bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐pressure structural investigation on lead‐free piezoelectric 0.5Ba(Ti0.8Zr0.2)O3 ‐ 0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3
Authors: Mondal Anshuman , Saha Pinku , Ghosh Bishnupada , Sahu Mrinmay , Mukherjee Goutam Dev , Ranjan Rajeev , Brajesh Kumar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe solid solution 0.5Ba(Ti0.8Zr0.2)O3 − 0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)T iO3 (BCZT) has become a promising member of the lead‐free piezoelectric materials because of its exceptionally high piezoelectric properties. In this study, we focus on studying pressure‐dependent Raman spectroscopy, powder x‐ray diffraction, and dielectric constant measurements on BCZT. The data show several structural transitions are present, where the system from ambient mixed phase (tetragonal P4mm + orthorhombic Amm2) transforms into single phase (P4mm) at 0.3 GPa, then converts into cubic phase (Pm3m) at 4.8 GPa followed by another possible structural re‐ordering around 10 GPa. Although there have been a lot of unanimity with the ambient crystallographic state of BCZT, our analysis justifies the presence of an intermediate orthorhombic phase in the Morphological Phase Boundary (MPB) of BCZT phase diagram. The transformation tetragonal to cubic is indicated by the Raman mode softening, unit cell volume change, and the (Ti/Zr)O6 octahedra distortion, which coincides with the well‐known ferroelectric‐paraelectric transition of the system. The sudden drop in the dielectric constant value at 4.7 GPa also confirms the loss of ferroelectric nature of the BCZT ceramic.
Influence of elevation on the species–area relationship
Authors: Moradi Halime , Fattorini Simone , Oldeland Jens 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimSpecies–area relationships (SARs) are among the best investigated patterns in ecology, yet the shape of the function that should describe SARs and the biological meaning of the function parameters are disputed. Elevational gradients offer the opportunity of investigating how biodiversity responds to large variations in environmental characteristics within small geographical areas. We asked which function describes SARs at different elevations and explored how variations in environmental characteristics influence SAR shape.LocationAlborz Mountains (Iran).TaxonVascular plants.MethodsWe used sets of nested plots (0.001 to 100 m2) placed at 100 m intervals from 2,000 to 4,500 m elevation to construct series of nested SARs as species accumulation curves. Then, we used these curves to assess the appropriateness of different SAR functions at different elevations. We investigated how parameters of the power function varied along the elevational gradient in response to variation in environmental parameters (ruggedness, temperature, precipitation, exposed rock, percentages of soil sand and total nitrogen, and productivity, expressed by the normalized difference vegetation index).ResultsThe most frequently observed best fit model was the power function, which is controlled by two parameters: z (the velocity in species accumulation with sampled area) and c (the species richness per unit area). z was positively influenced by temperature and soil nitrogen, decreasing with elevation. c was positively influenced by temperature and soil nitrogen, and negatively by rock cover, decreasing with elevation.Main conclusionsThe decrease in c‐values with elevation is consistent with the altitudinal decrease in species richness and is explained by the increase in bare rock. By contrast, c was positively influenced by temperature and total nitrogen, which are two factors promoting plant growth. Similarly, z‐values decreased with elevation, thus indicating a decrease in beta diversity.
Soft tissue stability around dental implants after soft tissue grafting from the lateral palate or the tuberosity area – A randomized controlled clinical study
Authors: Rojo Ernest , Stroppa Giorgio , Sanz‐Martin Ignacio , Gonzalez‐Martín Oscar , Nart Jose 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimTo compare the soft tissue stability (STA) around single implants previously augmented with either subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) from the lateral palate (LP) or from the tuberosity area (TA).Material and MethodsTwenty‐nine patients showing 33 implants with buccal volume deficiency randomly received SCTG from LP (control group/CG) or TA (test group/TG). At 4 months (FU‐4) the definitive crown was installed and an intra‐oral scan performed. At 12 months (FU‐12), a new scan was registered. Between FU‐4 and FU‐12 STA was evaluated by STL image superimposition. Clinical parameters and the modified pink aesthetic score (PES) (Fürhauser et al. 2005) were recorded.ResultsAfter FU‐4 both tissues demonstrated a similar STA without statistically significant differences (SSD). The mean soft tissue changes were 0.03 ± 0.22 mm for CG and 0.04 ± 0.23 mm for TG (p = .870). SSD were observed for changes in keratinized tissue (KT) with greater stability for TG (0 ± 0.32 mm) compared with CG (−0.3 ± 0.33 mm) (p = .002). PES resulted in mean values of 8.37 ± 2.46 for CG and 8.54 ± 2.43 for TG (p=.59).ConclusionsBoth groups demonstrated similar STA between the definitive crown placement and 12 months, while greater stability of the KT gained was observed in TG.
Leucocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin regulates expression of genes related to early wound healing in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Bi Jiarui , Intriago Maria Fernanda Barona , Koivisto Leeni , Jiang Guoqiao , Häkkinen Lari , Larjava Hannu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundLeucocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF) is a blood‐derived biomaterial rich in leucocytes and platelets embedded in a high‐density fibrin network that can be compressed into a membrane and used in surgical applications to stimulate tissue regeneration and wound healing, especially in oral cavity. This study aimed to determine the combined effects of the growth factors and cells present in L‐PRF on fibroblasts that directly face the L‐PRF membranes placed during surgical procedures.MethodsThe effect of L‐PRF from six donors on the expression of 84 key wound healing genes in normal human gingival fibroblasts was tested by RT‐qPCR.ResultsL‐PRF significantly regulated the expression of 33 fibroblast genes (39%), including interleukins, myofibroblast‐, extracellular matrix‐ and angiogenesis‐associated genes, and matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and −3. L‐PRF regulated fibroblast gene expression both time‐ and dose‐dependently, and the effects were mediated by mitogen‐activated protein kinases ERK1/2, JNK and p38. L‐PRF also stimulated fibroblast wound closure and promoted the ability of fibroblasts to induce endothelial tube formation. L‐PRF‐induced gene expression changes in fibroblast were similar to those observed in early human and pig wounds.ConclusionsThis study provides new insights into the biological mechanism by which L‐PRF regulates key gingival fibroblast functions important in wound healing.
Efficacy and safety of metformin and sitagliptin‐based dual and triple therapy in elderly Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: Subgroup analysis of STRATEGY study
Authors: Liu Xiangyang , Wang Li , Xing Ying , Engel Samuel S , Zeng Longyi , Yao Bin , Xu Wen , Chen Guojuan , Zhang Ye , Zhang Ruya , Liu Shu , Weng Jianping , Ji Qiuhe 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo assess the efficacy and safety of metformin/sitagliptin‐based dual/triple therapy in elderly Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsThis subgroup analysis included individuals aged ≥65 years from the STRATEGY study, a two‐stage study in which type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with unsatisfactory glycemic control on metformin were first treated with the dual combination of metformin and sitagliptin for 16 weeks (n = 681), and then, if glycemic control had not been achieved, were treated with a third add‐on oral antihyperglycemic drug for another 24 weeks (n = 291). The efficacy end‐point was change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in each stage, and the safety end‐point was adverse events with a focus on hypoglycemia.ResultsAt week 16, the change in HbA1c was −0.81% from baseline, and the percentages of patients who achieved HbA1c targets of <7% and <7.5% were 44.9 and 67.2%, respectively. After 24 weeks, a further average HbA1c reduction of −0.60% was observed with specific reductions of −0.70% with glimepiride, −0.63% with gliclazide, −0.51% with repaglinide and −0.45% with acarbose. The proportions of patients who achieved HbA1c targets of <7% and <7.5% were 65.4 and 81.3%, respectively, over the entire study. The rates of drug‐related adverse events and hypoglycemia were, respectively, 4.1 and 4.3% in the dual therapy stage, and 5.2% and 7.1% in the triple therapy stage, without occurrence of severe hypoglycemia.ConclusionsIn elderly Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, metformin/sitagliptin‐based dual and triple oral therapy can provide clinically meaningful glycemic control and is generally well tolerated with a low incidence of hypoglycemia.
