bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on the Knowledge and Attitudes of Dentists toward Teledentistry
Authors: Plaza-Ruíz S.P. , Barbosa-Liz D.M. , Agudelo-Suárez A.A. 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a new scenario for dental practice, and teledentistry (TD) is a field of relevance for dentists. Objective: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the knowledge, practices, and expectations of dentists toward TD and its association with sociodemographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to dentists in Colombia as part of global research on the impact of COVID-19 on dentistry. The core questionnaire included 5 additional questions on TD that were added by the Colombian research team in 5 domains about TD: Q1, knowledge; Q2, practices; Q3, expectations; Q4, usefulness; and Q5, reimbursement. Sociodemographic variables were also measured. The questionnaire was validated in a pilot test and administered via digital media. Descriptive and bivariate analysis for sociodemographic and TD variables were done. For the evaluation of the chances of a determined answer, an ordinal multinomial logistic regression (Q1 and Q2) and binomial logistic regression (Q3 and Q5) analyses were made. Results: In total, 5,370 dentists answered the survey (women: 3,878; mean age: 45 y). The response rate of the survey was 16.84%. Knowledge and practice of TD before the COVID-19 pandemic were both low (25.75% and 12.42%, respectively); however, since the beginning of the current pandemic, knowledge increased by 62.72% and practice by 42.53%. Some 93.1% of respondents considered that TD could be useful in their clinical practice, and 59.55% would consider practicing it after the pandemic. A high number of dentists (88.58%) did not charge for these services. Logistic regressions showed significant differences according to sociodemographic variables. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on TD, increasing knowledge and practice significantly. Dentists expect to continue practicing TD in the future. However, some geographical, technological, and attitudinal barriers need to be broken down to increase daily use of TD. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This article provides an overview about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the knowledge and attitudes about teledentistry (TD) in general dentists and both clinical and nonclinical specialists. Although some barriers to the use of TD continue, this pandemic brought with it a new scenario for dental practice, which must be implemented through training for professionals to increase its use.
Correction of β-thalassemia by CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the α-globin locus in human hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Pavani Giulia , Fabiano Anna , Laurent Marine , Amor Fatima , Cantelli Erika , Chalumeau Anne , Maule Giulia , Tachtsidi Alexandra , Concordet Jean-Paul , Cereseto Anna , Mavilio Fulvio , Ferrari Giuliana , Miccio Annarita , Amendola Mario 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
β-thalassemias (β-thal) are a group of blood disorders caused by mutations in the β-globin gene (HBB) cluster. β-globin associates with α-globin to form adult hemoglobin (HbA, α2β2), the main oxygen-carrier in erythrocytes. When β-globin chains are absent or limiting, free α-globins precipitate and damage cell membranes, causing hemolysis and ineffective erythropoiesis. Clinical data show that severity of β-thal correlates with the number of inherited α-globin genes (HBA1 and HBA2), with α-globin gene deletions having a beneficial effect for patients. Here, we describe a novel strategy to treat β-thal based on genome editing of the α-globin locus in human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Using CRISPR/Cas9, we combined 2 therapeutic approaches: (1) α-globin downregulation, by deleting the HBA2 gene to recreate an α-thalassemia trait, and (2) β-globin expression, by targeted integration of a β-globin transgene downstream the HBA2 promoter. First, we optimized the CRISPR/Cas9 strategy and corrected the pathological phenotype in a cellular model of β-thalassemia (human erythroid progenitor cell [HUDEP-2] β0). Then, we edited healthy donor HSPCs and demonstrated that they maintained long-term repopulation capacity and multipotency in xenotransplanted mice. To assess the clinical potential of this approach, we next edited β-thal HSPCs and achieved correction of α/β globin imbalance in HSPC-derived erythroblasts. As a safer option for clinical translation, we performed editing in HSPCs using Cas9 nickase showing precise editing with no InDels. Overall, we described an innovative CRISPR/Cas9 approach to improve α/β globin imbalance in thalassemic HSPCs, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies for β-thal.
Comparative chloroplast genomes: insights into the evolution of the chloroplast genome of Camellia sinensis and the phylogeny of Camellia
Authors: Li Li , Hu Yunfei , He Min , Zhang Bo , Wu Wei , Cai Pumo , Huo Da , Hong Yongcong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Chloroplast genome resources can provide useful information for the evolution of plant species. Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is among the most economically valuable member of Camellia. Here, we determined the chloroplast genome of the first natural triploid Chinary type tea (‘Wuyi narcissus’ cultivar of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, CWN) and conducted the genome comparison with the diploid Chinary type tea (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, CSS) and two types of diploid Assamica type teas (Camellia sinensis var. assamica: Chinese Assamica type tea, CSA and Indian Assamica type tea, CIA). Further, the evolutionary mechanism of the chloroplast genome of Camellia sinensis and the relationships of Camellia species based on chloroplast genome were discussed.

