bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Candida albicans and Cbp+ Streptococcus mutans with early childhood caries recurrence
Authors: Garcia B. A. , Acosta N. C. , Tomar S. L. , Roesch L. F. W. , Lemos J. A. , Mugayar L. R. F. , Abranches J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEarly childhood caries (ECC) recurrence occurs in approximately 40% of treated cases within one year. The association of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans with the onset of ECC is well known. Also, S. mutans strains harboring collagen-binding proteins (Cbps) avidly bind to collagen-rich dentin and are linked to increased caries risk. Here, we investigated the presence of Cbp+S. mutans and C. albicans in saliva and dental plaque of children with varying caries statuses, and their salivary microbiome. In this cross-sectional study, 143 children who were caries-free (n = 73), treated for ECC with no signs of recurrence after 6 months (n = 45), or treated for ECC and experiencing recurrence within 6 months following treatment (n = 25) were enrolled. Co-infection with C. albicans and S. mutans, especially Cbp+S. mutans, was strongly associated with caries recurrence. Subjects of the recurrence group infected with Cbp+S. mutans showed a greater burden of Candida spp. and of Mutans streptococci in dentin than those infected with Cbp- strains. Salivary microbiome analysis revealed that Streptococcus parasanguinis was overrepresented in the caries recurrence group. Our findings indicate that Cbp+S. mutans and C. albicans are intimately associated with caries recurrence, contributing to the establishment of recalcitrant biofilms.
Topical arginase inhibition decreases growth of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mittal Amit , Wang Mike , Vidyarthi Aurobind , Yanez Diana , Pizzurro Gabriela , Thakral Durga , Tracy Erin , Colegio Oscar R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) are among the most commonly diagnosed malignancies, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) expression of arginase is implicated in tumor progression, and therapeutic use of arginase inhibitors has been studied in various cancers. However, investigating potential cSCC immunotherapies including arginase inhibition in pre-clinical models is hampered by the lack of appropriate tumor models in immunocompetent mice. PDV is a cSCC cell line derived from chemical carcinogenesis of mouse keratinocytes. PDVC57 cells were derived from a PDV tumor in C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Unlike PDV, PDVC57 tumors grow consistently in B6 mice, and have increased TAMs, decreased dendritic and T cell intra-tumor infiltration. Arginase inhibition in cSCC tumors using Nω-hydroxy-nor-arginine (nor-NOHA) reduced tumor growth in B6 mice but not immunodeficient Rag1-deficient mice. nor-NOHA administration increased dendritic and T cell tumor-infiltration and PD-1 expression. The combination of nor-NOHA and anti-PD-1 therapy with nivolumab enhanced anti-PD-1 therapeutic efficacy. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of transcutaneous arginase inhibition in cSCC. A competent immune microenvironment is required for tumor growth inhibition using this arginase inhibitor. Synergistic co-inhibition of tumor growth in these results, supports further examination of transcutaneous arginase inhibition as a therapeutic modality for cSCC.
Green synthesis of multifunctional carbon coated copper oxide nanosheets and their photocatalytic and antibacterial activities
