bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-Infection and Infection Control in Dental Clinics In Nablus and Tulkarm Districts
Authors: Menawi Wafaa , Sabbah Areej , Kharraz Lubna 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Infection control had many developments in the COVID 19 pandemic, despite this, there were many complications in different health care facilities as well as dentists’ clinics due to the lack of infection control knowledge and compliance failure.Aim: To assess the level of knowledge and compliance with the infection control measures in the dental clinics in Nablus and Tulkarm districts.Method: A universal Sampling was used to assess the infection control program at the dental clinics in Nablus and Tulkarm District. The study sample involved 265 dentists. Data was collected using a questionnaire which has been sent via email between July and August 2020. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, One-way ANOVA and Post-Hock tests have been used. Statistical significance was set at ″P <0.05″. Cronbach's alpha has been conducted to ensure the reliability and validity of the questionnaire.Findings: The results showed that the total positive response regard all infection control domains were (70.0%). Whereas the participants gave the highest positive response for personnel protective equipment i.e gloving (96.10%), they gave the instruments related controls the lowest responses i.e instruments sterilization were (59.40%). The analyzed data showed significant statistical differences in the compliance with infection control measures between Nablus and Tulkarm districts “p < 0.05” in the interest of dentists from Tulkarm.Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that there is a moderate compliance to infection control protocol in Nablus and Tulkarm dental clinics. Thus, there is a need to strengthen the adherence to infection control measures.
Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors Among Post Stroke Patients at St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, A.A, Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Surafel , Tesfaye Markos , Deresse Enque , Agumasie Marishet 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDepression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric complications after stroke. ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and factors associated with depression among stroke patients among post stroke patients at St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, A.A, EthiopiaMethodA hospital based cross sectional study design was conducted among 159 post stroke patients who were on follow up at SPHMMC neurology OPD from March-July, 2018 by using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Bivariate as well as multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors. 𝑝 value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results The prevalence of post stroke depression is 43.4 %. Factors associated with increased risk of depression after strokes are age between 45 and 64 and shorter duration after the diagnosis of strokes (less than 3 months and between 3 to 6 months). Conclusion and recommendationPSD occurs in nearly half of the stroke patients. Age and time from diagnosis of stroke affect development of depression after stroke. We recommend that every stroke patient should be screened for depression as part of a comprehensive post stroke care.
Naringenin Protects Rats against Ang-II Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis by Downregulating TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathways
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Zhao Xi , Wang Han , Liu Hengdao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background:Naringenin (Nrg), a flavone found in several plant foods with various biological properties, has been shown prevention of cardiac remodeling. However, themechanisms underlying this suppression of cardiac remodeling has not been known clearly.Methods: Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were AngII infused via osmotic minipumps for 4 weeks and were given Nrg by gavage (100mg/kg/day) at the same time. In vitro experiments used cardiomyocyte and cardiac fibroblasts(CF) treated with AngII or AngII plus Nrg.Cardiac remodeling was assessed using the echocardiography and histological analysis. And, the effect of Nrg on TGF-β1/Smadssignaling pathway was investigated.Results: Treatmentwith Nrg(100mg/kg/day) decreased the ratio of heart weight to tibia length and hypertrophy markers in rats given AngII infusion. In vitro experiments demonstrated that AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and proliferation of CFs were significantly inhibited by Nrg administration. Nrg inhibited activation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway stimulated by AngII. Conclusions: Nrgsupplementation prevented cardiac remodeling via down-regulating the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway both in cardiomyocyte and CFs, and attenuating cardiac remodeling in AngII-induced rats model.
Multivariate Analysis of Potential Pleiotropic Genes For Breast, Ovarian And Cervical Cancers Using Gene-Based Association Analysis
Authors: Jia XiaoCan , Shi Nian , Feng Yu , Zhu Huili , Wang Yuping , Lu Jie , Yang YongLi , shi Xuezhong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have a dramatic impact on susceptibility locus discovery in gynecological malignancies, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified by this prevailing univariate approach only explain a small percentage of heredity. The extensive previous studies have repeatedly shown breast, ovarian and cervical cancers have common genetic mechanisms and the overlapping pathophysiological pathways. Novel multivariate analytical methods are necessary to identify shared pleiotropic genes. In this study, a total of 40,859 SNPs mapped in 11,597 gene regions were performed to identify potential common variants by using metaCCA and VEGAS2 analysis. Gene enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were used to explore potential biological pathways and connectivity. After metaCCA analysis, 4,203 SNPs (P<1.22×10−6) and 1,886 pleotropic gene (P<4.31×10−6) were identified. By screening the results of gene-based P-values, the existence of 3 confirmed pleiotropic genes and 16 novel genes that achieved statistical significance in the metaCCA analysis and were also associated with at least one cancer in the VEGAS2 analysis were identified. The enrichment analysis showed the biological pathways of these genes were mainly enriched in 4 signaling pathways and 11 differentially expressed genes were found to encode interacting proteins in PPI network analysis. Altogether, we identified novel genetic variants of breast, ovarian and cervical cancers and provided evidence of biological functions which developed new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers.
