bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soft tissue facial changes among adult females during the first six months of orthodontic treatment: a spatially dense 3D geometric morphometric study
Authors: Hou Si Yu , Zhou Wenwen , Dai Hongwei , Wong Hai Ming , Wen Yi Feng , Zhou Jianping 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate changes in facial morphology during the first six months of orthodontic treatment among adult females receiving orthodontic treatment.Methods: 18 adult females receiving orthodontic treatment were randomly recruited. 3D facial images were taken at baseline (T0), three months (T1), and six months (T2) after treatment initiation. Spatially dense facial landmarks were digitized to allow for sufficient details in characterization of facial features. 3D geometric morphometrics and multivariate statistics were used to investigate changes in mean and variance of facial shape and facial form associated with treatment.Results: We observed statistically significant changes in facial shape across the three treatment stages (p = 0.003). Pairwise comparisons suggested significant changes from T0 to T1 (p = 0.0059) and from T0 to T2 (p = 0.0098). Heatmap visualization indicated that the buccal and temporal region were invaginated while the labial region became protruded with treatment. The magnitude of shape change was 0.009, 0.004, and 0.010 from T0 to T1, T1 to T2, and T0 to T2, respectively, in unit of Procrustes distance. The average magnitude of change per-landmark was 1.31 mm, 0.22 mm, and 1.33 mm, respectively. Changes in mean facial form were not statistically significant (p = 0.103). No changes in variance of facial shape were observed across treatment stages (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Rate of facial changes was twice as fast during the first three months as that during fourth to sixth month. Buccal and temporal region became invaginated while labial region became protruded with treatment.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of dentists in offering dental treatment to pregnant women in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional survey
Authors: AlShurman Bara' Abdallah , Khader Yousef Saleh , Batieha Anwar , Al-Batayneh Ola B. , Odat Abd-Albaset , Alyahya Mohammad , Dawoud Mourad , AlShurman Maria A. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Although international guidelines emphasized that pregnant patients should receive proper dental treatment, many dentists are still hesitant to do so. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of dentists towards offering dental treatment to pregnant women in Jordan.Methods: An online survey was distributed to 1000 dentists using social-media applications between August and October, 2019. The survey consisted of three sections; dentists’ knowledge about the association between oral diseases and pregnancy, their participation in training courses, and their practices regarding various dental treatments during pregnancy. Descriptive statistics were obtained and Chi-square tests were used to measure the association between demographic variables and knowledge, attitude, and practices variables. Significance was considered at P-value < 0.05.Results: A total of 547 (54.7%) responded to the questionnaire. Only (37.5%) agreed that periodontal diseases might increase risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Almost (75.9%) did not attend any training program. The 2nd trimester was the most preferable time to do all dental procedures. There was a tendency to perform scaling and fillings especially in the 2nd trimester (82.4%), (86.1%) respectively. The majority of dentists would feel comfortable to do RCT (72.0%) or extraction (60.0%) in the 2nd trimester, whereas greater caution was apparent on 1st and 3rd trimester. A proportion of (32.5%) thought that taking x-rays during pregnancy was contraindicated. About (53.7%) didn’t know about the safety to administer nitrous oxide sedation during pregnancy. Around (75.9%) refused to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to pregnant women. By far, paracetamol was the drug of choice (96.9%) to prescribe as an analgesic and amoxicillin as an antibiotic (89.2%).Conclusion: lack of knowledge, poor attitude and incorrect practices were observed among surveyed dentists with regards to management of pregnant women. Thus, further education courses about international guidelines are needed to correct the common misconceptions and negative attitudes and practices of dentists in treating pregnant women.
