides and droughts in one of the most densely populated regions of the globe. However, our understanding as to how the IOM has varied in the past, as well as its impact on local environments, remains limited. This is particularly the case for Sri Lanka, where erosional landscapes have limited the availability of well‐stratified, high‐resolution terrestrial archives. Here, we present novel data from an undisturbed sediment core retrieved from the coastal Bolgoda Lake. This includes the presentation of a revised Late Holocene age model as well as an innovative combination of pollen, source‐specific biomarkers, and compound‐specific stable carbon isotopes of n‐alkanes to reconstruct the shifts in precipitation, salinity and vegetation cover. Our record documents variable climate between 3000 years and the present, with arid conditions c. 2334 and 2067 cal a bp. This extreme dry period was preceded and followed by more wet conditions. The high‐resolution palaeoenvironmental reconstruction fills a major gap in our knowledge on the ramifications of IOM shifts across South Asia and provides insights during a time of major redistribution of dense human settlements across Sri Lanka.
Soil environment and growth adaptation strategies of Amorpha fruticosa as affected by mulching in a moderately saline wasteland
Authors: Liu Tao , Cao Yuanbo , Zhang Yingtuan , Wang Ruoshui , Xiao Huijie , Wang Baitian , Si Liqing 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the growth adaptive strategies of Amorpha fruticosa in response to the changes of saline soil environment under different mulch types (plastic mulch [PM]; sand mulch [SM]; rice straw mulch [RSM]; and control with non‐mulching [CK]) is very important, as this determines afforestation success in a moderately saline soil. The species' soil microenvironments, fine root traits, and biomass allocation patterns were investigated in 2016 and 2017. Compared to CK, electrical conductivity of saturated paste extracts (ECe) reduced significantly under the mulching treatments especially under PM. Both PM and SM effectively increased soil temperature (Tsoil) and available nitrogen (AN), but reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) in 2016; while RSM increased soil nutrients, but reduced Tsoil. The A. fruticosa under RSM (following PM and SM) invested more biomass, to shoots relative to roots, to coarse roots relative to fine roots, and to stems and leaves at the expense of coarse roots and fine roots from 2016 to 2017, as its saline soil environment especially the low Tsoil improved. In both years, the fine roots of A. fruticosa under PM employed exploitation potential or ‘extensive strategy’ (fine root mass density; fine root length density) more successfully at the 0–40 cm, while the fine roots under CK used higher exploitation efficiency or ‘intensive strategy’ (specific root length; and specific root area). The indicators of intensive strategy at the 40–60 cm were higher under PM than SM and RSM. Therefore, PM will better help A. fruticosa adapt to the harsh soil environment during afforestation in a moderately saline wasteland.
The effects of land degradation on plant community assembly: Implications for the restoration of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Luo Jiufu , Ma Li , Li Guijing , Deng Dongzhou , Chen Dechao , Zhang Li , Zhu Xinwei , Zhou Jinxing 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUnderstanding how biotic and abiotic filters drive plant distributions is critical for informing restoration efforts of degraded lands. However, it remains unclear whether or not it is possible to develop efficient restoration strategies that are based on field investigations? Here, we conducted a field‐based investigation along a land degradation gradient on the Tibetan Plateau. Along this gradient, we compared species composition, Pianka's niche overlap, and total aboveground biomass among grasses, sedges, legumes, and forbs. We also used Faith's (1992) phylogenetic diversity index (PD) and the net relatedness index (NRI) to measure community phylogenetic patterns. To understand the effects of abiotic filtering, we measured soil pH, moisture, electrical conductivity, total soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, and microbial biomass nitrogen. Our results show that grasses replaced sedges and mesoxerophytes replaced mesohydrophytes with increasing land degradation. We also found that niche overlap declined with increasing degradation intensity. Furthermore, grass biomass increased, while sedges and legumes decreased, and forb biomass showed a hump‐shaped relationship with degradation intensity. In addition, the communities transitioned from a clustered to a more random phylogenetic pattern. Soil conditions changed from acidic to alkaline and from fertile to harsh (p < .05). High niche overlap indicates a high biotic filtering at lightly degraded land where abiotic filtering is less stressful. However, when degradation is intense, abiotic filtering is apparent, as indicated by low levels of niche overlap. Overall, we suggest that distantly related, arid tolerant and hardy plants, and soil reclamation should be considered in degraded alpine lands restoration.
Lipase C, Hepatic Type −250A/G (rs2070895) Variant Enhances Carotid Atherosclerosis in Normolipidemic and Asymptomatic Individuals from Brazil
Authors: Zago Vanessa H. S. , Parra Eliane S. , Virgínio Vítor W. M. , Vendrame Felipe , Gomes Érica I. L. , Scherrer Daniel Z. , Marson Fernando A. L. , de Faria Eliana C. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe common genetic variant in the promoter region of the hepatic lipase gene [LIPC −250G/A(rs2070895)] has an ambiguous association with cardiovascular disease. In this context, our study was performed to identify the relationships between the rs2070895 with carotid atherosclerosis, plasma lipids, and parameters of reverse cholesterol transport. A total of 285 normolipidemic and asymptomatic participants from an initial sample of 598,288 individuals (inclusion criteria: LDL‐C ≤130 mg/dL and triglycerides ≤150 mg/dL; age: 20–75 years, both genders; confirmation of clinical, anthropometric and laboratory data; attended all visits; DNA was achieved to perform genetic analysis) were enrolled and the rs2070895 variant was genotyped by TaqMan® OpenArray® Plataform. Carotid intima‐media thickness and the screening of atherosclerotic plaques were determined by B‐mode ultrasonography. The rs2070895 genotype frequencies were 0.44, 0.41, and 0.15 (GG, GA, and AA, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of having plaques was increased in participants carrying the AA or AG genotypes (OR = 3.90; 95% CI = 1.54–10.33), despite an increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, HDL diameter and apolipoprotein A‐I, as compared to the GG genotype. Hepatic lipase and endogenous lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase activities were reduced (38% and 19%, respectively) and lipoprotein lipase was increased by 30% (AA vs GG). Our results provide evidence that the AA or AG genotypes of the rs2070895 were associated with carotid atherosclerosis in apparently healthy participants, probably as a consequence of reduced reverse cholesterol transport and accumulation of HDL subfraction 2 rich in triglycerides and depleted in cholesteryl esters that could become dysfunctional.