Lipocalin-2 Mediated Polarization of Neutrophil in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Guo Zhiliang , Xu Guoli , Xu Jiaping , Huang Yaqian , Liu Chunfeng , Cao Yongjun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a difficult point in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) and neutrophils play an important role in I/R injury. We explored the effect of anti-LCN2 antibody (LCN2mAb) and to further clarify the relationship between LCN2mAb and neutrophil polarization (N1/N2 neutrophils) in I/R injury. A mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was used to induce transient cerebral ischemia. LCN2mAb was administered 1h before MCAO; Anti-Ly6G was administered for 3d before MCAO. The expression of LCN2 and Ly6G was Measured by western blot. Infarct size,behavior and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage were assessed. The polarized N2 neutrophils were measured by western blot and Flow Cytometry. Using HL-60 as a cell model explores the role of LCN2mAb in the polarity transition of neutrophils. The expression of LCN2 and Ly6G in the brain at different time points reached a peak after I/R 24h and then gradually decreased. As demonstrated previously, LCN2mAb-treated mice had neuroprotective effects in cerebral infarction volume, behavior, and blood-brain barrier damage. The expression of Ly6G was not significantly different, but the expression of N2 neutrophils was increased. The expression of anti-inflammatory factor CD206 was significantly increased, and pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α was significantly reduced. Compared with mice treated with Anti-Ly6G, Anti-Ly6G-LCN2mAb combined treatment of I/R, there was no further improvement in behavior and pathology. Based on HL-60 as a cell model, N1-HL-60 cells were pretreated with LCN2mAb, and N2-HL-60 cells were significantly increased. LCN2 may affect the prognosis of ischemic stroke by mediating neutrophils polarization.
Use of Patient Specific 3D Printed Neurovascular Phantoms To Simulate Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Sommer Kelsey , Bhurwani Mohammad Mahdi Shiraz , Tutino Vincent , Siddiqui Adnan , Davies Jason , Snyder Kenneth , Levy Elad , Mokin Maxim , Ionita Ciprian N 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The ability of the patient specific 3D printed neurovascular phantoms to accurately replicate the anatomy and hemodynamics of the chronic neurovascular diseases has been demonstrated by many studies. Acute occurrences, however, may still require further development and investigation and therefore we studied acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The efficacy of endovascular procedures such as mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for the treatment of large vessel occlusion (LVO), can be improved by testing the performance of thrombectomy devices and techniques using patient specific 3D printed neurovascular models.Methods: 3D printed phantoms were connected to a flow loop with physiologically relevant flow conditions, including input flow rate and fluid temperature. A simulated blood clot was introduced into the model and placed in the proximal Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) region. Clot location, composition, length, and arterial angulation were varied and MTs were simulated using stent retrievers. Device placement relative to the clot and the outcome of the thrombectomy were recorded for each situation. Digital subtraction angiograms (DSA) were captured before and after LVO simulation. Recanalization outcome was evaluated using DSA as either ‘no recanalization’ or ‘recanalization’. Forty-two 3DP neurovascular phantom benchtop experiments were performed. Results: Clot angulation within the MCA region had the most significant impact on the MT outcome, with a p-value of 0.016. Other factors such as clot location, clot composition, and clot length correlated weakly with the MT outcome.Conclusions: This project allowed us to gain knowledge of how such characteristics influence thrombectomy success and can be used in making clinical decisions when planning the procedure and selecting specific thrombectomy tools and approaches.
Marine Turf of an Invasive Alga Ousts Lugworms From Lower Shore
Authors: Reise Karsten , Lackschewitz Dagmar 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Bare sandy flats at and below low tide level were observed in 2020 to have been invaded by an introduced grass-like alga, Vaucheria cf. velutina (Xanthophyceae). A dense algal turf accumulated and stabilized mud where resident seniors of the lugworm Arenicola marina had reworked rippled sand. Algae and worms were incompatible. Initially, rising patches with algal turf alternated with bare pits where lugworms crowded. Their bioturbation inhibited young algae, while the felt of established algal rhizoids clogged feeding funnels of worm burrows. Eventually, the mosaic pattern of competitors gave way to a coherent algal turf without lugworms. Concomitantly, a rich small-sized benthic fauna took advantage of the novel algal turf. This exotic Vaucheria has the potential for taking over at the lower shore of the Wadden Sea (eastern North Sea, European Atlantic).