Nurses’ perceptions and practices regarding oral care in hospitalized patients: a qualitative study on missed nursing care
Authors: Charalambous Melanie , Efstathiou Georgios , Lambrou-Christodoulou Persofoni , Irakleous Iraklis , Papastavrou Evridiki 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDOral health is considered essential for individuals’ well-being. Poor oral health has a negative impact on overall human health while contributing and predisposing to other diseases. It has been internationally documented that nurses delay or omit oral care of hospitalized patients and as a result of this, the risk of adverse events is increased.METHODSFour focus groups were organized (n=30) to elicit the issue under study. Nurse managers and nurses working in medical and surgical departments in 3 acute care hospitals participated in June 2019. The discussions were coordinated by an independent moderator, using a semi-structured interview guide. Recordings of the conversations were transcribed and thematic analysis was performed according to Krueger and Casey guidelines.RESULTSThe findings confirm that oral care of hospitalized patients is often omitted and is not acknowledged as an important patient need. The barriers and facilitators that affected oral health care positively or negatively were divided into three themes and included patient’ characteristics, nurses’ knowledge and skills and recourses as well as the working environment.CONCLUSIONSOral care is not considered as priority and there are many factors that contribute negatively or positively to its implementation. Nurse managers and nurses can play a crucial role for the adoption of universal oral care practices in hospitalized patients.
The Mechanism of Talaromyces Marneffei Influencing Macrophage RAW264.7 Polarization and Sterilization Ability via Arginine Metabolism Pathway
Authors: Shen Linxia , Yang Di , Chen Rifeng , Liu Donghua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The opportunistic fungi T. marneffei is an intracellular pathogen that causes systemic and lethal infection through the mononuclear phagocyte system. Macrophages act as pacesetters to resist pathogen invasion and communicators to activate adaptive immunity. During infection, macrophages induce iNOS to generate NO, which kills invading pathogenic microorganisms. Arginase competes with the iNOS for a common substrate L-arginine. We tried to investigate the effect of arginine metabolism on the escape of T. marneffei from macrophage killing.
Results

We performed qPCR, immunobolt detection, immunofluorescent staining, arginase activity assay and NO production assay when macrophages were co-cultured with T. marneffei. We conducted immunobolt detection, arginase activity assay, NO production assay, phagocytic activity assay and T. marneffei killing assay after adding the arginase specific inhibitor nor-NOHA to the co-culture system. T. marneffei decreased the NO production in macrophages by increasing macrophage arginase activity. With lastingness of infection, T. marneffei induced macrophages towards M2 phenotype polarization, thereby reducing antimicrobial activity and promoting fungal survival. Moreover, inhibiting the T. marneffei-induced macrophage arginase activity with nor-NOHA restored NO synthesis and strengthened the function of fungal killing.
Conclusions

T. marneffei potentiated its own survival via regulating arginine metabolism pathway in macrophages during an infection.
Investigating the Efficiency of Photothrombosis-associated Focal Cerebral Ischemia by Monitoring Histopathological Changes and Neurobehavioral Performance in a Model of Mouse
Authors: Shabani Zahra , Farhoudi Mehdi , Rahbarghazi Reza , Karimipour Mohammad , Mehrad Hossein 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Photothrombotic (PT) stroke model is a novel method to induce ischemic stroke in the target site using excitation of a photosensitive agent such as Rose Bengal dye after light illumination. Here, we performed a photothrombotic-induced brain ischemic model using green laser and photosensitive agent Rose Bengal (RB) and its efficiency evaluated through cellular, histological, and neurobehavioral approaches.Methods Mice were randomly allocated into RB; Laser irradiation; and RB + Laser irradiation groups. Mice were exposed to green laser at a wavelength of 532 nm and intensity 150 mW in a mouse model after injection of RB. Four circular polarizers were applied to control output beam intensity. The laser was illuminated on the target region under stereotactic surgery. Mice were euthanatized after 28 days. We assessed ischemic stroke outcomes using multiple approaches including macroscopic, microscopic (H&E and Cresyl violet staining). The volume of lesion sites was calculated using unbiased stereological assay and Cavalier’s principle. We performed double immunofluorescence staining for NeuN and BrdU on day 28. To assess the quality of ischemic stroke, neurological behavior, and functional deficits were done on days 1, 7, 14, and 28. Results Laser irradiation plus RB promoted pale ischemic changes after 7 days. Microscopic staining revealed neural tissue degeneration and demarcated necrotic site and neuronal injury plus prominent astrogliosis in the periphery of irradiated sites on day 28. NeuN+/BrdU+ staining showed a significant number of proliferating cells in Laser irradiation plus RB group compared to the group (p<0.05) while the percent of NeuN+ cells reduced. Neurological behavior and functional deficits were detected in mice from Laser irradiation plus the RB group. No histological or functional deficits were detected in RB and Laser irradiation groups. Conclusion Our study revealed that the PT although increased the cell proliferating in the periphery of the lesion site, but due to undesirable microenvironment the neurogenesis decreased concomitantly with functional deficits. This method of PT introduces a reliable, reproducible, noninvasive, and accessible stroke model similar to human stroke condition.
