bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Er:YAG laser pre-treatment on dentin structure and bonding strength of primary teeth: An in vitro study
Authors: WANG Jun hui , YANG Kuan , ZHANG Bai ze , ZHOU Zhi fei , WANG Zi rui , GE Xin , WANG Lu lu , CHEN Yu jiang , WANG Xiao jing 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the effects of Er:YAG laser pre-treatment on the dentin structure and shear bond strength of primary teeth.Methods: Dentin specimens were prepared using freshly extracted intact primary molars and divided randomly into four groups based on the surface treatment applied. The control and etchant groups received no treatment and conventional acid etching treatment, respectively, while the energy and frequency groups received laser surface treatment with variable energy (50-300 mJ) and frequency (5-30 Hz) parameters. The morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The surface-treated dentin slices were bonded to resin tablets, followed by thermocycle treatment. The shear strength was determined using a universal testing machine and de-bonded surfaces were observed using a stereomicroscope.Results: SEM observation showed that the surface morphology of the dentin slices changed after etching as well as after Er:YAG laser pre-treatment with different energy and frequency values. The dentin tubules opened within a specific energy (50-200 mJ) and frequency (5-20 Hz) range. Beyond this range, the intertubular dentin showed cracks and structural disintegration. Shear strength tests showed no significant changes after acid etching. The shear strength increased significantly (P<0.05) after Er:YAG laser pre-treatment compared with that of the control group. The shear strength increased within the same energy (50-200 mJ) and frequency (5-20 Hz) range as the tubule opening, but not significantly (P>0.05). The most common mode of interface failure was adhesive (interface) failure, followed by mixed and resin cohesive failure.Conclusions: Pre-treatment using Er:YAG laser opens the dentinal tubules without the formation of a smear layer and improves the bonding strength between the primary teeth dentin and the resin composites.
Composite Surface Roughness and Color Change Following Airflow Usage
Authors: Valian Azam , Ansari Zahra Jaber , Rezaie Mohammad Moien , Askian Roja 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Esthetic dental restorations have gained increasing popularity. The restoration surface should be smooth enough to prevent adhesion of microorganisms and food particles, and achieve maximum esthetics. This study aimed to assess the surface roughness and color change of composite specimens following the use of an airflow device. Methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, 30 Tokuyama composite discs were fabricated and randomly divided into three groups (n=10) for the use of airflow with calcium carbonate powder, airflow with sodium bicarbonate powder, and conventional polishing with FlexiDisc. The surface roughness of specimens was measured by profilometry while the color change was evaluated by measuring the L*, a* and b* color parameters by spectrophotometry before polishing (T1). The composite specimens were then polished for stain removal and their surface roughness and color parameters were measured again after polishing (T2). Paired t-test and Tukey’s test were applied for within-group and between-group comparisons.Results: Significant differences were noted in Ra (the roughness average pf surface) between airflow with calcium carbonate (0.251 ± 0.014 µm) and airflow with sodium bicarbonate (0.421 ± 0.208 µm), and also between airflow with sodium bicarbonate and FlexiDisc (0.207 ± 0.076 µm) groups after polishing (P<0.05). Regarding the correlation of change in surface roughness and color parameters at T1 and T2, an inverse correlation was noted between the change in surface roughness and all color parameters except for L*. In other words, increasing the surface roughness difference (surface smoothing), decreased the a* and b* color parameters. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the results showed that the airflow device used in this study had no significant difference with the conventional polishing in terms of reduction in surface roughness and staining. Considering the cost and maintenance of the airflow device, it is not suggested as a suitable alternative to the conventional polishing procedures. Trial Registration Number: This is not a human subject research.
