bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A level‐set method for inhomogeneous image segmentation with application to breast thermography images
Authors: Shamsi Koshki Asma , Ahmadzadeh M.R. , Zekri M. , Sadri S. , Mahmoudzadeh E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractVarious level‐set methods have been suggested for segmenting images with intensity inhomogeneity as local region‐based models. The challenge in these methods is segmenting the inhomogeneous images with smooth edges. These methods cannot properly segment regions with smooth edges in inhomogeneous images. This paper presents a new local region‐based active contour model called local self‐weighted active contour model. In the proposed method, a novel different weighting technique is applied. In this model, the weight of each neighbour pixel in the energy function is set by a function of its intensity and not its geometrical distance regarding the central pixel as previous methods. Considering this, the presented approach can segment regions with smooth edges in the presence of inhomogeneity as breast thermography images. The experimental results of applying the model on heterogeneous images containing synthetic images and medical images, especially breast thermography images, are compared with well‐known local level‐set methods which show the perfect capability of the model. The segmentation results were evaluated using the F‐score, accuracy, precision and recall criteria. The results show values of 0.8, 0.62, 0.73 and 0.82 for the average accuracy, F‐score, precision and recall criteria on the segmentation of breast thermography images, respectively.
Tissue Modification in Nonsurgical Facelift Options
Authors: Harrison Lucas M. , Shapiro Ryan , Johnson R Michael 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNonsurgical facelifts are a term for a heterogeneous group of procedures used by physicians to improve facial rejuvenation without the use of operative techniques. Patients demand these services due to the reduced recovery time and generally lower risk. However, nonsurgical techniques, to be effective, must induce conformational change in the cells and tissues of the face. Therefore, these techniques are significant procedures that have associated risks. Understanding the tissue modifications and mechanisms of action of these techniques is vital to their safe and effective use. The purpose of this article is to provide a background of tissue modification in nonsurgical facelift options.
Effect of Carbonate Apatite Hydrogel-Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin Injection on Osteoblastogenesis during Orthodontic Relapse in Rabbits
Authors: Alhasyimi Ananto Ali , Suparwitri Sri , Christnawati Christnawati 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective This study aimed to determine the effect of carbonate apatite (CHA) hydrogel-aPRF on osteoblastogenesis during relapse in rabbits.
Materials and Methods Forty-five rabbits were divided into three groups (n = 15): the control, CHA, and CHA-autologous platelet-rich fibrin (aPRF) groups. An open-coil spring was compressed between brackets to distalize the lower incisors of the rabbits by delivering a force of 50 cN for 1 week. The new position of the teeth was retained for 14 days, and CHA hydrogel-aPRF was injected every 7 days. The appliances were then debonded to allow relapse. On days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 after debonding, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 expression was examined using immunohistochemistry staining and Runx-2 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance and a post hoc Tukey’s test (p < 0.05).
Results Histomorphometric analysis revealed that TGF-β1 expression in the CHA-aPRF group is statistically higher than that in other groups on days 0, 3, and 7 after debonding (p < 0.05). BMP-2 expression in the CHA-aPRF group was also statistically higher than that in the other groups on days 3, 14, and 21 after debonding (p < 0.05). ELISA showed that Runx-2 levels are slightly higher in the CHA-aPRF group than in the other groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion Although injection of CHA-aPRF aids in osteoblastogenesis associated with enhancing TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expressions, it does not significantly upregulate Runx-2 levels.
Baseline Specimens of Erosion and Abrasion Studies
Authors: Ishak Hayati , Field James , German Matthew 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe difficulty in obtaining human teeth that are caries-free that have similar environmental exposure, e.g., diet intake and water fluoridation has lead researchers to opt for bovine teeth as a substitute for erosion studies. Bovine mandibular incisors are readily available at abattoirs and often originate from the same region and are likely to consume similar dietary intake. The bovine teeth for erosion or abrasion studies usually undergo specimen preparation to produce a “flat surface” baseline specimen. Among other terms used to define baseline specimens for erosion and abrasion studies include phrases like “optically flat” and “flat and smooth surface.” However, these terms might have no quantitative value as it does not justify the actual surface characteristics of the prepared flattened surface. In dentistry, roughness average (Ra) is the most commonly used parameter when reporting the roughness of specimens Reporting Ra alone might not be sufficient as it does not provide information regarding the surface texture as there is no distinction between valleys and peaks, nor does it provide information about the core structure of a material unlike the bearing area curve. The incorporation of Ra and BAP values in baseline specimens has the potential in predicting the wear or lubricating potential of these specimens. Furthermore, standardization of baseline specimens by acknowledging its surface roughness values ensures comparability of erosion and abrasion studies as different specimen preparation technique might influence the outcome or results of research.
