bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing pre‐ and post‐treatment patients' perceptions on dental implant therapy
Authors: Sermsiripoca Khunsiri , Pisarnturakit Pagaporn Pantuwadee , Mattheos Nikos , Pimkhaokham Atiphan , Subbalekha Keskanya 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundAppropriate patients' perceptions as one of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), are shown to be critical for the sustainable success of implant therapy, little is known however of how they prospectively evolve throughout the treatment process.ObjectiveThis study aimed to prospectively assess patients' perceptions before and after treatment with dental implants and to identify the impact of patients' characteristics on their perceptions.Materials and methodsPatients' perceptions on implant therapy were prospectively assessed by means of purpose‐made questionnaire, rating the extent of agreement/disagreement with a set of statements on a visual analog scale. The questionnaire was collected before initial consultation with the implant dentist and post‐treatment at least 1 month after prosthetic loading of the implant. Changes in patients' perceptions were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsPretreatment questionnaire was collected from 359 patients. While 245 of them proceeded with implant therapy, 145 received final restoration within the timeframe of the study and completed the post‐treatment questionnaires between 1 and 6 months after prosthesis delivery. The most common source of information was dental professions (72.4%). Although patients' perceptions were more realistic at post‐treatment, few improper perceptions persisted as only 51% of patients agreed with the statement “There is a chance of dental implant failure,” 28% agreed with the statement “Dental implants last longer than natural teeth,” and higher percentage of patients agreed with “Dental implant therapy is appropriate for all patients.”ConclusionsAlthough patients appear to harbor more realistic perceptions of implant therapy, certain improper perceptions still persist at post‐treatment. The design of appropriate patient educational program might be essential to correct misperceptions that might affect long term success of implant therapy.This study had been registered on Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) with the TCTR identification number: TCTR20181101001.
Metformin use and the risk of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in type II diabetic patients
Authors: Hsu Angela Ting‐Wei , Hung Ya‐Ching , Fang Sandy H. , D’Adamo Christopher R. , Mavanur Arun A. , Svoboda Shane M. , Wolf Joshua H. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimEmerging evidence has suggested that metformin may be protective against the development of human‐papillomavirus‐related cancers. Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is highly associated with human papillomavirus infection and a precancerous status of anal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metformin usage and the development of AIN in a large national sample.MethodologyThe IBM MarketScan dataset was used to design a nested case–control study from 2010 to 2017. Patients aged 18–65 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were evaluated, and cases of AIN were identified. Four controls were randomly selected in the risk set of each case by using incidence density sampling. The association between metformin usage and AIN was assessed using multivariate logistic regression modelling.ResultsA total of 258 patients with type 2 DM were diagnosed with AIN during the study interval, and these were matched to 1032 control patients without a diagnosis of AIN. Patients who developed AIN had 38% lower odds of prior metformin use compared to those without a history of AIN (P < 0.01) and this finding remained robust after adjusting for age, sex, human immunodeficiency virus infection and DM complications (P = 0.02). Patients with AIN had 56% lower odds of long‐term metformin use compared to control patients (P = 0.01).ConclusionsAn AIN diagnosis in patients with DM is associated with 56% lower likelihood of prior metformin use. This relationship suggests that metformin could potentially play a protective role against AIN. Prospective studies in non‐diabetic patients are warranted to examine these findings further.
Curcumol inhibits ferritinophagy to restrain hepatocyte senescence through YAP/NCOA4 in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Qi Xiaoyu , Song Anping , Ma Mingyue , Wang Peipei , Zhang Xinbei , Lu Chunfeng , Zhang Junxiu , Zheng Shuguo , Jin Huanhuan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesIn recent years, cellular senescence has attracted a lot of interest in researchers due to its involvement in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanism of cellular senescence is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumol on hepatocyte senescence in NAFLD and the molecular mechanisms implicated.Materials and methodsLVG Golden Syrian hamsters, C57BL/6J mice and human hepatocyte cell line LO2 were used. Cellular senescence was assessed by analyses of senescence marker SA‐β‐gal, p16 and p21, H3K9me3, γ‐H2AX and telomerase activity.ResultsThe results showed that curcumol could inhibit hepatocyte senescence in both in vivo and in vitro NAFLD models, and the mechanism might be related to its regulation of ferritinophagy and subsequent alleviation of iron overload. Moreover, overexpression of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) weakened the effect of curcumol on ferritinophagy‐mediated iron overload and cellular senescence. Furthermore, we demonstrated that curcumol reduced the expression of NCOA4 by Yes‐associated protein (YAP). In addition, depression of YAP could impair the effect of curcumol on iron overload and cellular senescence.ConclusionOur results clarified the mechanism of curcumol inhibition of hepatocyte senescence through YAP/NCOA4 regulation of ferritinophagy in NAFLD. These findings provided a promising option of curcumol to regulate cellular senescence by target YAP/NCOA4 for the treatment of NAFLD.