Optimization of fermentation conditions through response surface methodology for Indole-3-acetic acid production by Marine Sponge Callyspongia diffusa associated Pseudomonas fluorescens BCPBMS-1
Authors: Venkataraman Vasanthabharathi , Ramasamy LakshmiNarayanan , Singaram Jayalakshmi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In the Present study we focused on the production and statistical optimization of media components for Indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) production from P.fluorescens BCPBMS-1, it was isolated from Marine sponge Callyspongia diffusa . This sponge was collected from Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India. We optimized the low-cost agricultural residue based medium for IAA production. In our study Soya bean husk used as a substrate for Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. Fermentation variables were selected based on the Plackett-Burman design and were optimized by response surface methodology. The maximum IAA concentration 1.7474 µg/ml was predicted in medium containing 3.1064% Soya bean husk, Yeast extract 0.8323%, Salinity 9.0765 ppt, pH 6.3108 temperature 27.5524℃, incubation time 64.7475hrs. These predicted values were also verified through experiments as a result we got 1.74 µg/ml. The excellent correlation observed between predicted and measured values of this statistical model hence, this method may recommend for the industrial purpose.
Differences on Pyrexia Related Immune Responses Between COVID-19 and Influenza A Children
Authors: Kou Shanglong , Zhan Senlin , Li Xiaohe , Zhang Mingxia , Deng Guofang , Pan Yanchao , Yuan Jing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 has brought rapid challenge to the current health care system raising millions of infected patients globally. The clinical manifestations of asymptomatic patients especially children and young people will contribute to the management of current pandemic.Methods: To provide precise and comprehensive information on the less symptomatic COVID-19 children, total 62 hospitalized children aged 1-14 years with confirmation infection of either SARS-CoV-2 or influenza A were enrolled for past half of year from September 2019 to February 2020. The epidemiological, demographic, clinical, radiologic and laboratory findings were extracted from the electronic medical records of the patients. Results: We reported less fever (43.33% vs 100%, p<0.001) with lower body temperature (p<0.001) and hypoinflammatory responses occurred in COVID-19 children in comparison with influenza infection. We further showed the significant correlations between initial body temperature and multiple immune parameters to imply the role of thermoregulation on asymptomatic COVID-19 children. Conclusions: COVID-19 children were more likely to have mild symptoms and relatively slow progression. Furthermore, correlations between initial body temperature and immunological functional parameters suggested that non-susceptibility of children to SARS-CoV-2 virus may lie in the low sensitivity on thermal regulation of immune activation.
Long Noncoding RNA LINC00265 Promotes Proliferation of Gastric Cancer by Acting as A Competing Endogenous RNA on microRNA-144-3p Thereby Upregulating CBX4
Authors: Yang Zengxi , OuYang Xi , Zheng Liang , Dai Lizhen , Luo Wenjuan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background:The expression levels and detailed functions of LINC00265 in gastric cancer (GC) have not yet been explored. This study aimed to measure LINC00265 expression in GC tissues and cell lines, investigate its specific roles in the aggressive characteristics of GC cells in vitro and in vivo, and elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of LINC00265 action.Materials and methods: The qRT-PCR was performed to test the RNA expression levels in GC tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Western blot assay was used to measure relevant protein expression. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the association between LINC00265 and microRNA-144-3p and CBX4.Results: LINC00265 expression was high in GC tissue samples and cell lines; LINC00265 overexpression correlated with shorter overall survival of the patients. A LINC00265 knockdown inhibited GC cell proliferation in vitro and slowed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanism investigation revealed that LINC00265 acts as a competing endogenous RNA on microRNA-144-3p (miR- 144) in GC cells. Chromobox 4 (CBX4) mRNA was identified as a direct target of miR-144-3p in GC cells. The knockdown of miR-144-3p counteracted the reduction in the malignant characteristics of GC cells by the downregulation of LINC00265.Conclusion: In conclusion, LINC00265 functions as a competing endogenous RNA targeting miR-144-3p and increases the malignancy of GC cells in vitro and in vivo by upregulating CBX4.