Microtensile Bond Strength, Marginal Leakage, and Antibacterial Effect of Bulk Fill Resin Composite with Alkaline Fillers versus Incremental Nanohybrid Composite Resin
Authors: Mohamed Nada Ismail , Safy Rehab Khalil , Elezz Ahmed Fawzy Abo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjective This study aimed to investigate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS), microleakage, and antibacterial effect of bulk fill resin composite with alkaline fillers (alkasite) (alkaline fillers such as barium aluminum silicate glass and ytterbium trifluoride) in comparison to incremental nanohybrid resin composite.Materials and Methods µTBS was evaluated by using 30 human mandibular molars. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups (C): nanohybrid resin composite (C0), self-cured alkasite (C1), and dual-cured alkasite (C2). Each group was subdivided into two subgroups according to the bulk thickness: 4 mm (T1) and 6 mm (T2). The occlusal enamel of teeth was removed and the resin composite was applied to a flat dentin surface. Then, teeth were sectioned into beams to be tested under tension. For microleakage testing, mesio-occlusal class II cavities were prepared in 15 molars and divided into three groups as mentioned before. Following this, cavities were restored, thermocycled, immersed in a dye, sectioned mesiodistally, and then dye penetration was assessed. The antibacterial effect of both tested materials was evaluated using agar disc diffusion and broth dilution methods against chlorhexidine as a control positive group.Results There was no significant difference in µTBS between all tested groups. Bulk fill self-cured alkasite showed the lowest microleakage value followed by bulk fill dual-cured alkasite and incremental nanohybrid resin composite, respectively. Also, cervical microleakage showed significantly higher mean value than the occlusal one. The antibacterial effect of alkasite was less than chlorhexidine. Alkasite showed maximum broth clarity at lowest tested bacterial concentration.Conclusion Resin composite with alkaline fillers was characterized by good µTBS and marginal integrity with weak antibacterial effect.
Range of Motion after the Sauvé–Kapandji and Darrach Procedures without Extensor Tendon Rupture
Authors: Kato Tomoyuki , Suzuki Taku , Kameyama Makoto , Okazaki Masato , Morisawa Yasushi , Nishiwaki Masao , Nakamura Toshiyasu , Sato Kazuki , Iwamoto Takuji 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Previous study demonstrated that distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) plays a biomechanical role in extension and flexion of the wrist and suggested that fixation of the DRUJ could lead to loss of motion of the wrist. Little is known about the pre- and postoperative range of motion (ROM) after the Sauvé–Kapandji (S-K) and Darrach procedures without tendon rupture. To understand the accurate ROM of the wrist after the S-K and Darrach procedures, enrollment of patients without subcutaneous extensor tendon rupture is needed.
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the pre- and postoperative ROM after the S-K and Darrach procedures without subcutaneous extensor tendon rupture in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods This retrospective study included 36 patients who underwent the S-K procedure and 10 patients who underwent the Darrach procedure for distal radioulnar joint disorders without extensor tendon rupture. Pre- and postoperative ROMs after the S-K and Darrach procedures were assessed 1 year after the surgery.
Results In the S-K procedure, the mean postoperative ROM of the wrist flexion (40 degrees) was significantly lower than the mean preoperative ROM (49 degrees). In wrist extension, there were no significant differences between the mean preoperative ROM (51 degrees) and postoperative ROM (51 degrees). In the Darrach procedure, the mean postoperative ROM of the wrist flexion and extension increased compared with the mean preoperative ROM; however, there were no significant differences.
Conclusion In the S-K procedure, preoperative ROM of the wrist flexion decreased postoperatively. This study provides information about the accurate ROM after the S-K and Darrach procedures.
Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, therapeutic study.
An Evaluation on Deep Caries Removal Method and Management Performed by Undergraduate Dental Students: A Malaysia Experience
Authors: Othman Nurin Izyani , Ismail Hanan Umaira , Mohammad Norazlina , Ghazali Norzalina , Alauddin Muhammad Syafiq 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the current knowledge and attitude of deep caries removal method among dental students in Malaysia.
Materials and Methods A total of 303 students (n = 303) responded to the online questionnaire. The first part of questionnaire was to evaluate the demographic data of the respondents and focused on the technique and management approach used for deep caries lesion. The second part investigated the preferred treatment used for deep caries based on the designated clinical case, while the third part assessed the factors that affected the decision on deep caries management.
Statistical Analysis Independent t-test was used to compare difference between the two groups.