Real-world Outcomes of First-line Afatinib in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Uncommon EGFR Mutations in South Korea
Authors: Kim Mi-Hyun , Choi Chang Min , Lee Sung Yong , Park Cheol Kyu , Chang Yoon Soo , Lee Kye Young , Kim Seung Joon , Jang Tae-Won , Yang Sei Hoon , Ryu Jeong Seon , Lee Jeong Eun , Lee Shin Yup , Park Chan Kwon , Lee Sang Hoon , Jang Seung Hun , Yoon Seong Hoon 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are heterogeneous and show variable prevalence and clinical responses to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We investigated the characteristics of uncommon EGFR mutations and the clinical efficacy of afatinib in patients. In this multicenter, retrospective study, we analyzed patients with NSCLC and uncommon EGFR mutations; these were categorized according to their incidence: (1) major uncommon mutations (G719X and L861Q), (2) compound mutations, and (3) minor uncommon mutations (exon 20 insertion, S768I, and de novo T790M). Sixty-four patients (9.1%, 64/703) with uncommon EGFR mutations were identified in 16 South Korean institutes. Afatinib demonstrated activity against major uncommon (median time of treatment [TOT]: 20.3 months, 95% CI: 5.0-27.9; overall survival (OS): 30.6 months, 95% CI: 33.5–34.0) and compound mutations (median TOT: 11.9 months, 95% CI: 3.6–9.6; OS: 29.1 months, 95% CI: 12.1–65.4). Minor uncommon mutations showed unfavorable responses to afatinib (median TOT: 3.8 months, 95% CI: 2.1–4.2; OS: 8.5 months, 95% CI: 4.7–18.2). S768I mutation was present in 14 patients (1.99%, 14/703). Median TOT and OS were not significantly different between S768I and resistant exon 20 mutations. Afatinib is active in patients with NSCLC harboring major uncommon and compound EGFR mutations.
Prospective Evaluation of XRCC-1 as a Biopredictor for Survival Outcomes in Patients of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC): A Meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhou Liu-qing , Wang Yan-jun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that X-ray repair cross-complementary group 1 (XRCC1) is one of the susceptibility factors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) patients. However, its clinical prognostic impact remains controversial. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the survival value of XRCC1 in HNSCC patients.Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items or Systematic Reviews Meta Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, literature searches were systematically performed by PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science with a manual retreive to evaluate the prognostic consequence of XRCC1 in HNSCC patients. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were collected to estimate the correlation between XRCC1 and the survival outcomes of HNSCC patients.Results: Ten studies including 2086 HNSCC patients who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that high XRCC1 expression and Arg399Gln and Arg194Trp were significantly correlated with poorer overall survival (OS), with HRs of 1.97 (95% CI, 1.36–2.84, P<0.001), 1.30 (95% CI, 1.12–1.51, P<0.001), and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.18–2.32 P<0.05), respectively.Conclusion: XRCC1 was associated with poorer survival outcomes in HNSCC patients. Hence, XRCC1 is a potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.
Morphotype Classification Criteria, Nomenclature of Shea Varieties [Vitellaria Paradoxa (C.F. Gaertn)], And Influence of Sociocultural Factors on Perceived Shea Natural Variation Across Parklands in Benin
Authors: Merinosy Michée Fustelle F. , Achigan-Dako Enoch Gbenato , Gnanglè Paul Césaire , Kassa Eugène , Boffa Jean-Marc 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Local knowledge and perception are crucial to undertake the domestication of useful species such as Vitellaria paradoxa that makes significant contribution to rural household economy in Africa. This study aims to document shea morphotypes diversity based on folk knowledge especially the main criteria farmers used to distinguish shea trees and to examine the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on that knowledge. Methods: 405 respondents were surveyed across shea parklands in Benin using semi-structured questionnaire. We used the relative citation frequency of criteria followed by Kruskal-Wallis test to evaluate the influence of sociodemographic attributes on local knowledge of Shea morphotypes variation. Factorial Correspondence Analysis described the links between the different morphotypes and parklands, and Principal Components Analysis was used to characterize farmers perception on morphotypes’ abundance, fruits and butter yields. Results: Respondents identified 13 morphotypes based on the five most cited criteria which are fruit size (55.5%), tree fertility (15.40%), bark colour (10.51%), timing of production (5.38%) and pulp taste (3.42%). The citation frequency of classification criteria varied significantly depending on the age, the education level and the sociolinguistic group of the respondent. The Bembèrèkè zone shea parkland revealed higher diversity of morphotypes traits. The small fruit type (‘Yanki’) was reported to be widespread. It produces higher fruit and butter yields according to respondents. Conclusions: From our findings, farmers perceived an important diversity of shea traits that are used to classify morphotypes with economic or sociocultural importance. The revelation of that natural variation in shea tree is a key step toward the development of shea improvement program that could focus on the morphotype Yanki reported to be potentially high in fruit production and butter yield.