A new quantitative drug checking technology for harm reduction: Pilot study in Vancouver, Canada using paper spray mass spectrometry
Authors: Borden Scott A. , Saatchi Armin , Vandergrift Gregory W. , Palaty Jan , Lysyshyn Mark , Gill Chris G. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionDrug checking services for harm reduction and overdose prevention have been implemented in many jurisdictions as a public health intervention in response to the opioid overdose crisis. This study demonstrates the first on‐site use of paper spray mass spectrometry for quantitative drug checking to address the limitations of current on‐site drug testing technologies.MethodsPaper spray mass spectrometry was used to provide on‐site drug checking services at a supervised consumption site in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada during a 2‐day pilot test in August 2019. The method included the targeted quantitative measurement of 49 drugs and an untargeted full scan to assist in identifying unknown/unexpected components.ResultsDuring the pilot, 113 samples were submitted for analysis, with 88 (78%) containing the client expected substance. Fentanyl was detected in 45 of 59 expected fentanyl samples, and in 50 (44%) samples overall at a median concentration of 3.6% (w/w%). The synthetic precursor of fentanyl, 4‐anilino‐N‐phenethyl‐piperidine (4‐ANPP), was found in 74.0% of all fentanyl samples at a median concentration of 2.2%, suggesting widespread poor manufacturing practices. Etizolam was detected in 10 submitted samples anticipated to be fentanyl at a median concentration of 2.5%. No clients submitting these samples expected etizolam or a benzodiazepine in their sample. In three instances, it was co‐measured with fentanyl, and in seven cases it was detected alone.Discussion and ConclusionsThe quantitative capabilities and low detection limits demonstrated by paper spray mass spectrometry offer distinct benefits over existing on‐site drug checking methods and harm reduction services.
Fatigue strength of PBF‐LB/M and wrought 316L stainless steel: effect of post‐treatment and cyclic mean stress
Authors: Braun Moritz , Mayer Eduard , Kryukov Igor , Wolf Christian , Böhm Stefan , Taghipour Aliakbar , Wu Rachael Elizabeth , Ehlers Sören , Sheikhi Shahram 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) enables the cost‐effective production of complex components, many of which are traditionally manufactured using costly subtractive processes. During laser‐based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF‐LB/M), internal pores and rough surfaces are typically inevitable, reducing fatigue and corrosion resistance compared to traditional processes. Additionally, large defects often occur near to or at surfaces. Thus, this study investigates the effect of hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing on the fatigue strength of AISI 316L. To this goal, different post‐treatment routes are compared with wrought material. Additionally, computed tomography is used to determine the necessary machining depth of the surface layer. In this study, heat treatment and machining are both found to significantly increase fatigue strength (17% and 87%). Finally, the mean stress sensitivity M of as‐built PBF‐LB/M and wrought material is found to be highly affected by the assessed number of cycles to failure and residual stresses in PBF‐LB/M material.
Perceptions of gendered‐challenges in academia: How women academics see gender hierarchies as barriers to achievement
Authors: Eslen‐Ziya Hande , Yildirim Tevfik Murat 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDespite the egalitarian and collegial philosophy in its ideals, academic market is segregated and gendered where women receive fewer rewards than their male counterparts, are under‐represented, segregated and excluded from participation in the formal and informal academic structures in academia. The country contexts, the gendered academic organizational settings as well as everyday interactions all play a major role not only in women's participation within academia, but also how they perceive their future in academic institutions. This research note, through an original survey with over 200 academics, attempts to study the latter assumption by looking at women academics' perceptions of their work life, their challenges, as well as aspirations. Our results show that those perceiving strong hierarchy in the realm of work are significantly more likely to believe that being woman in academia harms their job prospects. We also show that, not only were they pessimistic about the challenges facing them at the moment, but they were also more skeptical about women's potential in overcoming such challenges in the future.
Approaches for the characterization of clinically relevant pre‐transplant human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies in solid organ transplant patients
Authors: Rosser Carla , Sage Deborah 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe avoidance of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) attributed to human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antibody incompatibility remains an essential function of clinical Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I) laboratories who are supporting solid organ transplantation. Developments in HLA antibody identification assays over the past thirty years have greatly reduced unexpected positive cellular crossmatches and improved solid organ transplant outcomes. For sensitized patients, the decision to register unacceptable HLA antigen mismatches is often heavily influenced by results from solid phase antibody assays, particularly the Luminex® Single Antigen Bead (SAB) assays, although the clinical relevance of antibodies identified solely by these assays remains unclear. As such, the identification of non‐clinically relevant antibodies may proportionally increase the number of unacceptable transplant mismatches registered, with an associated increase in waiting time for a compatible organ. We reflect on the clinical relevance of antibodies identified solely by the Luminex SAB® assays and consider whether the application of additional assays and/or tools could further develop our ability to define the clinical relevance of antibodies identified in patient sera. Improvements in this area would assist equity of access to a compatible transplant for highly sensitized patients awaiting a solid organ transplant.
