bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of maxillary canine width by maxillary and mandibular central incisors by the aid of an equation as a preventive measure
Authors: Kareem Fadil A 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Mixed dentition analysis is critical for early diagnosis of malocclusion because many malocclusions appear in this period. The aim of the present study is finding out specific prediction equation for estimation of mesio-distal width of maxillary unerupted canine at mixed dentition period depending on the width of upper and lowers central incisors. Materials and methods: Hundred orthodontic patients’ (50 males and 50 females) study casts visited a private clinic in Sulaimani City/Iraq were randomly selected and the largest mesio-distal dimensions of maxillary and mandibular central incisors and maxillary canines were measured by a digital calliper. The age range of patients was 14-24 years according to the inclusion criteria. Correlation and linear regression tests were applied on the collected data to find a prediction equation to estimate the mesio-distal width of maxillary permanent canine at early mixed dentition period relying on mesio-distal width of either mandibular or maxillary permanent central incisor. Results: Correlation coefficients of maxillary and mandibular central incisor were 0.664 and 0.639, respectively. It indicates a moderately strong correlation between the width of maxillary and mandibular central incisors and maxillary canine width. Establishment of valid practical prediction equations, one for maxillary central incisors (1.205+ 0.796 x Maxillary central incisor width) and the other for mandibular central incisors (1.205+ 1.205 x Mandibular central incisor width) with the former one being more reliable than the second one have a significant influence on construction of treatment plan at mixed dentition period. Conclusion: Moderately strong prediction equation is established to the mesio-distal width of maxillary permanent canine prior to their emergence in the oral cavity as an attempt to prevent their impaction or malposition.
Lesionia: a digital data management system for epidemiological and clinical data collected from patients suspected for cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Harigua Emna , Salem Youssef Ben , Hariga Maaoui , Aoun Yusr Saadi Ben , Souguir Hajer , Chouaib Hamed , Mkada Imen , Moussa Zeineb , Fathallah-Mili Akila , Lemrani Meryem , Haddad Nabil , Souiai Oussama , Ali Insaf Bel Hadj , Guizani Ikram 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background. Digital systems for data management (DSDM) are considered nowadays of high importance in the field of biomedical sciences. Such systems ensure that data meet the standards of FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability and Reusability). Our group is interested in implementing a DSDM for data collected from patients suspected of having cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the frame of diagnostics evaluation. The data is collected in multiple sites and countries by different partners in the frame of a project supported by the USAID-NAS PEER program. We capitalized on the thorough clinical and field expertise of some partners to assess needs. Then, we further refined these needs consortium-wide to define the data to be collected by the clinicians and biologists during the data life cycle. This led to the development of a questionnaire form for data collection and the implementation of a web-based application, called Lesionia.Results. Based on the questionnaire, we developed Lesionia, a digital system for the management and the analysis of clinical and epidemiological data. It consists of a relational database and a web-based user interface (WUI). The database was conceived to be expandable to new collaborators and projects. It allows for data handling from the consented patient interview and sample collection to the samples storage and investigation. The WUI permits data entry, fetching, visualization and analysis. Rigorous controls on data entry were implemented to reduce discrepancies. It also offers a set of analysis tools that range from descriptive statistics to variable correlation analysis. Lesionia is accessible in a secure manner to all users of the consortium through a web browser connected to the Internet. Conclusion. Lesionia is a valuable tool for clinical and epidemiological data management. It is an open source software that can broadly serve the scientific community interested in studying, controlling, reporting and diagnosing CL and similar cutaneous diseases.
Leukoencephalopathy and cerebral edema as the presenting manifestations of SLE in an ANA-negative adolescent female: A case report and review of literature.
Authors: Theisen Alexandra , Bose Paroma , Knight Christina , Oliver Melissa 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with various clinical manifestations involving multiple organ systems. Neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, thus it is important to recognize and diagnosis the disease entity and treat early. When neuropsychiatric symptoms are involved, typically there are many other systemic features to aid in the diagnosis of SLE. Many autoantibodies have been discovered and are used to help diagnose SLE. The antibody present in most cases of pediatric SLE, as well as in many other rheumatic diseases, is the nonspecific antinuclear antibody (ANA), making it a commonly used screening tool by primary care physicians when evaluating a patient with a possible rheumatic disorder. However, a small subset of SLE patients, 1-5%, present with a negative ANA, and it is important to keep SLE on the differential diagnosis in specific instances when a thorough infectious and neurological workup has been completed and proven to be inconclusive. Case Presentation: This case involves a Hispanic adolescent female with a negative ANA who presented with diffuse cerebral edema secondary to leukoencephalopathy due to SLE with central nervous system involvement. She had an extensive workup while inpatient involving metabolism, infectious disease, rheumatology, and neurology prior to obtaining the diagnosis of SLE. She was treated with both cyclophosphamide and rituximab and showed improvement. Conclusions: A review of the literature revealed 8 cases with SLE presenting with or developing diffuse cerebral edema and/or leukoencephalopathy. Our patient’s case differs in that she was also ANA negative despite other autoantibody positivity. While she did have low complements and transient leukopenia, she did not present with other signs of organ involvement, which made the diagnosis of SLE with neuropsychiatric involvement quite challenging. We discuss the importance of keeping SLE on the differential despite a negative ANA in complex cases without any other cause and to consider initial screening with not only the ANA but also dsDNA and complements to avoid missed diagnoses.