Authors: Bibi Hamida , Iqbal Mudassar , Wahab Hassan , Öztürk Mehmet , Ke Fei , Iqbal Zafar , Khan Muhammad Ishfaq , Alghanem Suliman Mohammed 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe studies of metal oxides in environmental remediation of chemical and biological pollutants are gaining colossal importance. Herein, we report the facile synthesis of multifunctional copper oxide nanosheets (CuO NS) using an aqueous extract of Rhazya stricta. The phytochemical investigation of R. stricta indicated the presence of saponins, tannins, and reducing sugars, responsible for the reduction and stabilization of CuO NS. A UV–Visible spectrophotometer initially confirmed the fabrication of CuO NS with specific Surface Plasmon Resonance at 294 nm. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR, and XRD were further used to characterize the CuO NS. The obtained CuO NS were poly-dispersed with an average size of 20 nm. Interestingly these particles were aligned together in 3D cubical sheets layered above each other via self-assembly. The as-synthesized CuO NS showed enhanced antibacterial potential (17.63 mm, overall mean inhibition zone) in comparison to the known antibiotics (11.51 mm, overall mean inhibition zone) against both Solanaceous crop's wilt-causing bacteria (Ralstonia solanacearum and Clavibacter michiganensis). Furthermore, the appreciable photocatalytic potential of CuO NS has also been observed, causing 83% degradation of methylene blue (MB) upon solar irradiation. The synthesis methodology is devoid of any toxic waste or by-products. It could be used to produce eco-friendly CuO nanomaterial for industrial uses.
Air-ozonolysis activation of polyolefins versus use of laden finishing to form contact-active nonwoven materials
Authors: Kiel Stella , Klein Miri , Kroupitski Yulia , Peiper Uri M. , Sela Saldinger Shlomo , Poverenov Elena 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTwo synthetic approaches were explored for modification of the polyolefins polyethylene/polypropylene (PE/PP) to form contact-active nonwoven materials. In the first approach, polymer surfaces were activated by O2-free air-ozonolysis, and then the active agent (trimethoxysilyl) propyl-octadecyl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride (C18-TSA) was covalently bound. In the second approach, the active agent was directly conjugated to the commercial ‘finishing’ that was then applied to the polymer. The chemical, physical and microscopic properties of the modified polymers were comprehensively studied, and their active site density was quantified by fluorescein sodium salt-cetyltrimethylammonium chloride reaction. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared nonwovens against Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) and Salmonella enterica (Gram-negative), and their stability at various pHs and temperatures were examined. The two approaches conferred antimicrobial properties to the modified polymers and demonstrated stable linkage of C18-TSA. However, the performance of the nonwovens formed by the first approach was superior. The study suggests two feasible and safe pathways for the modification of polyolefins to form contact-active nonwoven materials that can be further applied in various fields, such as hygiene products, medical fabrics, sanitizing wipes, and more.
Temperature dependency of excitonic effective mass and charge carrier conduction mechanism in CH3NH3PbI3−xClx thin films
Authors: Karim A. M. M. Tanveer , Khan M. K. R. , Hossain M. S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper we explain the temperature dependence of excitonic effective mass and charge carrier conduction mechanism occurs in CH3NH3PbI3−xClx thin films prepared by chemical dip coating (CDC), spray pyrolysis (Spray) and repeated dipping-withdrawing (Dipping). Hall Effect study confirmed that prepared CH3NH3PbI3−xClx samples are p-type semiconductor having carrier concentration of the order of ~ 1016 cm−3. The charge carrier mobility, mean free path and mean free life time were found to decrease with increasing temperature due to polaronic effect. The excitonic effective mass is estimated to (0.090–0.196)me and excitonic binding energy (15–33) meV, well consistent with Wannier-Mott hydrogenic model and the nature of exciton is likely to be Mott-Wannier type. From electrical measurement, it was observed that charge carrier conduction in CH3NH3PbI3−xClx is governed by migration of $${\mathrm{I}}^{-}$$