Short‐term drought is a stronger driver of plant morphology and nutritional composition than warming in two common pasture species
Authors: Catunda Karen L. M. , Churchill Amber C. , Zhang Haiyang , Power Sally A. , Moore Ben D. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractUnder warmer and drier future conditions, global livestock and dairy production are threatened by impacts on the productivity and nutritional quality of pastures. However, morphological and nutritional adjustments within plants in response to warming and drought vary among species and less is known how these relate to production and forage quality. To investigate this, we grew two common pasture species, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea: grass) and lucerne (Medicago sativa: legume), in a climate‐controlled facility, under different temperatures (ambient and elevated) and watering regimes (well‐watered and droughted). We found that drought had a strong negative impact on biomass production, morphology and nutritional quality while warming only significantly affected both species when response metrics were considered in concert, although to a lesser degree than the drought. Furthermore, interactions between warming and drought were only seen for lucerne, with a reduction in biomass and an increase in dead material and dry matter. In tall fescue, drought had bigger impacts on nutritional composition than morphological traits, while in lucerne, drought affected all morphological traits and most of the nutritional parameters. These findings suggest that in future climate scenarios, drought may be a stronger driver of changes in the morphology and nutritional composition of pasture grasses and legumes, compared to modest levels of warming.
Practical strategies for qualitative inquiry in a virtual world
Authors: Schlegel Emma C. , Tate Judith A. , Pickler Rita H. , Smith Laureen H. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of this article is to provide practical strategies for maintaining methodological rigour in executing a virtual qualitative study. Strategies are based on evidence from existing research about virtual qualitative methods and on the strategies used by the authors to convert a planned in‐person qualitative, grounded theory study to an entirely virtual grounded theory study during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The study began in‐person in September 2019 and was converted to virtual in March 2020. Virtual data collection was completed in September 2020.DesignThis article provides a case exemplar of virtual adaptations made to a study underway when the pandemic rendered all in‐person research impractical and potentially dangerous.Data sourcesThe strategies discussed are based on our own experiences and the supporting theoretical assumptions of qualitative research, specifically grounded theory methods.Implications for nursingNursing scholars conducting qualitative inquiry may find these strategies helpful in continuing research activities during periods of limited access to the phenomena or persons of interest. Furthermore, these strategies allow nursing scholars to conduct rigorous, in‐depth research without geographical limitations, providing greater possibilities for international collaborations and cross‐institution research.ConclusionDespite novel challenges, methodological adaptations that are carefully planned and purposeful allow qualitative and non‐qualitative scholars to continue research activities in a fully virtual manner.ImpactThis case exemplar and discussion provide practical strategies for qualitative scholars to consider while planning new studies or converting an in‐person study to a virtual one. Despite the in‐person nature of in‐depth qualitative inquiry, a historic pandemic and a changing research environment require qualitative researchers to adapt to virtual methods while still conducting high quality, methodologically rigorous research. Qualitative scholars can use the strategies presented here to continue rigorous qualitative inquiry despite limited access to phenomena or persons.
Implementing an automated feedback program for a foreign language writing course: A learner‐centric study
Authors: Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Fotoohnejad Samira 
Published: August 2021

AbstractConsidering the prominence attached to written corrective feedback (WCF) within the domain of second/foreign language (L2) acquisition, automated writing evaluation (AWE) tools have steadily gained ground over the last two decades. The current study was an attempt to investigate the extent incorporating an AWE program, known as Criterion®, within a process writing framework would affect learners' writing quality in an English as a foreign language context. Moreover, we drew a comparison between the overall effects of computer‐ versus teacher‐generated WCF. Participants consisted of 53 tertiary level students from two intact essay‐writing classes. The within‐group findings revealed that the experimental group's writing scores rose significantly from the pretest to posttest after receiving automated WCF over several weeks. Significant progress was also noticed on all rounds of scores obtained from five essays assigned to this group except between the first and the second. As for the comparison between computer‐ and teacher‐administered WCF, the former condition was found to be more efficient. Overall, the findings provide a deeper insight into the workings of an automated evaluation tool and how it was employed in the L2 classroom to impart consistency to the assessment procedure and ease the burden traditionally placed upon teachers.