Results
Comparative analysis showed the evolutionary dynamics of chloroplast genome of Camellia sinensis were the repeats and insertion-deletions (indels), and distribution of the repeats, indels and substitutions were significantly correlated. Chinese tea and Indian tea had significant differences in the structural characteristic and the codon usage of the chloroplast genome. Analysis of sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) using sequences of the intergenic spacers (trnE/trnT) showed none of 292 different Camellia sinensis cultivars had similar sequence characteristic to triploid CWN, but the other four Camellia species did. Estimations of the divergence time showed that CIA diverged from the common ancestor of two Assamica type teas about 6.2 Mya (CI: 4.4–8.1 Mya). CSS and CSA diverged to each other about 0.8 Mya (CI: 0.4–1.5 Mya). Moreover, phylogenetic clustering was not exactly consistent with the current taxonomy of Camellia.

Conclusions
The repeat-induced and indel-induced mutations were two important dynamics contributed to the diversification of the chloroplast genome in Camellia sinensis, which were not mutually exclusive. Chinese tea and Indian tea might have undergone different selection pressures. Chloroplast transfer occurred during the polyploid evolution in Camellia sinensis. In addition, our results supported the three different domestication origins of Chinary type tea, Chinese Assamica type tea and Indian Assamica type tea. And, the current classification of some Camellia species might need to be further discussed.
Characterization and fine mapping of a new dwarf mutant in Brassica napus
Authors: Li Xin , Xiang Fujiang , Zhang Wei , Yan Jindong , Li Xinmei , Zhong Ming , Yang Piao , Chen Caiyan , Liu Xuanming , Mao Donghai , Zhao Xiaoying 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Plant height is an important plant characteristic closely related to yield performance of many crops. Reasonable reduction of plant height of crops is beneficial for improving yield and enhancing lodging resistance.

Results
In the present study, we described the Brassica napus dwarf mutant bnd2 that was isolated using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis. Compared to wild type (WT), bnd2 exhibited reduced height and shorter hypocotyl and petiole leaves. By crossing the bnd2 mutant with the WT strain, we found that the ratio of the mutant to the WT in the F2 population was close to 1:3, indicating that bnd2 is a recessive mutation of a single locus. Following bulked segregant analysis (BSA) by resequencing, BND2 was found to be located in the 13.77–18.08 Mb interval of chromosome A08, with a length of 4.31 Mb. After fine mapping with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and insertion/deletion (InDel) markers, the gene was narrowed to a 140-Kb interval ranging from 15.62 Mb to 15.76 Mb. According to reference genome annotation, there were 27 genes in the interval, of which BnaA08g20960D had an SNP type variation in the intron between the mutant and its parent, which may be the candidate gene corresponding to BND2. The hybrid line derived from a cross between the mutant bnd2 and the commercial cultivar L329 had similar plant height but higher grain yield compared to the commercial cultivar, suggesting that the allele bnd2 is beneficial for hybrid breeding of lodging resistant and high yield rapeseed.