The effects of low temperature on docosahexaenoic acid biosynthesis in Schizochytrium sp TIO01 and the underlying mechanism
Authors: Hu Fan , Clevenger April L. , Zheng Peng , Huang Qiongye , Wang Zhaokai 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Schizochytrium are known for their abundant production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Low temperatures can promote the biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in many species. In this study, the effects of low temperature on the biosynthesis of DHA in Schizochytrium sp TIO01 and the underlying mechanism was investigated. Results Based on the de novo genome assembly (contig N50=2.86 Mb) and iTRAQ-based protein identification, we first reconstructed the detailed Schizochytrium fatty acid biosynthesis pathway. Our findings revealed that desaturases, involved in DHA synthesis via the fatty acid synthase (FAS) pathway, were completely absent. The polyketide synthase (PKS) pathway and the FAS pathway are separately responsible for DHA and saturated fatty acid synthesis in Schizochytrium . Analysis of fatty acid composition profiles indicates that low temperature has a significant impact on the production of DHA in Schizochytrium, increasing the DHA content and overall total fatty acids from 43% to 65%. The increased DHA content, however, was not a result of the expression of the PKS pathway genes. Further gene expression analysis indicated that low temperatures may promote DHA accumulation by the up-regulation of both the pentose phosphate pathway and the branched-chain amino acid degradation pathway (increasing the production of the substrates for polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis: acetyl-CoA and NADPH). In addition, low temerpatures result in a down-regulation of the FAS pathway (reducing the consumption of the substrates for saturated fatty acid synthesis) and malic enzyme, leading to a decreased saturated fatty acid content. Conclusions These findings elucidate the detailed fatty acid synthesis pathway of Schizochytrium, revealing an underlying mechanism by which low temperatures promote the accumulation of DHA in Schizochytrium. The high-quality and nearly complete genome sequence of Schizochytrium provides a valuable reference for further investigation of the regulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids biosynthesisand the evolutionary characteristics in Thraustochytriidae species.
Proximal junction kyphosis in adult scoliosis. best post-operative radiological predictors. Retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Manini Daudi Romani , Zhang Hong-qi , Wang Yu-Xiang , Shega Frank Damas , Du Yuxuan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Proximal junction kyphosis is the post-surgical radiographic event seen in the surgical plane after the fusion of spinal deformity. No common agreement on direct postoperative radiographic prognostic criteria for occurrences of proximal junctional kyphosis that justify close monitoring for the patients. The purpose of this study is to assess which immediate post-surgical radiographic variable is best in forecasting the occurrences of proximal junction kyphosis. Methods: Data for adult scoliosis patients who underwent curve correction were extracted from the hospital database. Pelvic and spinal parameters were measured, Fisher exact test was performed for continuous variables and the Chi-square test was used for noncontinuous variables to compare four immediate post-surgical radiographic variables for occurrences of proximal junctional kyphosis. These variables were; Restoration of hypothetical values of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis according to pelvic incidence, evaluation of global sagittal alignment. Restoration of the apex of lumbar lordosis to its hypothetical position according to the spine shape and evaluation of positive-sum and negative-sum of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis. Results: The excellent predictor for occurrences of proximal junctional kyphosis was restoration of the apex of lumbar lordosis to its hypothetical position according to the spine shape. The second good predictor for occurrences of proximal junctional kyphosis was evaluation of global sagittal alignment. The Restoration of hypothetical values of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis according to pelvic incidence and evaluation of positive-sum and negative-sum of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis were both poor predictors for occurrences of proximal junction kyphosis. Conclusion: Among the four proposed formulae for predicting occurrences of proximal junctional kyphosis, the position of the sagittal apex of lumbar lordosis is an excellent predictor for the development of proximal junctional kyphosis followed by global sagittal alignment. Therefore, during scoliosis deformity correction hypothetical position of the sagittal apex of lumbar lordosis should be used to decide the level of pedicle subtraction osteotomy or a suitable place to put lordotic cages to reduce the risk of the future occurrences of proximal junctional kyphosis.