Wolbachia infection in wild mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): implications for transmission modes and host-endosymbiont associations in Singapore
Authors: Ding Huicong , Yeo Huiqing , Puniamoorthy Nalini 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Wolbachia is an intracellular bacterial endosymbiont found in most insect lineages. In mosquitoes, the endosymbiont’s influence on host reproduction and arboviral transmission has spurred numerous studies aimed at using Wolbachia-infection as a vector control technique. However, there are several knowledge gaps in the literature and little is known about natural Wolbachia infection across species, transmission modes as well as the associations between various Wolbachia lineages and their hosts. This study aims to address them by exploring mosquito-Wolbachia associations and their evolutionary implications.Methods: We conducted tissue-specific PCR screening for Wolbachia infection in the leg, gut and reproductive tissues of wild mosquitoes from Singapore using the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) molecular marker. Mosquito-Wolbachia associations were explored using three methods – a tanglegram, distance-based, and event-based method, and inferred instances of vertical transmission and host shifts. Results: Adult mosquitoes (271 specimens) representing 14 genera and 40 species were screened for Wolbachia. Overall, 21 species (51.2%) were found positive for Wolbachia, including Aedes (5 species) and Culex (5 species). Seven out of the 21 infected species were not previously reported: Aedes nr. fumidus, Aedes annandaelei, Uranotaenia obscura, Uranotaenia trilineata, Verrallina butleri, Verrallina sp., and Zeugnomyia gracilis. Wolbachia was predominantly detected in the reproductive tissues, an indication of vertical transmission. Despite this, Wolbachia infection rates vary widely within a mosquito host species. There is no clear signal of co-phylogeny between the mosquito hosts and the twelve putative Wolbachia strains observed in this study. Host shift events were also observed. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the mosquito-Wolbachia relationship is complex and that combinations of transmission modes and multiple evolutionary events likely explain the distribution of Wolbachia diversity observed across mosquito hosts. This has implications towards understanding Wolbachia’s diversity, ecology, and utility as a biocontrol method.
When can be safely performed total knee arthroplasty following prior arthroscopy?
Authors: Ma Jin-Ning , Li Xiao-Lin , Liang Pan , Yu Sheng-Li 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background The optimal time to perform a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after knee arthroscopy (KA) was controversial in the literature. We aimed to 1) explore the effect of prior KA on the subsequent TKA; 2) identify who were not suitable for TKA in patients with prior KA; and 3) determine the timing of TKA following prior KA.Methods We retrospectively reviewed 87 TKAs with prior KA and 174 controls using propensity score matching in our institution. The minimum followup was 2 years. Postoperative clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were created with reoperation as an end point. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regressions were performed to identify risk factors of severe complications in the KA group. The two-piecewise linear regression analysis was performed to examine the optimal timing of TKA following prior KA.Results The all-cause reoperation, revision and complication rates of KA group were significantly higher than those of control group (p<0.05). The survivorship of KA group and control group was 92.0% and 99.4% at the 2-year followup (p=0.002), respectively. Male (Hazards ratio [HR]=3.2) and prior KA for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (HR=4.4) were associated with postoperative complications in the KA group. There was a non-liner relationship between time from prior KA to TKA and postoperative complications with the turning point at 9.4 months.Conclusion Prior KA is associated with worse outcomes following subsequent TKA, especially male patients and those with prior KA for ACL injury. There is an increased risk of postoperative complications when TKA is performed within 9 months of KA. Surgeons should keep these findings in mind when treating patients who are scheduled to undergo TKA with prior KA.
Reflux Esophagitis and Fatigue: Are They Related?