Conclusion
In this study, we identified a novel dwarf mutant of rapeseed with a new locus, which may be useful for functional analyses of genetic mechanisms of plant architecture and grain yield in rapeseed.
Using a distribution-based approach and systematic review methods to derive minimum clinically important differences
Authors: Watt Jennifer A. , Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Tricco Andrea C. , Straus Sharon E. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Clinical interpretation of changes measured on a scale is dependent on knowing the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for that scale: the threshold above which clinicians, patients, and researchers perceive an outcome difference. Until now, approaches to determining MCIDs were based upon individual studies or surveys of experts. However, the comparison of meta-analytic treatment effects to a MCID derived from a distribution of standard deviations (SDs) associated with all trial-specific outcomes in a meta-analysis could improve our clinical understanding of meta-analytic treatment effects.

Methods
We approximated MCIDs using a distribution-based approach that pooled SDs associated with baseline mean or mean change values for two scales (i.e. Mini-Mental State Exam [MMSE] and Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale – Cognitive Subscale [ADAS-Cog]), as reported in parallel randomized trials (RCTs) that were included in a systematic review of cognitive enhancing medications for dementia (i.e. cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine). We excluded RCTs that did not report baseline or mean change SD values. We derived MCIDs at 0.4 and 0.5 SDs of the pooled SD and compared our derived MCIDs to previously published MCIDs for the MMSE and ADAS-Cog.

Results
We showed that MCIDs derived from a distribution-based approach approximated published MCIDs for the MMSE and ADAS-Cog. For the MMSE (51 RCTs, 12,449 patients), we derived a MCID of 1.6 at 0.4 SDs and 2 at 0.5 SDs using baseline SDs and we derived a MCID of 1.4 at 0.4 SDs and 1.8 at 0.5 SDs using mean change SDs. For the ADAS-Cog (37 RCTs, 10,006 patients), we derived a MCID of 4 at 0.4 SDs and 5 at 0.5 SDs using baseline SDs and we derived a MCID of 2.6 at 0.4 SDs and 3.2 at 0.5 SDs using mean change SDs.

Conclusion
A distribution-based approach using data included in a systematic review approximated known MCIDs. Our approach performed better when we derived MCIDs from baseline as opposed to mean change SDs. This approach could facilitate clinical interpretation of outcome measures reported in RCTs and systematic reviews of interventions. Future research should focus on the generalizability of this method to other clinical scenarios.
Hepatitis C viraemic and seroprevalence and risk factors for positivity in Northwest Cambodia: a household cross-sectional serosurvey
Authors: Lynch Emily , Falq Gregoire , Sun Chhorvy , Bunchhoeung Pharm D Tek , Huerga Helena , Loarec Anne , Dousset Jean-Phillipe , Marquardt Tonia , Paih Mickael Le , Maman David 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Despite a dramatic reduction in HCV drug costs and simplified models of care, many countries lack important information on prevalence and risk factors to structure effective HCV services.

Methods
A cross-sectional, multi-stage cluster survey of HCV seroprevalence in adults 18 years and above was conducted, with an oversampling of those 45 years and above. One hundred forty-seven clusters of 25 households were randomly selected in two sets (set 1=24 clusters ≥18; set 2=123 clusters, ≥45). A multi-variable analysis assessed risk factors for sero-positivity among participants ≥45. The study occurred in rural Moung Ruessei Health Operational District, Battambang Province, Western Cambodia.

Results
A total of 5098 individuals and 3616 households participated in the survey. The overall seroprevalence was 2.6% (CI95% 2.3–3.0) for those ≥18 years, 5.1% (CI95% 4.6–5.7) for adults ≥ 45 years, and 0.6% (CI95% 0.3–0.9) for adults 18–44. Viraemic prevalence was 1.9% (CI95% 1.6–2.1), 3.6% (CI95% 3.2–4.0), and 0.5% (CI95% 0.2–0.8), respectively. Men had higher prevalence than women: ≥18 years male seroprevalence was 3.0 (CI95% 2.5–3.5) versus 2.3 (CI95% 1.9–2.7) for women. Knowledge of HCV was poor: 64.7% of all respondents and 57.0% of seropositive participants reported never having heard of HCV.
Risk factor characteristics for the population ≥45 years included: advancing age (p< 0.001), low education (higher than secondary school OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.6–0.8]), any dental or gum treatment (OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.3–1.8]), historical routine medical care (medical injection after 1990 OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.6–0.9]; surgery after 1990 OR 0.7 [95% CI0.5–0.9]), and historical blood donation or transfusion (blood donation after 1980 OR 0.4 [95% CI 0.2–0.8]); blood transfusion after 1990 OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.4–1.1]).