A new severity scoring system designed for the management of adult spinal tuberculosis—a retrospective case series study
Authors: Wang Qi , Luo Xiaobo , Wang Chi , Hu Wenhao , Li Litao , Hu Fanqi , Wang Yan , Ma Yuanzheng , Zhang Xuesong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Surgeons have been successfully handle with spinal tuberculosis via conservative or surgical treatment. However, There are quite few classifications or scoring systems concerning spinal tuberculosis to guide the surgeons to manage the complicated pattern of spinal tuberculosis. The purpose of this study is to design a practical, yet comprehensive, severity scoring system for spinal tuberculosis that helps in clinical decision-making in terms of the need for operative versus non-operative management.Methods: A group of 129 spinal tuberculosis cases (70 male and 59 female patients) successfully treated and followed up for at least 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical spine experts from our institutions were gathered to confirm the information they considered pivotal in the communication of spinal tuberculosis and the clinical decision-making process. Typical spinal tuberculosis patterns were reviewed and reconsidered in view of these essential characteristics. An initial validation process to determine the reliability and validity of this system was also undertaken. Results: A new severity scoring system was designed based on three essential characteristics: 1) the stability of spinal infectious segments determined by imaging appearance, 2) the cause of spinal cord compression and the severity of neurologic deficit, and 3) the efficacy of the anti-tuberculosis drug therapy. A severity score was calculated from these characteristics, which divided patients into surgical and nonsurgical treatment groups. Conclusions: The severity scoring system comprehensively considers features cited in the literature including prediction of spinal stability and kyphosis deformity progression, identification of neurologic compromise and characteristics of mechanical compression of spinal cord. This classification system is intended to facilitate clinical decision-making in the management of adult spinal tuberculosis (from C3 to L5 segments) . The severity scoring system may help to improve the communication among spine surgeons. Further studies are needed to determine the reliability and validity of this system.
Designing and Implementing a VR Mental Wellbeing Experience using Digital Creative Practice.
Authors: Jerdan Shaun , Grindle Mark , Woerden Hugo C Van , Zubala Ania 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background An increasing amount of evidence is emerging surrounding virtual reality’s (VR) potential as a clinical and therapeutic tool for mental wellbeing treatment. The design and creation of VR software requires a skillset vastly different to that required to evaluate its effect on mental wellbeing outcomes. In this article we present a VR experience designed to improve mental wellbeing in patients in secondary care. Results The resulting piece of software is a VR intervention that combines nature and mindfulness, allowing patients with diabetes to spend time in a calming environment before regular clinic appointments with diabetes specialist nurses. Some initial insights from patient feedback are provided. Conclusion This piece of research demonstrates that engagement with creative practice allows researchers to identify research problems and find solutions in a creative manner. It illustrates how someone with no prior experience of software design is able to create and implement a VR experience, used in a real-world setting, targeted at improving patient wellbeing. By documenting this process, we hope to encourage more social researchers to create digital tools aimed at tackling health issues and to create a base of knowledge that bridges the gap between the computer and social sciences.
No Correlation between Serum Progranulin Levels and Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy in Chinese People with Type 2 Diabetes and Normal or Mildly Impaired Renal Function
Authors: cheng haiyan , xu lan , bu ruifang , jiang cheng , yao lijun , wu wenjun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Progranulin (PGRN), a novel pro-inflammatory adipokine, was reported to be related to the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy(DR). However, recently PGRN was established as a renal function-dependent protein, but no data regarding PGRN and DR excluded the influence of decreased renal elimination. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum PGRN and DR excluding the effect of deteriorating renal function.Methods: 338 subjects with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73m2 were divided into four groups of normal controls (NC)(n=76), simple diabetes mellitus (SDM)(n=195) , nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR)(n=41), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)(n=26). Serum PGRN was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and further analyses of serum PGRN in different groups were conducted. Results: There was no significant difference of serum PGRN between NC, SDM, NPDR, and PDR groups (P>0.05). Serum PGRN in all subjects negatively and significantly correlated with eGFR (r=-0.144, P<0.05), triglycerides and glucose (TyG) index (r=-0.127, P<0.05), and triglyceride (TG) (r=-0.132, P<0.05), while positively and significantly correlated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r=0.140, P<0.05). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis indicated only LDL-C (β=1.030, P<0.05) was independently associated with serum PGRN. Conclusions: We demonstrated that serum PGRN levels did not correlate with severity of DR in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes and eGFR ≥ 60ml/min/1.73m2, but positively and independently correlated with LDL-C.
THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN ANTI-FOAMING AND SUPERPLASTICIZING ADMIXTURES AND THEIR CONSEQUENCE FOR PROPERTIES OF SELF-COMPACTING MORTAR AND CONCRETE
Authors: ŁAŹNIEWSKA-PIEKARCZYK Beata 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of anti-foaming admixture type (AFA) and time of its introduction on compatibility with two types of PCP-based superplasticizer, air content, rheological parameters, physical adhesion, mechanical strength, microstructure and air-voids size of self-compacting mortar and concrete (SCC). Results reveal that the air content of plastic self-compacting mortars mixture decreases with the implementation of AFA regardless of the time of its introduction. Antifoaming admixture causes the increase of the mortar’s flow diameter most when it is introduced together with PCP. The plastic viscosity value depends on the type of AFA significantly. AFA admixtures reduce the physical adhesion of self-compacting mortar. Moreover, test results prove that mortars with AFA maintain initial consistency for a longer time in comparison with mortar with SP only. Too big amount of AFA has a negative effect on mechanical properties and microstructure. Proper dosage of the right type of the anti-foaming admixture does not influence negatively compressive strength of mortar or concrete. The research results proved that too high dosage of AFA may cause compressive strength decrease and microcracking of self-compacting mor-tar or concrete, indicated on the basis of SEM research results.
NUMERICAL STUDIES ON THE NATURAL SMOKE VENTING OF ATRIA
Authors: ŻYDEK Karolina , KRÓL Małgorzata 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The use of numerical fluid mechanics to model smoke flow in buildings where a fire develops is common. It allows to check the effectiveness of ventilation systems at the design stage. It also gives the opportunity to determine the conditions that will be on escape routes. Numerical analyzes of smoke flow in buildings are most often performed using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS).
The paper presents numerical analyzes performed for the atrium building. The purpose of the calculations was to build a numerical model that corresponds to the real object located in the laboratory in Murcia, Spain. The analyzes consisted of fitting a numerical model based on the temperature distribution at selected points of the atrium. The model mapped the geometry of the real building and assumed the same fire power. Calculations showed high temperature compliance throughout the atrium, except for the vicinity of the fire source itself.
Investigation of photocatalytic performance of CuS/Bi2WO6 and degradation pathway of RhB in water
Authors: Zhou Houren , Guo Jiaxiu , Fang Ningjie , Liang Juan , Shen Ting , Yuan Shandong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A series of CuS/Bi2WO6 composites were synthesized by solvothermal synthesis, which showed enhanced photocatalytic activity. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, transient photocurrent and EIS. The results showed that as-prepared CuS/Bi2WO6 has flower-like nano microspheres self-assembled by nanoplates and CuS nanorods are uniformly dispersed on its surface. The CuS/Bi2WO6 forms heterojunctions between CuS and Bi2WO6 and shows a wide light response range and a strong light response intensity. The CuS/Bi2WO6 exhibits a better Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation effect than pure Bi2WO6 and CuS, and it can degrade 90% RhB in 50 min and achieve complete degradation in 70 min under Xe lamp irradiation. The CuS/Bi2WO6 has photocatalytic activity in a low pH environment and good stability. The formation of a heterojunction between CuS and Bi2WO6 can effectively separate photo-generated electrons and holes, greatly improving the photocatalytic activity. In the CuS/Bi2WO6-RhB reaction system, O2− is the main active species, and it can rapidly remove the ethyl group from the amino group linked to benzene rings to achieve the N-de-ethylation reaction in the process of RhB degradation. The N-de-ethylated products are simultaneously degraded to small organic molecules and even mineralized into CO2 and H2O.
New stochastic modeling strategy on the prediction enhancement of pier scour depth in cohesive bed materials
Authors: Sharafati Ahmad , Tafarojnoruz Ali , Yaseen Zaher Mundher 
Published: February 2020

AbstractScouring around the piers, especially in cohesive bed materials, is a fully stochastic phenomenon and a reliable prediction of scour depth is still a challenging concern for bridge designers. This study introduces a new stochastic model based on the integration of Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) and Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) to predict scour depth around piers in cohesive soils. The GLUE approach is developed to estimate the related parameters whereas the GMDH model is used for the prediction target. To assess the adequacy of the GMDH-GLUE model, the conventional GMDH and genetic programming (GP) models are also developed for evaluation. Several statistical performance indicators are computed over both the training and testing phases for the prediction accuracy validation. Based on the attained numerical indicators, the proposed GMDH-GLUE model revealed better predictability performance of pier scour depth against the benchmark models as well as several gathered literature studies. To provide an informative comparison among the proposed techniques (i.e. GMDH-GLUE, GMDH, and GP models), an improvement index () is employed. Results indicated that the GMDH-GLUE model achieved = 6% and = 3%, demonstrating satisfying performance improvement in comparison with the previously proposed GMDH model.