Authors: Kang Sung-Goo , Hwang Hyun jee , Kim Youngwoo , Lee Junseak , Oh Jung Hwan , Kim Jinsu , Lim Chul-Hyun , Youn Seung Bae , Jung Sung Hoon 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, recurrent disease. Reflux esophagitis can interfere with sleep via acid reflux, which could cause daytime sleepiness or fatigue. However, little is known about the association between reflux esophagitis and fatigueObjectives: We evaluated the association between fatigue and reflux esophagitis in subjects seen at health check-ups.Methods: Consecutive patients who were scheduled for screening endoscopy were enrolled prospectively at the Comprehensive Medical Examination Center of St. Vincent Hospital and Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, Korea. Three validated questionnaires were used to assess fatigue, daytime hypersomnolence, anxiety, and depression: the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-Korean version (MFI-K), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).Results: We investigated 497 consecutive eligible subjects. The reflux esophagitis and symptomatic GERD groups comprised 103 (20.7%) and 92 (18.5%) subjects, respectively. The MFI-K total, ESS, HADS-anxiety, and HADS-depression scores did not differ between the esophagitis and non-esophagitis groups (50.0±11.5 vs. 49.7±10.9, P=0.769; 6.2±2.8 vs. 6.1±3.1, P=0.819; 5.8±3.1 vs. 5.2±3.2, P=0.069; 6.2±3.6 vs. 6.0±3.3, P=0.527). However, the MFI-K total, ESS, HADS-anxiety, and HADS-depression scores were higher in the symptomatic group than in the non-symptomatic group (54.7±12.7 vs. 48.6±10.3, P<0.001; 7.1±3.5 vs. 5.9±2.9, P=0.002; 6.4±3.3 vs. 5.1±3.1, P<0.001; 7.5±4.0 vs. 5.7±3.1, P<0.001). In addition, HADS-depression was correlated with the MFI-K score (P<0.001).Conclusion: There was no statistically significant association in which reflux esophagitis could cause daytime sleepiness, fatigue, anxiety, or depression, but GERD symptoms were associated with all of these. Depression was also associated with fatigue. Further studies should clarify the association between fatigue and reflux esophagitis.
Prognostic value of the creatinine-albumin ratio in acute pancreatitis debridement
Authors: ZHAO Zhifeng , YU Yeping , XIE Rongli , YANG Kaige , XU Dan , LI Li , LIN Jiayun , ZHENG Lei , ZHANG Chihao , XU Xin , CHEN Ying , XU Zhiwei , ZHEN Erchen , LUO Meng , Fei Jian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Increases in the levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatinine (Cr) and decreases in those of albumin (Alb) are commonly observed in acute pancreatitis (AP). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Cr/Alb and CRP/Alb ratios in the prediction of surgical treatment effect in AP patients.Methods This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data obtained from 140 AP patients who underwent debridement from January 2008 to November 2018 in Shanghai Ruijin Hospital. The Cr/Alb and CRP/Alb ratios at admission and before surgery were assessed in the analysis of clinical statistics, prediction of prognoses, and logistic regression analysis.Results The admission Cr/Alb had the best predictive value of the four ratios. This value was significantly higher in patients with re-operation and those who died (P < 0.05) and was correlated with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, admission CRP/Alb, preoperative Cr/Alb, and post-operative complications. The admission Cr/Alb could predict the risk of AP-related re-operation and mortality with sensitivities, specificities and areas under the curve of 86.3%, 61.7% and 0.824, and 73.4%, 81.3% and 0.794, respectively. At a cut-off value of 3.43, admission Cr/Alb values were indicative of a worse clinical state, including impaired laboratory test values, APACHE II scores, rates of post-operative complications and re-operation, and mortality (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, admission Cr/Alb values were independently related to the APACHE II score, post-operative renal failure, and mortality.Conclusion Cr/Alb is a novel but promising, easy-to-measure, reproducible, non-invasive prognostic score for the prediction of the effect of debridement in AP patients.