Conclusions
This study provides the first large-scale general adult population prevalence data on HCV infection in Cambodia. The results confirm the link between high prevalence and age ≥45 years, lower socio-economic status and past routine medical interventions (particularly those received before 1990 and 1980). This survey suggests high HCV prevalence in certain populations in Cambodia and can be used to guide national and local HCV policy discussion.
Psychological interventions for maternal depression among women of African and Caribbean origin: a systematic review
Authors: Jidong Dung Ezekiel , Husain Nusrat , Roche Ayesha , Lourie Grace , Ike Tarela J. , Murshed Maisha , Park Miriam S. , Karick Haruna , Dagona Zubairu K. , Pwajok Juliet Y. , Gumber Anil , Francis Christopher , Nyam Pam P. , Mwankon Shadrack B. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Maternal depression is a leading cause of disease burden for women worldwide; however, there are ethnic inequalities in access to psychological interventions in high-income countries (HICs). Culturally appropriate interventions might prove beneficial for African and Caribbean women living in HICs as ethnic minorities.

Methods
The review strategy was formulated using the PICo (Population, phenomenon of Interest, and Context) framework with Boolean operators (AND/OR/NOT) to ensure rigour in the use of search terms (“postpartum depression”, “maternal depression”, “postnatal depression”, “perinatal depression” “mental health”, “psychotherapy” “intervention”, “treatment”, “black Caribbean”, “black African”, “mothers” and “women”). Five databases, including Scopus, PsycINFO, Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), ProQuest Central and Web of Science, were searched for published articles between 2000 and July 2020. 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, and the relevant data extracted were synthesised and thematically analysed.

Results
Data syntheses and analyses of included studies produced four themes, including (1) enhance parenting confidence and self-care; (2) effective mother–child interpersonal relationship; (3) culturally appropriate maternal care; and (4) internet-mediated care for maternal depression.

Conclusion
In the quest to address maternal mental health disparities among mothers of African and Caribbean origin in HICs, the authors recommend culturally adapted psychological interventions to be tested in randomised control trials.
Taohuajing reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic cardiomyopathy through the sirtuin 1/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 pathway
Authors: Yao Rui , Cao Yu , Wang Changming , Xu Lu , Zhang Xuan , Deng Yuqing , Li Feng , Wang Siwang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Oxidative stress and inflammation promote the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Therefore, inhibiting these processes may show beneficial effects in the treatment of patients with DCM. Taohuajing (THJ) is prepared using Persicae semen (Taoren), Polygonatum sibiricum (Huangjing), and Carthami flos (Honghua) and may have applications in the treatment of DCM. However, the protective effects of THJ have not been thoroughly assessed. Accordingly, in this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of THJ in a model of DCM and further clarify the potential mechanisms.

Methods
A type 2 diabetes mellitus model was generated using male C57BL/6 mice. Echocardiography and histopathology were used to evaluate cardiac function. The expression levels of cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Western blotting and small interfering RNA were used to evaluate the targets of THJ.

Results
Compared with the control group, DCM mice showed cardiac dysfunction, metabolic disorder, fibrosis, and disorganized ultrastructure, and THJ treatment significantly inhibited these changes significantly. THJ treatment also inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), induced the production of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and suppressed the activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. These protective effects were abolished by sirtinol, an inhibitor of sirtuin1 (SIRT1).