Changes in oral processing parameters of three rice varieties
Authors: Liu Dong Xiao , Ren Xin , Asimi Sailimuhan , Peng Jie , Zhang Min 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMastication and saliva addition affects the formation of a bolus, directly playing a key role in people's eating enjoyment. However, the specific changes of oral physiological parameters and bolus moisture content in the oral processing of rice have not been studied in detail. Thus, in the present study, salivary flow rate, salivary secretion, chewing frequency, and bolus moisture content during oral processing of three rice varieties (japonica rice, indica rice, and glutinous rice) were fully investigated. The differences among different rice and changes among different oral processing stages (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were analyzed. Results showed that the swallowing time of glutinous rice was significantly lower than that of japonica and indica rice (p < .05). However, there was no significant difference in the chewing frequency of the three rice varieties throughout the oral processing stages (1.59–1.66 Hz, p > .05). During oral processing, the salivary flow rates for the three kinds of rice decreased significantly (p < .05), from 37.72 ± 4.32 mg/s (0%–25% stage) to 19.83 ± 5.50 mg/s (75%–100% stage). The dry basis moisture content of the bolus increased significantly (p < .05), from 1.53 ± 0.08 (0%) to 1.96 ± 0.02 (100%). In the 75%–100% stage, the amount of saliva secretion for japonica rice was highest, followed by indica rice and glutinous rice (p < .05). At the point of swallowing (100% stage), the dry basis moisture content of all three rice‐bolus' was consistent (1.94–1.99, p > .05).
Incidence, prevalence and mortality of autoimmune hepatitis in England 1997‐2015. A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Grønbæk Lisbet , Otete Harmony , Ban Lu , Crooks Colin , Card Timothy , Jepsen Peter , West Joe 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsThere are few population‐based studies of the incidence and mortality of autoimmune hepatitis. The burden of the disease and how it has changed over time have not been fully explored. We conducted a population‐based cohort study on the incidence and mortality of autoimmune hepatitis in England, 1997‐2015.MethodsFrom the Clinical Practice Research Datalink we included 882 patients diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis in England, 1997‐2015. The patients were followed through 2015, and we calculated the sex‐ and age‐standardized incidence and prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis. We examined variation in incidence by sex, age, calendar year, geographical region and socioeconomic status, and incidence rate ratios were calculated with Poisson regression. We calculated all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality.ResultsThe overall standardized incidence rate of autoimmune hepatitis was 2.08 (95% confidence interval 1.94‐2.22) per 100,000 population per year, higher in women, higher in older age and independent of region and socioeconomic status. From 1997 to 2015 the incidence doubled from 1.27 (95% confidence interval 0.51‐2.02) to 2.56 (95% confidence interval 1.79‐3.33) per 100,000 population per year. The 10‐year cumulative all‐cause mortality was 31.9% (95% confidence interval 27.6‐36.5), and the 10‐year cumulative liver‐related mortality, including hepatocellular carcinoma was ~10.5%.ConclusionsThis population‐based study showed that the incidence of autoimmune hepatitis doubled over an eighteen‐year period. The incidence was particularly high in older women and was similar across all regions of England and independent of socioeconomic status. Patients with autoimmune hepatitis had a high mortality.