Results Seventy four percent of the students have the knowledge of the different methods of caries removal, while 25.8% were only familiar with complete caries removal. The preferred method for deep caries removal in permanent teeth was partial caries removal (53%). For primary dentition, 45.6% of the students prefer to perform pulpotomy as compared with other techniques. There was no significant difference in caries removal method for permanent teeth between undergraduate year of study (p > 0.05), which was partial caries removal at 52.7 and 53.5%, respectively. For primary dentition, the preferred caries removal method was pulpotomy for year 4 (39.8%) and year 5 (52%) students. The popular material to restore deep caries was resin composite (42%) followed by glass ionomer cement (23.3%).
Conclusions This study showed that partial caries removal was the preferred method despite partial understanding on the identification of the clinical indicators of the technique.
The Psychological Impact Analysis of Novel COVID-19 Pandemic in Health Sciences Students: A Global Survey
Authors: Bashir Thelma Farasat , Hassan Sobia , Maqsood Afsheen , Khan Zafar Ali , Issrani Rakhi , Ahmed Naseer , Bashir Evangel Faraz 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjective To evaluate the anxiety and depression amid novel coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic in health sciences students around the globe.Materials and Methods This cross-sectional observational study comprised 523 health science students. A well-structured online questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions based on student’s general information, Patient Heath Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7 scales were used to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19.Statistical Analysis SPSS-25 was used to analyze the outcome of this study. Multiple linear regression analysis test was used to assess variables which had impact on PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores among the participants. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results Among the 523 participants, 365 (69.55%) students were from developing countries and 158 (30.21%) from developed countries; 424 (81.1%) students were tested negative for COVID-19 and 99 (18.9%) had suffered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pandemic. The mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were 7.16 ± 5.755 and 7.30 ± 6.166, respectively. Significant impact on anxiety levels was associated with age, gender, education status, and COVID-19 positive patient, while depression was not significantly associated with gender, COVID-19, and its reported symptoms in participants.Conclusion As the world is trying to contain the health effects of COVID-19, the psychological effects might take a longer time to be addressed. Our study highlights the dire need to identify mental well-being of health science students as this may have a direct impact on their professional commitments and future responsibilities.
Disparities Associated with Sepsis Mortality in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Reddy Anireddy R. , Badolato Gia M. , Chamberlain James M. , Goyal Monika K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDisparities in health care related to socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity are well documented in adult and neonatal sepsis, but they are less characterized in the critically ill pediatric population. This study investigated whether socioeconomic status and/or race/ethnicity is associated with mortality among children treated for sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). A retrospective cohort study was conducted using information from 48 children's hospitals included in the Pediatric Health Information System database. We included visits by children ≤ 21 years with All Patients Refined Diagnosis-Related Groups (APR-DRG) diagnosis codes of septicemia and disseminated infections that resulted in PICU admission from 2010 to 2016. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure the effect of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (insurance status and median household income for zip code) on mortality after adjustment for age, gender, illness severity, and presence of complex chronic condition. Among the 14,276 patients with sepsis, the mortality rate was 6.8%. In multivariable analysis, socioeconomic status, but not race/ethnicity, was associated with mortality. In comparison to privately insured children, nonprivately insured children had increased odds of mortality (public: adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.2 [1.0, 1.5]; uninsured: aOR: 2.1 [1.2, 3.7]). Similarly, children living in zip codes with the lowest quartile of annual household income had higher odds of mortality than those in the highest quartile (aOR: 1.5 [1.0, 2.2]). These data suggest the presence of socioeconomic, but not racial/ethnic, disparities in mortality among children treated for sepsis. Further research is warranted to understand why such differences exist and how they may be addressed.
The Association of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Training Programs with Research Publication Productivity and Employment Outcomes of Their Graduates
Authors: Basu Sonali , Horak Robin , Pollack Murray M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOur objective was to associate characteristics of pediatric critical care medicine (PCCM) fellowship training programs with career outcomes of PCCM physicians, including research publication productivity and employment characteristics. This is a descriptive study using publicly available data from 2557 PCCM physicians from the National Provider Index registry. We analyzed data on a systematic sample of 690 PCCM physicians representing 62 fellowship programs. There was substantial diversity in the characteristics of fellowship training programs in terms of fellowship size, intensive care unit (ICU) bed numbers, age of program, location, research rank of affiliated medical school, and academic metrics based on publication productivity of their graduates standardized over time. The clinical and academic attributes of fellowship training programs were associated with publication success and characteristics of their graduates' employment hospital. Programs with greater publication rate per graduate had more ICU beds and were associated with higher ranked medical schools. At the physician level, training program attributes including larger size, older program, and higher academic metrics were associated with graduates with greater publication productivity. There were varied characteristics of current employment hospitals, with graduates from larger, more academic fellowship training programs more likely to work in larger pediatric intensive care units (24 [interquartile range, IQR: 16–35] vs. 19 [IQR: 12–24] beds; p < 0.001), freestanding children's hospitals (52.6 vs. 26.3%; p < 0.001), hospitals with fellowship programs (57.3 vs. 40.3%; p = 0.01), and higher affiliated medical school research ranks (35.5 [IQR: 14–72] vs. 62 [IQR: 32, unranked]; p < 0.001). Large programs with higher academic metrics train physicians with greater publication success (H index 3 [IQR: 1–7] vs. 2 [IQR: 0–6]; p < 0.001) and greater likelihood of working in large academic centers. These associations may guide prospective trainees as they choose training programs that may foster their career values.