CDX2 and Reg IV Expression and Correlation in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chai Dandan , Du Huifen , Li Kesheng , Zhang Xueliang , Li Xiaoqin , Zhao Xiaoning , Lian Xiaowen , Xu Yang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Ectopic expression of CDX2 is associated with the development and progression of gastric cancer. Previous studies showed that CDX2 may be an upstream regulator of Reg IV expression in gastric cancer, and our previous report showed that Reg IV upregulated SOX9 expression and enhanced cell migration and invasion in gastric cancer cells. However, the regulatory roles of CDX2 have not been clarified in gastric cancer, and the correlation between CDX2 and Reg IV requires further study.Methods: CDX2 and Reg IV were examined in gastric cancer specimens and paired adjacent tissues via real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The association between CDX2 and Reg IV was assessed using the χ2-test and Spearman’s rank correlation. To verify their relationship, knockdown and exogenous expression of CDX2 or Reg IV were performed in AGS and MKN-45 gastric cancer cells, and their expression was subsequently analyzed via a real-time PCR and western blotting. Wound-healing and Transwell assays were used to examine migration and invasion in AGS and MKN-45 cells following CDX2 silencing or overexpression.Results: A positive correlation was observed between CDX2 and Reg IV expression at the mRNA and protein levels in gastric cancer tissues. CDX2 silencing significantly downregulated Reg IV expression, and CDX2 overexpression significantly upregulated Reg IV expression in AGS and MKN-45 cells. Neither Reg IV silencing nor overexpression had any effect on CDX2 protein expression in AGS or MKN-45 cells, even though both affected the expression of CDX2 mRNA. Functionally, CDX2 silencing significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion, and CDX2 overexpression significantly promoted cell migration and invasion in AGS and MKN-45 cells.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that CDX2 expression was positively correlated with that of Reg IV in gastric cancer, and CDX2 promoted cell migration and invasion through upregulation of Reg IV expression in gastric cancer cells.
Medical educators’ Beliefs about Alignment of Learning goals, Teaching and Assessment in the Context of Curriculum Changes
Authors: Karami Morteza , Hashemi Noorieh , Merrienboer Jeroen van 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Achieving changing needs, advancing knowledge, and innovations in higher education require constant changes of medical school curricula and brings greater clarity to the influence of the core beliefs held by medical educators. The purpose of this study was to describe medical educators’ beliefs about alignment of learning goals, teaching and assessment in the context of curriculum changes.Method: A qualitative method was used to this goal by selecting faculty participants in a purposeful sampling strategy. For the individual interviews, we invited both professors of basic sciences and clinical professors who had worked with medical students for at least five years.Result: Findings showed that gaps between theoretical contents and real world settings caused ignorance of the core competencies in learning and assessment processes. It also indicated gaps between what students learn in class and what they need to know and, especially, do in hospitals. Furthermore, the current beliefs of teachers need to be further changed to realize more integrated learning in the future.Conclusion: A change towards more active teaching methods and a whole-task approach to teaching and assessment is needed in order to help students acquire desired competencies. Thus, a shift from a discipline-based to a competency-based approach to teaching and learning is needed.