I

-

and CH3N $${\mathrm{H}}_{3}^{+}$$

H

3

+

vacancies and vacancy-assisted diffusion processes depending on temperature.
Facilitation of oral sensitivity by electrical stimulation of the faucial pillars
Authors: Braun Tobias , Hamzic Samra , Doerr Johanna M. , Peters Laura , Viard Maxime , Reuter Iris , Prosiegel Mario , Weber Susanne , Yenigün Mesut , Tschernatsch Marlene , Gerriets Tibo , Juenemann Martin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDysphagia is common in neurological disease. However, our understanding of swallowing and its central nervous control is limited. Sensory information plays a vital role in the initiation of the swallowing reflex and is often reduced in stroke patients. We hypothesized that the sensitivity threshold of the anterior faucial pillar could be facilitated by either electrical stimulation (ES) or taste and smell information. The sensitivity threshold was measured by ES in the anterior faucial pillar region. The measurement was repeated 5 min after baseline. Thirty minutes after baseline, the participants underwent a test for taste and smell. Immediately after the test, the ES was repeated. Thirty healthy volunteers with a mean age of 27 ± 5.1 participated in the trial. Mean sensitivity threshold at baseline was 1.9 ± 0.59 mA. The values 5 min after baseline (1.74 ± 0.56 mA, p = 0.027) and 30 min after baseline (1.67 ± 0.58 mA, p = 0.011) were significantly lower compared to the baseline, but there was no difference between the latter (p = 0.321). After 5 min, a potentially facilitating effect was found on oral sensitivity by ES of the faucial pillar area. Thirty minutes later, this effect was still present.Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03240965. Registered 7th August 2017—https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03240965.
Synthesis of novel adsorbent based on tetrasulfide-functionalized fibrous silica KCC-1 for removal of Hg(II) cations
Authors: Marjani Azam , Mohammadi Reza Khan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHg(II) has been identified to be one of the extremely toxic heavy metals because of its hazardous effects and this fact that it is even more hazardous to animals than other pollutants such as Ag, Au, Cd, Ni, Pb, Co, Cu, and Zn. Accordingly, for the first time, tetrasulfide-functionalized fibrous silica KCC-1 (TS-KCC-1) spheres were synthesized by a facile, conventional ultrasonic-assisted, sol–gel-hydrothermal preparation approach to adsorb Hg(II) from aqueous solution. Tetrasulfide groups (–S–S–S–S–) were chosen as binding sites due to the strong and effective interaction of mercury ions (Hg(II)) with sulfur atoms. Hg(II) uptake onto TS-KCC-1 in a batch system has been carried out. Isotherm and kinetic results showed a very agreed agreement with Langmuir and pseudo-first-order models, respectively, with a Langmuir maximum uptake capacity of 132.55 mg g–1 (volume of the solution = 20.0 mL; adsorbent dose = 5.0 mg; pH = 5.0; temperature: 198 K; contact time = 40 min; shaking speed = 180 rpm). TS-KCC-1was shown to be a promising functional nanoporous material for the uptake of Hg(II) cations from aqueous media. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no report on the uptake of toxic Hg(II) cations by tetrasulfide-functionalized KCC-1 prepared by a conventional ultrasonic-assisted sol–gel-hydrothermal synthesis method.
Understanding anatomical plasticity of Argan wood features at local geographical scale in ecological and archaeobotanical perspectives
Authors: Ros Jérôme , Terral Jean-Frédéric , Ruas Marie-Pierre , Ivorra Sarah , Limier Bertrand , Ater Mohammed , Paradis Laure , Ettahiri Ahmed S. , Fili Abdallah , Van Staëvel Jean-Pierre 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe emergence of the Argan tree as an agricultural, pastoral, cultural, economic and ecological keystone species in Southern Morocco is considered to be linked to the settlement of agropastoral communities that favored its expansion. Nevertheless, the use and exploitation of Argan tree is documented by both few medieval written sources and archaeobotanical studies, from a single location, Îgîlîz (Toughmart, Morocco), a famous medieval site of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Therefore, data remain scarce regarding the type of Argan communities exploited at this period. In order to document this question, a quantitative eco-anatomical approach aiming to understand variations of wood characters involved in sap conduction and reserve storage, is developed from modern samples collected in the area of Îgîlîz. Results show that diameter of branches and environmental factors are the major parameters explaining plasticity of wood anatomical characters. Quantitative eco-anatomical features of Argan archaeological charcoal confronted to two statistical models, allow assessing both the diameter of the branches from which it derives and the agro-ecological conditions of tree growth and development. This preliminary study may be considered as a relevant and pioneering work for the understanding of the eco-history of the Argan tree, and of its use and exploitation during the past.
Ultra-low dose immunization and multi-component vaccination strategies enhance protection against malaria in mice