The need for additional mental health support for women in the postpartum period in the times of epidemic crisis
Authors: Chrzan-Dętkoś Magdalena , Walczak-Kozłowska Tamara Zofia , Lipowska Małgorzata 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This retrospective study aimed to identify possible intensification of mental health difficulties among women seeking support in the postpartum period during the epidemic state in Poland. We assumed that the epidemic crisis, social isolation, and restrictions in hospitals which affect pregnant and postpartum women - lack of family labors, lack of the possibility to be with the newborn when he/she is hospitalized, may increase fear and reduce psychosocial resources of women, hinder their normal process of transition to motherhood and thus contribute to the intensified severity of depressive symptoms.Methods: The study participants were women seeking support at the on-line platform of the project ‘Next Stop: Mum’, which is a part of the postpartum depression prevention’s program implemented by the Ministry of Health in Poland, and enables remote self-screening for the severity of the postpartum depression symptoms with the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale developed by Cox and collaborators. The analyzed data in this study were obtained from 139 women: 61 filled forms from October 1 - November 10, 2019 (non-epidemic period), and 78 filled forms from February 20 - March 30 (beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic), 2020.Results: A statistically significant difference in the severity of postpartum depression symptoms were observed among women making a self-assessment with EPDS scale at the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic in Poland (M = 15.71; SD = 6.23), compared to the pre-epidemic neutral period (M = 13.56; SD = 6.46).Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the epidemic crisis may be associated with an increased need for additional caution and support of women's mental health in the postpartum period. We believe that recommendations for medical staff, policy, and families of women struggling with postpartum depression symptoms during crisis should be widespread as the second wave of COVID-19 disease may develop in the autumn-winter 2020 and spring 2021.
Directional divergence of Ep300 duplicates in teleosts and its implications
Authors: Wang Xianzong , Yan Junli 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: EP300 is a conserved protein in vertebrates, which serves as a key mediator of cellular homeostasis. Mutations and dysregulation of EP300 give rise to severe human developmental disorders and malignancy. Danio rerio is a promising model organism to study EP300 related diseases and drugs; however, the effect of EP300 duplicates derived from teleost-specific whole genome duplication should not just be neglected. Results: In this study, we obtained EP300 protein sequences of representative teleosts, mammals and sauropsids, with which we inferred a highly supported maximum likelihood tree. We observed that Ep300 duplicates (Ep300a and Ep300b) were widely retained in teleosts and universally expressed in a variety of tissues. Consensus sequences of Ep300a and Ep300b had exactly the same distribution of conserved domains, suggesting that their functions should still be largely overlapped. We analyzed the molecular evolution of Ep300 duplicates in teleosts, using branch-site models, clade models and site models. The results showed that both duplicates were subject to strong positive selection; however, for an extant species, generally at most one copy was under positive selection. At the clade level, there were evident positive correlations between evolutionary rates, the number of positively selected sites and gene expression levels. In Ostariophysi, Ep300a were under stronger positive selection than Ep300b; in Neoteleostei, another species-rich teleost clade, the contrary was the case. We also modeled 3D structures of zf-TAZ domain and its flanking regions of Ep300a and Ep300b of D. rerio and Oryzias latipes and found that in either species the faster evolving copy had more short helixes. Conclusions: Collectively, the two copies of Ep300 have undoubtedly experienced directional divergence in main teleost clades. The divergence of EP300 between teleosts and mammals should be greater than the divergence between different teleost clades. Further studies are needed to clarify to what extent the EP300 involved regulatory network has diverged between teleosts and mammals, which would also help explain the huge success of teleosts.