Differential effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers on COVID-19
Authors: su lianjiu , zhang jiahao , jiang nanhui , yang jie , he li , xie qin , huang rong , liu fang , feng ying , Kashani Kianoush B. , lu qiaofa , sun zhongyi , peng zhiyong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) on the COVID-19 remains controversial from clinic evidence. MethodsThis is a retrospective, two-center case series of 198 consecutive COVID-19 patients with a history of hypertension. ResultsAmong 198 patients, 58 (29.3%) and 16 (8.1%) were on were on ARB and ACEI, respectively. Patients who were on ARB or ACEI/ARB had a significantly lower rate of severe illness and ARDS when compared with patients treated with ACEI alone or not receiving and RAAS blocker (P＜0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that patients with ARB in their antihypertensive regimen had a trend towards a higher survival rate when compared with individuals without ARB (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.07-1.02; P = 0.054). The Cox-regression analysis to compared ACEI vs. ARB groups showed a significantly lower mortality rate in the ARB group (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.00-0.58; P = 0.02). ConclusionsUsing of ARB was associated with a reduced rate of severe illness and ARDS, indicating their potential protective impact in COVID-19.
A Quality Assessment of Clinical Service Utilization in a Geriatrics Unit in West Africa: 2014-2018
Authors: Obehi Akoria , Osian Franklyn , Akene Blossom , Ugorji Eunice , Kubeyinje Oluwaseun , Emore Oluwaseun , Akpotor Joy 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Quality healthcare requires learning organizations who demonstrate commitment to evaluation and improvement. The Geriatrics Unit in the 850-bedded University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Nigeria, was set up in 2014 to provide quality healthcare to older persons. The goal of this evaluation was to assess the extent to which that initiative met its objectives. Methods: Using the Donabedian's framework, we undertook a formative review of key service elements in the Geriatrics Unit of UBTH from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2018, using data from routine ward documentation. Results: The unit had a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, medical social workers and support staff throughout the period in focus. All records were manually kept. In-patient numbers more than doubled within the first year, from 62 to 133. Increasing utilization was also evident in bed occupancy rates that rose from 20.1% in 2014 to a peak that exceeded the maximum capacity of open beds (112%) in 2017, and required closed beds to be opened. Bed turnover rates increased from 3.7 in 2014 to 22.2 in 2017. The median average length of stay was 13.9 days. Gross mortality rate ranged between 23% and 31.8%; annual fall rates between 0.4 and 3.0 falls per thousand patient days, and discharges against medical advice (DAMA) between 0.8% and 6.1%.Conclusion: Multi-disciplinary care was maintained in the geriatrics unit, and available beds were oversubscribed within the 4 years reviewed. Opportunities for improvement include moving on to electronic patient records; increasing the number of functional beds; achieving lower mortality rates. Our findings also provide benchmarks against which future evaluations and quality improvement interventions will be measured.
Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome: analysis of 18 cases
Authors: You Xiaohan , Zhang Ji , Zhou Qiongxiu , Zhang Jianna 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to analysis the clinical features, risk factors and outcomes of patients with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) who developed pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP).Methods: We systematically reviewed medical records from 18 PNS patients with PCP admitted to our hospital from April 2007 to April 2019. A total of 180 cases were randomly selected as controls from PNS inpatients without infection.Results: In PCP patients, the mean age at presentation was 48.5 years, mean duration of prednisone treatment was 3.7 months and mean prednisone dose on admission was 31.3 mg/d, the most common clinical manifestation was fever (100%) and average PaO2 on admission was 59.5 mmHg. Eight patients (44.4%) had coexisting infections, most often was cytomegalovirus (4 patients), 11 patients (61.1%) had ICU admission and 9 patients (50%) had mechanical ventilation. PCP patients had more prednisone, more immunosuppressive therapy, lower CD4+ cell counts and hemoglobin, and higher serum creatinine than those without infections (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with prednisone usage and lower CD4+ cell counts were more likely to have PCP compared to controls (p<0.05). All patients survived after treatment.Conclusion: PCP was not unusual in PNS patients, and the most important risk factor was a lower CD4+ cell count, but however, these patients had a good outcome after enough treatments.