Determinants of volume status in peritoneal dialysis: A longitudinal study
Authors: Jaques David A. , Davenport Andrew 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimIn peritoneal dialysis (PD), fluid overload is frequent and associated with cardiac dysfunction and mortality. As it is considered a modifiable risk factor, we wished to describe clinical determinants of fluid overload in a longitudinal cohort of PD outpatients.MethodsWe consecutively included PD outpatients treated with continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) or automated PD (APD) attending for their routine clinical visit at a single tertiary hospital. Extracellular water (ECW) to total body water (TBW) ratio was measured by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance. Peritoneal transport characteristics were measured with a standard peritoneal equilibration test. Patients had a second follow‐up visit with the same measurements. Univariable and multivariable mixed linear regression models were conducted with ECW/TBW as the dependent variable.ResultsA total of 155 patients were enrolled with a median follow‐up time of 12 months. Median dialysis vintage was 13.5 ± 3.4 months. Overall mean value of ECW/TBW was 39.3% ± 1.1. In multivariable analysis, factors positively associated with ECW/TBW were: Age (P < .001), diabetes (P = .002), and SBP (P = .028). Factors negatively associated with ECW/TBW were: nPNA (P = .001), serum albumin (P < .001) and PTH (P = .014). None of the considered variable showed a significant interaction with time.ConclusionWe confirm a high prevalence of fluid overload in PD patients and show that it is strongly associated with older age, diabetes, hypoalbuminemia and protein energy wasting. In contrast, when PD prescription is tailored to patient's individual characteristics, residual renal function, PD modality and peritoneal characteristics are not decisive in controlling volume status.
Sella turcica morphometrics in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: Antonarakis Gregory S. , Huanca Ghislanzoni Luis , La Scala Giorgio C. , Fisher David M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo use morphometric methods to investigate the size and shape of the sella turcica in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).Setting and sample populationFifty‐six healthy children with non‐syndromic UCLP, from a major paediatric teaching hospital, with lateral cephalograms taken prior to alveolar bone grafting, were compared with an age‐ and sex‐matched control group of healthy children without orofacial clefts, with lateral cephalograms taken prior to orthodontic treatment.Materials and methodsIn this cross‐sectional study, conventional measurements were performed on the sella turcica to measure width, height and area on lateral cephalograms. Sella shape was also analysed using 11 points defining the sella turcica contours, using geometric morphometrics. Procrustes superimposition was used to register all sella contour tracings to calculate average sella shape. Principal component analysis was applied to the residuals of the point coordinates, and principal components (PCs) of shape were extracted.ResultsStatistically significant differences between the UCLP and control groups were found for sella posterior height, midpoint height, maximum height and area, where all of these were smaller in children with UCLP. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two PCs accounted for 84.7% of total shape variance. There was a statistically significant difference in sella shape between children with UCLP and control children.ConclusionsIn children with UCLP, the sella turcica is shorter and with a smaller surface area when compared to matched non‐cleft children. Moreover, sella turcica shape, when disregarding size, seems to differ to that of non‐cleft children.
Frailty and cognitive impairment are predictive of takotsubo syndrome following pacemaker implantation
Authors: Niewinski Piotr , Walczak Tomasz , Królicki Tomasz , Kudla Tobiasz , Jagielski Dariusz , Nowak Krzysztof , Josiak Krystian , Tubek Stanisław , Banasiak Waldemar , Ponikowski Piotr 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundPacemaker (PM) implantation may cause acute emotional distress leading to takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Frailty and cognitive impairment are known to influence outcomes after surgical procedures. It is unclear whether they may also predispose to TTS following PM implantation.MethodsWe identified nine cases (81 ± 6 years) of TTS following PM implantation that took place between 2013 and 2017 in one high volume implantation center. TTS was diagnosed based on typical echocardiographic appearance with resolution over time and (in cases where deemed necessary) normal coronary angiography. The TTS cases were compared with 30 consecutive cases of PM implantation (75 ± 9 years), which were not complicated by TTS (control group). Frailty was assessed using retrospective Risk Analysis Index (RAI‐A). Pacing parameters were analyzed during PM implantation and after 1 month.ResultsCognitive impairment was more prevalent (67% vs 10%, P = .0005), and RAI‐A index was significantly higher in the TTS group compared to the control group (26 ± 13.7 vs 13.1 ± 9.8, P = .008). Perioperative right ventricular threshold was significantly higher in patients with TTS comparing to controls (0.99 ± 0.43 V vs 0.74 ± 0.20 V, P = .04). The magnitude of decrease in right ventricular threshold between implantation and 1 month follow‐up was greater in TTS patients compared to controls (−0.41 ± 0.29 V vs −0.15 ± 0.38 V, P = .049).ConclusionsTTS is a rare complication of PM implantation. Patients with cognitive impairment and frailty are at risk of TTS. Right ventricular pacing threshold is acutely affected by TTS and improves over time.