Changes in the Gut Microbiome Community of nonhuman primate following radiation injury
Authors: Kalkeri Raj , Walters Kevin , Pol William Van Der , McFarland Braden C. , Fisher Nathan , Koide Fusataka , Morrow Casey D. , Singh Vijay K. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Composition and maintenance of the microbiome is vital to gut homeostasis. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the impact of high doses of radiation, which can occur as a result of cancer radiation therapy, nuclear accidents or intentional release of a nuclear or radioactive weapon, on the composition of the gut microbiome. Therefore, we sought to analyze alterations to the gut microbiome of nonhuman primates (NHPs) exposed to high doses of radiation. Fecal samples were collected from 19 NHPs (Chinese rhesus macaques, Macaca mulatta) one day prior and one and four days after exposure to 7.4 Gy cobalt-60 gamma-radiation (LD70-80/60). The 16S V4 rRNA sequences were extracted from each sample, followed by bioinformatics analysis using the QIIME platform. Results: Alpha Diversity (Shannon Diversity Index), revealed no major difference between pre- and post-irradiation, whereas Beta diversity analysis showed significant differences in the microbiome after irradiation (day +4) compared to baseline (pre-irradiation). The Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes ratio, a factor known to be associated with disruption of metabolic homeostasis, decreased from 1.2 to less than 1 post-radiation exposure. Actinobacillus, Bacteroides, Prevotella (Paraprevotellaceae family) and Veillonella genera were significantly increased by more than 2-fold and Acinetobacter and Aerococcus genus were decreased by more than 10-fold post-irradiation. Fifty-two percent (10/19) of animals exposed to radiation demonstrated diarrhea at day 4 post-irradiation. Comparison of microbiome composition of feces from animals with and without diarrhea at day 4 post-irradiation revealed an increase in Lactobacillus reuteri associated with diarrhea and a decrease of Lentisphaerae and Verrucomicrobioa phyla and Bacteroides in animals exhibiting diarrhea. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that substantial alterations in the microbiome composition of NHPs occur following radiation injury and provide insight into early changes with high-dose, whole-body radiation exposure. Future studies will help identify microbiome biomarkers of radiation exposure and develop effective therapeutic intervention to mitigate the radiation injury.
Aqueous extract of Kan-Lu-Hsiao-Tu-Tan ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by regulating immune and inflammatory responses
Authors: Chiang Chih-Chao , Li Yi‐Rong , Lai Kuei-Hung , Cheng Wei-Jen , Lin Shih-Chao , Wang Yi-Hsuan , Chen Po-Jen , Yang Sien-Hung , Hwang Tsong-Long , Lin Chi-Chien 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Abstract: Background: Kan-Lu-Hsiao-Tu-Tan (KLHTT) exhibits anti-psoriatic effects through anti-inflammatory activity in mice. However, the therapeutic effects of KLHTT on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), another significant autoimmune inflammatory disorder, are not elucidated. Herein, we explored the anti-arthritic effects of KLHTT on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Methods: KLHTT was extracted by boiling water and subjected to spectroscopic analysis. Chicken collagen type II (CII) with complete Freund’s adjuvant was intradermally injected to induce CIA in DBA/1J mice. Anti-CII antibody, cytokines, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were measured using ELISA, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and hydrogen peroxide assay kit. Splenocyte proliferation was tested using thymidine incorporation. Th1 and Th17 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Oral KLHTT treatment (50 and 100 mg/kg) ameliorated mouse CIA by decreasing the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and tumour necrosis factor-α in the paw homogenates and serum. KLHTT also suppressed anti-CII antibody formation, splenocyte proliferation, and splenic Th1 and Th17 cell numbers. Additionally, KLHTT showed antioxidant activity by reducing the concentrations of MDA and H2O2 in paw tissues. Conclusions: The therapeutic effects of KLHTT in CIA mice were through regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Our results suggest that KLHTT has potential to treat RA.
Mechanistic modeling of the SARS-CoV-2 disease map
Authors: Rian Kinza , Esteban-Medina Marina , Hidalgo Marta R , Çubuk Cankut , Falco Matias M , Loucera Carlos , Gunyel Devrim , Ostaszewski Marek , Peña-Chilet María , Dopazo Joaquin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Here we present a web interface that implements a comprehensive mechanistic model of the SARS-CoV-2 disease map. In this framework, the detailed activity of the human signaling circuits related to the viral infection, covering from the entry and replication mechanisms to the downstream consequences as inflammation and antigenic response, can be inferred from gene expression experiments. Moreover, the effect of potential interventions, such as knock-downs, or drug effects (currently the system models the effect of more than 8000 DrugBank drugs) can be studied. This freely available tool not only provides an unprecedentedly detailed view of the mechanisms of viral invasion and the consequences in the cell but has also the potential of becoming an invaluable asset in the search for efficient antiviral treatments.