Anthropometric Determinations of Umbilical Position in Iraqi Adults
Authors: Abdulla Mazin Abdulsattar , Fahad Saja Mahmood Ali 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction Umbilicus is an important surface landmark on the anterior abdominal wall in addition to its aesthetic and psychological effect.
Objectives The objective of the study is to determine the position of umbilicus in Iraqi adults to provide a guide for the neoumbilicus in abdominoplasty.
Subjects and Methods This is an observational study performed on 100 volunteers with no abdominal wall abnormality. Measurements included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), distance from xiphoid to umbilicus, distance from xiphoid process to pubic symphysis, distance from xiphoid process to both anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), distance from pubic symphysis to umbilicus and from pubic symphysis to xiphisternum, distance of umbilicus to both ASIS, and distance of umbilicus to interspinous line and to inter-anterior hypochondrium line.
Results The study included 100 volunteers, with 50% male and 50% female whose age ranges between 18 to 60 years. The results were a follows: distance from xiphoid process to umbilicus and distance from xiphoid process to pubic symphysis were 18.03 ± 3.25 cm and 32.21 ± 4.64 cm, respectively; distances from xiphoid process to right ASIS and left ASIS were 25.95 ± 5.72 cm and 25.84 ± 6.02 cm, respectively; distance from pubic symphysis to umbilicus was 17.66 ± 3.12 cm; distance of umbilicus to interspinous line was 9.25 ± 1.84 cm. The distance from umbilicus to inter anterior hypochondrium line was 9.905 ± 2.19 cm.
Conclusion These measurements can determine the neoumbilicus position, reduce practical mistakes, and improve postsurgical outcomes.
Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Levels of Empathy among Undergraduate Dental Students in Pakistan
Authors: Ghaus Sundas , Waheed Madiha Abdul , Khan Shahreen Zahid , Mustafa Laila , Siddique Sohaib , Quershi Ali Waqar 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjective The purpose of our study is to determine the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the levels of empathy toward patients among undergraduate dental students in Pakistan.Materials and Methods A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted at Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan. After taking an informed consent, a validated and pretested Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) was distributed amongst the undergraduate dental students at two points, one before the COVID-19 existed, and the other after August 7th, 2020, when the COVID-19 cases dropped in Pakistan. Responses were indicated on a five point Likert Scale.Statistical Analysis A one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) was used to compare the TEQ scores between the different years of education at the dental school. Difference within the groups was analyzed using the post-hoc Tukey test. Pre- and post-COVID-19 comparison was done using the Chi-square test (significance level p < 0.05).Results A total of 221 out of 260 students in the pre-COVID-19 group, while 210 out of 260 students in the post-COVID-19 group enrolled in the dentistry program participated in the study. Significant difference in the empathy levels was observed in the pre- and post-COVID-19 groups of the same population, i.e., (p < 0.05). The response rate was 85%.Conclusions This study showed an increase in mean empathy scores among the undergraduate dental students after COVID-19, indicating a significant improvement in their empathy levels during the time of COVID-19. It highlights the impact of the pandemic, whereby death and chaos seem to have brought about an improvement in interpersonal harmony.
Reduced Expression of GPX3 in Breast Cancer Patients in Correlation with Clinical Significance
Authors: Saelee Pensri , Pongtheerat Tanett , Sophonnithiprasert Thanet 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGlutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) is the main antioxidant enzyme in plasma. Its biological roles are to protect cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. Several studies have been reported the association between GPX3 expression and its correlation with cancer carcinogenesis including breast cancer. The aim of this research was to investigate the GPX3 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in 82 breast tumors and paired normal breast tissues by SYBR green quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the association with clinicopathological data. Our results show that GPX3 reduced expression was found significantly associated with number of metastatic lymph nodes (odds ratio [OR] = 3.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.35–8.64, p = 0.01), no distant metastasis (OR = 5.52, 95% CI = 3.74–11.89, p = 0.04), and nonhormone usage breast cancer patients (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.04–0.93, p = 0.04). This finding suggested that GPX3 plays a role in breast carcinogenesis, and might serve as a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer patients.