The Evaluation of Five Commercial Bacteriophage Cocktail Against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated From Nasal Swab Samples
Authors: Erol Hilal Basak , Kaskatepe Banu , Bakkaloglu Zekiye , Yildiz Serap Suzuk 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a growing concern for public health resulting in increase in morbidity, length of hospital stay, and cost of treatment. MRSA nasal-swab screening may give clinicians additional information for decision of empiric antimicrobial agents. While increasing antibiotic resistance leads to new treatment approaches, bacteriophages are one of the most promising methods for these alternatives. It was aimed to determine the effectiveness of bacteriophages against MRSA isolates. Nasal swab samples were collected from outpatients without any evidence of infection who applied to Hatay, Mersin and Gaziantep family and immigration health centers. A series (35) were isolate from Turkish patients, G series (64) were isolated from Syrian immigrants. Methicillin resistance were determined by phenotypically and genotypically. Also, antibiotic susceptibilities of all isolates were determined against erythromycin, clindamycin, gentamicin, linezolid, rifampicin, and mupirosin. The total antimicrobial resistance rates of isolates were found 11%, 28%, 8%, 5%, 16%, 19%, and 29% respectively. The high susceptibility rate against ciprofloxacin (88.8%) was remarkable. The overall susceptibility of MRSA strains to ENKO, INTESTI, PYO, SES, and STAPHYLOCOCCAL bacteriophages was 67.7%, 55.5%, 53.5%, 61.6% and 44.4%, respectively. The antibiotic susceptibility rates (except erythromycin), and efficacy of bacteriophages were higher in group A. Considering that high efficacy rates were not achieved in the study and the sensitivity rates of Turkish isolates to all phages were found higher than Syrian isolates, searching for phages in the geography where the pathogen is common, may be helpful to obtain suitable phages for treatment.
2 μm Passively Mode-Locked Thulium-doped Fiber Lasers with Ta2AlC-deposited Tapered, Side- polished and D-shaped Fibers
Authors: Ahmad H. , Azri M. F. M. , Ramli R. , Samion M. Z. , Yusoff N. , Lim K. S. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this work, mode-locked thulium-doped fiber lasers operating in the 2 µm wavelength region were demonstrated using tantalum aluminum carbide (Ta2AlC)-based saturable absorbers (SAs) utilizing the evanescent wave interaction. The Ta2AlC MAX Phase was prepared by dissolving the Ta2AlC powder in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and then deposited onto three different evanescent field-based devices, which were the tapered fiber, side-polished fiber (SPF), and D-shaped fiber. Flame-brushing and wheel-polishing techniques were used to fabricate the tapered and D-shaped fibers, respectively, while the side-polished fiber was purchased commercially. All three SA devices generated stable mode-locked pulses at center wavelengths of 1937, 1931, and 1929 nm for the tapered, side-polished, and D-shaped fibers. The frequency of the mode-locked pulses was 10.73 MHz for the tapered fiber, 9.58 MHz for the side-polished fiber, and 10.16 MHz for the D-shaped fiber. The measured pulse widths were 1.678, 1.734, and 1.817 ps for each of the three SA devices. The long-term stability of the mode-locked lasers was tested for each configuration over a 2-hour duration. The lasers also showed little to no fluctuations in the center wavelengths and the peak optical intensities, demonstrating a reliable, ultrafast laser system.
Screening of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in 50 to 60-year-old Female Smokers – a Pilot Study
Authors: Huhtakangas Justiina , Numminen Jussi , Pekkola Johanna , Niemelä Mika , Korja Miikka 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is around 2 to 3% in the general population. We hypothesized that the prevalence of small UIAs is higher among 50 to 60-year-old female smokers, since the incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is exceptionally high in 60 to 70-year-old female smokers. Methods: Ethics approval for this pilot study of 50 women was obtained from the hospital ethics committee. In order to minimize recruitment bias, preliminary invitation letters were sent to 50 to 60-year-old women who were known to be active smokers. Those interested in participating were further informed about the study rationale and protocol. Following written consent, participants filled a detailed questionnaire and underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) analysis. All abnormalities were recorded. Results: Of the 158 preliminary invitation letters, 70 potential participants initially replied. Of these, 50 returned questionnaires and written consents, 43 of which underwent CTA analysis. Most (39; 91%) were postmenopausal, and 9 (21%) were hypertensive. Two reported a family history (≥ 1 first-degree members) of intracranial aneurysms. UIAs (maximum sizes of 2, 2, 3, 3 and 7 mm) were found in five (12%) female smokers. One woman was operated on, and the remaining four were treated with non-invasive preventive actions (smoking cessation and follow-ups). Conclusion: Small UIAs, which may be best suited for non-invasive preventive actions, may be relatively common in 50 to 60-year-old female smokers. Whether this kind of targeted screening leads to improved health in female smokers requires further investigation.