Predicting prognosis in patients with stroke treated with intravenous alteplase through the 24‐h trajectory of blood pressure changes
Authors: Fan Kaiting , Zhao Jie , Chang Hong , Wang Xiaojuan , Yao Hui , Yao Xiaoxia , Yang Xin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBlood pressure (BP) monitored within 24 h from the beginning of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with alteplase, is one of the important factors affecting the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study aimed to explore longitudinal BP trajectory patterns and determine their association with stroke prognosis after thrombolysis. From November 2018 to September 2019, a total of 391 patients were enrolled consecutively during the study period, and 353 patients were ultimately analyzed. Five systolic (SBP) and four diastolic blood pressure (DBP) trajectory subgroups were identified. The regression analysis showed that when compared with the rapidly moderate stable group, the continuous fluctuation‐very high level SBP group (odds ratio [OR]: 2.743, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.008–7.467) was associated with early neurological deterioration (END). Both the rapid drop‐high level SBP (OR: 0.448, 95% CI: 0.219–0.919) and DBP groups (OR: 0.399, 95% CI: 0.219–0.727) were associated with early neurological improvement (ENI). Moreover, there was a U‐shaped correlation between the OR value of SBP trajectory group and favorable outcome (the modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2) at 3 months: the slow drop‐low level SBP group represent a well‐established unfavorable outcome risk factor (OR:5.239, 95% CI: 1.271–21.595), and extremely high SBP—the continuous fluctuation‐very high level SBP group, are equally associated with elevated unfavorable outcome risk (OR:3.797, 95% CI: 1.486–9.697). The continuous fluctuation‐very high level DBP group was statistically significant in mRS (OR: 3.387, CI: 1.185–9.683). The BP trajectory groups show varying clinical features and risk of neurological dysfunction. The findings may help identify potential candidates for clinical BP monitoring, control, and specialized care.
Oxidized high‐density lipoprotein enhances endocrine disorders and ovarian damage in rats
Authors: Wang Lu , Li Hongjuan , Tang Xiaoke , Yang Yupei , Xiang Yuancui , Zhang Hui , Wang Yali 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPrevious findings have highlighted the association between oxidized high‐density lipoprotein (ox‐HDL) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) development; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Under such context, the present study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the involvement of ox‐HDL in PCOS in relation to the p65/micro‐RNA‐34a (miR‐34a)/FOS axis. PCOS rat models were established with the injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (6 mg/100 g body weight). Both PCOS‐modelled rats and granulosa cells (GCs) were received treatment with ox‐HDL in order to identify its role in PCOS. Next, apoptosis and viability of GCs were detected with the application of TdT‐mediated dUTP Nick‐End Labeling and flow cytometry and Cell counting kit‐8, respectively. A series of assays were performed to determine the interaction among ox‐HDL, p65, miR‐34a, FOS and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). The results revealed high expression of ox‐HDL in PCOS, and enhanced endocrine disorders and ovarian damage in rats. ox‐HDL promoted apoptosis of GCs and decreased its viability. ox‐HDL activated NF‐κB pathway and induced p65 phosphorylation to promote miR‐34a expression. miR‐34a targeted and inhibited FOS expression. In conclusion, our findings suggested that ox‐HDL promoted the activation of p65 and transcription of miR‐34a, which stimulated apoptosis of GCs and inhibited expression of FOS, resulting in the overall acceleration of PCOS development.
A first‐in‐human, randomized, double‐blind, single‐ and multiple‐dose, phase I study of recombinant human thymosin β4 in healthy Chinese volunteers
Authors: Wang Xinghe , Liu Long , Qi Lu , Lei Chunpu , Li Pu , Wang Yu , Liu Chen , Bai Haihong , Han Chengquan , Sun Yinjian , Liu Jincan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and anti‐drug antibody (ADA) of the recombinant human thymosin β4 (NL005) for single and multiple intravenous injections in healthy subjects. Seven cohorts, with 54 healthy subjects, were given a single intravenous dose of NL005 or placebo and were observed for 28 days. The cohorts received ascending doses of either 0.05, 0.25, 0.5, 2.0, 5.0, 12.5 or 25.0 μg/kg in the single‐dose trial. A total of 30 healthy subjects were randomly enrolled in the multiple‐dose trial, and 3 cohorts (0.5, 2.0 and 5.0 μg/kg) were administered once human thymosin β4 daily for 10 days and observed for 28 days. The adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity. There were no dose‐limiting toxicities or serious adverse events. The plasma concentration, maximum peak concentration (Cmax) and AUC of each dose group increased with the increase in the dose. The tendency of terminal clearance in each dose group was consistent, and there was no obvious accumulation after continuous administration. Thus, the drug can be concluded to be well tolerated and safe in healthy people and suitable for use in a clinical study for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.