Authors: Collins Katharine A. , Brod Florian , Snaith Rebecca , Ulaszewska Marta , Longley Rhea J. , Salman Ahmed M. , Gilbert Sarah C. , Spencer Alexandra J. , Franco David , Ballou W. Ripley , Hill Adrian V. S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAn effective vaccine would be a valuable tool for malaria control and elimination; however, the leading malaria vaccine in development, RTS,S/AS01, provided only partial protection in a Phase 3 trial. R21 is a next-generation RTS,S-like vaccine. We have previously shown in mice that R21 administered in Matrix-M is highly immunogenic, able to elicit complete protection against sporozoite challenge, and can be successfully administered with TRAP based viral-vectors resulting in enhanced protection. In this study, we developed a novel, GMP-compatible purification process for R21, and evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of ultra-low doses of both R21 and RTS,S when formulated in AS01. We demonstrated that both vaccines are highly immunogenic and also elicit comparable high levels of protection against transgenic parasites in BALB/c mice. By lowering the vaccine dose there was a trend for increased immunogenicity and sterile protection, with the highest dose vaccine groups achieving the lowest efficacy (50% sterile protection). We also evaluated the ability to combine RTS,S/AS01 with TRAP based viral-vectors and observed concurrent induction of immune responses to both antigens with minimal interference when mixing the vaccines prior to administration. These studies suggest that R21 or RTS,S could be combined with viral-vectors for a multi-component vaccination approach and indicate that low dose vaccination should be fully explored in humans to maximize potential efficacy.
Association between visual field damage and corneal structural parameters
Authors: Lavric Alexandru , Popa Valentin , Takahashi Hidenori , Hazarbassanov Rossen M. , Yousefi Siamak 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe main goal of this study is to identify the association between corneal shape, elevation, and thickness parameters and visual field damage using machine learning. A total of 676 eyes from 568 patients from the Jichi Medical University in Japan were included in this study. Corneal topography, pachymetry, and elevation images were obtained using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field tests were collected using standard automated perimetry with 24-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm. The association between corneal structural parameters and visual field damage was investigated using machine learning and evaluated through tenfold cross-validation of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). The average mean deviation was − 8.0 dB and the average central corneal thickness (CCT) was 513.1 µm. Using ensemble machine learning bagged trees classifiers, we detected visual field abnormality from corneal parameters with an AUC of 0.83. Using a tree-based machine learning classifier, we detected four visual field severity levels from corneal parameters with an AUC of 0.74. Although CCT and corneal hysteresis have long been accepted as predictors of glaucoma development and future visual field loss, corneal shape and elevation parameters may also predict glaucoma-induced visual functional loss.
Laparoscopic approach to refractory extraspinal sciatica and pudendal pain caused by intrapelvic nerve entrapment
Authors: Lemos Nucelio , Sermer Corey , Fernandes Gustavo , Morgado-Ribeiro Augusta , Rossos Andrea , Zhao Zi Ying , Girão Manuel J. B. C. , Peng Philip 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEntrapments of the intrapelvic portions of the lumbosacral plexus are an important extraspinal cause of sciatica and pudendal neuralgia. They can be treated using Laparoscopic Neuronavigation (LANN), a minimally invasive technique that has set the foundations of an emerging field in Medicine—Neuropelveology. This retrospective-prospective study analyzes the outcomes of 63 patients treated with the LANN technique over a 10 year time period. One year after surgery, 78.3% of patients reported clinically relevant pain reduction, defined as ≥ 50% reduction in Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score; these results were maintained for a mean follow up of 3.2 years. Preoperative chronic opioid use (≥ 4 months of ≥ 10 mg morphine equivalents/day) was a predictor of poor surgical outcome—clinically relevant pain reduction was observed in only 30.8% in this group of patients, compared to 91.5% in patients not regularly taking opioids preoperatively (p < 0.01). Perioperative complication rate was 20%. Our results indicate that the LANN technique is an effective and reproducible approach to relieve pain secondary to intrapelvic nerve entrapments and that preoperative chronic opioid therapy significantly reduces the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome. This study provides detailed information on perioperative complication and postoperative course, which is essential for patient consenting.
Unequal on-site interaction effects in the one-dimensional electron system at quarter filling
Authors: Ding Hanqin , Xu Yan , Chen Weiting 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe one-dimensional antiferromagnetic correlated electron system described by the unusual t–U–J model with alternating on-site interactions at odd ($$U_o$$