Sensitive detection systems for infectious agents in xenotransplantation*
Authors: Denner Joachim 
Published: April 2020

AbstractXenotransplantation of pig cells, tissues, or organs may be associated with transmission of porcine microorganisms, first of all of viruses, to the transplant recipient, potentially inducing a disease (zoonosis). I would like to define detection systems as the complex of sample generation, sample preparation, sample origin, time of sampling, and the necessary negative and positive controls along with the specific detection methods, either PCR‐based, cell‐based, or immunological methods. Some xenotransplantation‐relevant viruses have already been defined; others are still unknown. The PCR‐based methods include PCR and real‐time PCR for DNA viruses, and RT‐PCR and real‐time RT‐PCR for RNA viruses as well as for virus expression studies at the RNA level. Furthermore, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) can be used for the determination of virus and provirus copies. To detect expression at the protein level, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analyses can be used. To detect virus production and to detect infectious viruses, electron microscopy and infection assays can be used. Furthermore, immunological methods such as Western blot analysis or ELISA can be used to detect virus‐specific antibodies. Detection of antiviral antibodies is a reliable and sensitive indirect detection method. For these immunological methods, purified viruses, recombinant viral proteins, or synthetic peptides are used as antigens and control sera and control antigens are needed. All these methods have been used in the past for the characterization of different pig breeds including genetically modified pigs generated for xenotransplantation and for the screening of recipients in preclinical and clinical xenotransplantations. Whereas in preclinical trials a few porcine viruses have been transmitted to the non‐human primate recipients, in first clinical trials no such transmissions to humans were observed. Further improvement of the detection systems and their application in virus elimination programs will lead to clean donor animals and a safe xenotransplantation.
Potential of Leucas zeylanica extract to eliminate E. coli and S. aureus in Corbicula fluminea (“Etak”) tissue
Authors: Abdullah Faizuan , Md. Nasir Siti Nor Aini , Han Dee Koh , Appalasamy Suganthi , Mohamad Nor Maryana , Rak Aweng Eh 
Published: April 2020

“Etak” or Corbicula fluminea, is a freshwater mollusc species regularly consumed as a popular snack among the Kelantanese in Malaysia. The “etak” is usually heated with traditional smoking process which is considered as half cooked and the smoked C. fluminea is commonly known as “etak salai”. This study focuses on the potential of Leucas zeylanica leaves extract to eliminate the bacteria content in “etak salai”. Extraction of bacterial genomic DNA was performed and confirmed the existence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in “etak salai”. Antibacterial properties of L. zeylanica leaves extract was identified using disc diffusion assay and the result obtained exhibit that 70 μg/μL of L. zeylanica extract was the optimum concentration to give the effect of 11 mm inhibition zone for E. coli and 15 mm inhibition zone for S. aureus. This finding proof that L. zeylanica leaves could be the ingredients in the paste for “etak salai” preparation.
A Gait Trajectory Control Scheme Through Successive Approximation Based on Radial Basis Function Neural Networks for the Lower Limb Exoskeleton Robot
Authors: Ren Bin , Luo Xurong , Wang Yao , Chen Jiayu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Stability control is critical to the exoskeleton robot controller design. Considering the complex structural characteristics of lower limb exoskeleton robots, the major challenge of the controller design is the accuracy and uncertainty of the dynamics model. To fill in this research gap, this study proposes successive approximation-based radial basis function (RBF) neural networks (NNs). The proposed model simplifies the lower limb exoskeleton robot as three degrees-of-freedom (3-DOF) model with the human hip joints for adduction/extension, bending/extension, and internal/external rotation. To minimize the gait tracking errors and stabilize the closed-loop system, a gait trajectory-based control and approximation model was proposed in this study. To verify the proposed method, a validation experiment was conducted for typical lower limb motions. The experiment results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method.