U
o

) and even ($$U_e$$

U
e

) sites is studied analytically. At weak coupling, the use of bosonization and renormalization-group techniques helps to obtain ground-state phase diagram. At quarter filling, the unequal on-site repulsion ($$U_e\ne U_o$$

U
e

≠

U
o

) causes the occurrence of umklapp processes and the generation of a charge excitation gap. Contrary to the usual case ($$U_e=U_o$$

U
e

=

U
o

), the system is not metallic but insulating. For $$U_e+U_o<2J$$

U
e

+

U
o

<
2
J

, the system is in a spin-gapped phase with charge-density-wave (CDW) instability; for $$U_e+U_o\ge 2J$$

U
e

+

U
o

≥
2
J

, the system is in a spin-gapless phase characterized by the coexistence of both CDW and spin-density-wave (SDW) instabilities, where the SDW correlation dominates over the CDW one.
Distinguishing anthropogenic and natural contributions to coproduction of national crop yields globally
Authors: Schröter Matthias , Egli Lukas , Brüning Lilith , Seppelt Ralf 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCrop production is a crucial ecosystem service that requires a combination of natural and anthropogenic contributions to high and stable yields, which is a coproduction process. We analysed this coproduction based on nationally aggregated data for 15 major crops for 67 countries and the European Union with data for four time steps (2000, 2006, 2010, 2014). We found strong increases in fertilizer use, net capital stock and manure use intensity for lower-middle-income countries and stagnation or decrease of these for high-income countries. We used a multiple linear regression model predicting yield to distinguish the effect of anthropogenic contributions (crop-specific fertilizer use intensity, net capital stock intensity, manure use intensity) and natural contributions (crop-specific agricultural suitability, including soil characteristics, topography and climate). We found that in particular fertilizer use intensity, manure use intensity and agricultural suitability explained variation in yields to a considerable degree (R2 = 0.62).
Conjugated equine estrogen used in postmenopausal women associated with a higher risk of stroke than estradiol
Authors: Chang Wei-Chuan , Wang Jen-Hung , Ding Dah-Ching 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) in hormone therapy (HT) with oral conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) and estradiol (E2) in postmenopausal women in Taiwan. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, a population-based healthcare claims dataset. Eligible women, aged 40–65 years, who received HT with E2 and CEE orally were enrolled. The primary outcome was IS. Propensity score matching with menopausal age and comorbidities was used. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate the incidence and hazard ratios (HRs) for IS. The mean menopausal ages of the E2 and CEE groups were 50.31 ± 4.99 and 50.45 ± 5.31 years, respectively. After adjusting for age and comorbidities, the incidence of IS was 1.17-fold higher in the women treated with CEE than in those treated with E2 (4.24 vs. 3.61/1000 person-years), with an adjusted HR (aHR) of 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.44). Moreover, HT with CEE initiated within 5 years of menopause had a higher HR than E2 (aHR = 1.20; 95% CI 1.02–1.42). In conclusion, HT with oral CEE might be associated with a higher risk of IS than E2 in postmenopausal Taiwanese women. The use of HT with CEE should be cautioned with the risk of IS.
Discontinuation rates of different contraceptive methods in Thai women up to 1-year after method initiation
Authors: Jaisamrarn Unnop , Santipap Monchai , Santibenchakul Somsook 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe assessed the discontinuation rate and the reason for discontinuation of common contraceptives used by reproductive-aged Thai women. We recruited 1880 women aged 18–45 years from the Family Planning Clinic of the Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok. The participants were followed at three, six and twelve months. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine personal risks of discontinuing contraceptives. The incidence rate for discontinuation of combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), copper intrauterine device (IUD), and contraceptive implant(s) were 21.3, 9.2, 4.4, and 2.3/100 person-years, respectively. Most of the women who discontinued (185/222) discontinued contraceptives due to side effects. Compared to contraceptive implant users, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of discontinuing COCs, DMPA, and the copper IUD were 9.6 (4.3–21.8), 4.2 (1.8–10.0), and 2.2 (0.8–5.9), respectively. Lower income, higher parity, history of miscarriage, and history of abortion were independent predictors of contraceptive discontinuation in a multivariable model.