Conclusions
Overall, THJ protected the heart from hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in DCM mice via a mechanism involving SIRT1-mediated antioxidant proteins and suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Thromboembolism, bleeding and vascular death in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with type 2 diabetes receiving rivaroxaban or warfarin
Authors: Coleman Craig I. , Costa Olivia S. , Brescia Christopher W. , Vardar Burcu , Abdelgawwad Khaled , Sood Nitesh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Diabetes increases a patient’s risk of developing atrial fibrillation by 49%. Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation are at a fivefold increased risk of stroke and die more frequently from vascular causes. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban versus warfarin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
This was an analysis of Optum® De-Identified electronic health record data from 11/2010 to 12/2019. We included adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and type 2 diabetes, newly started on rivaroxaban or warfarin and with ≥ 12-months of prior electronic health record activity. Patients who were pregnant, had alternative indications for oral anticoagulation or valvular heart disease were excluded. We evaluated the incidence rate (%/year) of developing the composite outcome of stroke/systemic embolism or vascular death and major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding as well as each endpoint individually. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using propensity score-overlap weighted proportional hazards regression.

Results
We included 32,078 rivaroxaban (31% initiated on 15 mg dose) and 83,971warfarin users (time-in-therapeutic range = 47 ± 28%). Rivaroxaban was associated with a reduced risk of stroke/systemic embolism or vascular death (3.79 vs. 4.19; hazard ratio = 0.91, 95% confdience interval = 0.88–0.95), driven mostly by reductions in vascular death (2.81 vs 3.18, hazard ratio = 0.90, 95% confidence interval = 0.86–0.95) and systemic embolism (0.13 vs. 0.16; hazard ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.66–1.02). Major/clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding was less frequent with rivaroxaban versus warfarin (2.17 vs. 2.31; hazard ratio = 0.94, 95% confidence interval = 0.89–0.99) due to decreased critical organ bleeding (including intracranial hemorrhage) (0.35 vs. 0.54; hazard ratio = 0.63, 95% confidence interval = 0.55–0.72).

Conclusions
In nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with type 2 diabetes, rivaroxaban was associated with an ~ 10% relative reduction in vascular mortality and fewer bleeding-related hospitalizations versus warfarin.
Identification and characterization of heteroclitic peptides in TCR-binding positions with improved HLA-binding efficacy
Authors: Cavalluzzo Beatrice , Ragone Concetta , Mauriello Angela , Petrizzo Annacarmen , Manolio Carmen , Caporale Andrea , Vitagliano Luigi , Ruvo Menotti , Buonaguro Luigi , Tagliamonte Maria 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe antigenicity as well as the immunogenicity of tumor associated antigens (TAAs) may need to be potentiated in order to break the immunological tolerance. To this aim, heteroclitic peptides were designed introducing specific substitutions in the residue at position 4 (p4) binding to TCR. The effect of such modifications also on the affinity to the major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) molecule was assessed. The Trp2 antigen, specific for the mouse melanoma B16F10 cells, as well as the HPV-E7 antigen, specific for the TC1 tumor cell lines, were used as models. Affinity of such heteroclitic peptides to HLA was predicted by bioinformatics tools and the most promising ones were validated by structural conformational and HLA binding analyses. Overall, we demonstrated that TAAs modified at the TCR-binding p4 residue are predicted to have higher affinity to MHC-I molecules. Experimental evaluation confirms the stronger binding, suggesting that this strategy may be very effective for designing new vaccines with improved antigenic efficacy.
COVID-19 pandemic effects on orthopaedic surgeons in British Columbia
Authors: Simon Maciej J. K. , Regan William D. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 was declared a global emergency in the first quarter of 2020. It is has resulted in and continues in over a million deaths worldwide and halted medical systems and particularly elective surgeries worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of the initial COVID-19 pandemic months on orthopaedic surgeons in British Columbia.

Methods
The study surveyed (June until August 2020) 187 orthopaedic surgeons in British Columbia affiliated with the University of British Columbia or the British Columbia Orthopaedic Association using an online survey to help identify the impact of COVID-19 on patient care, work and personal life.

Results
Eighty-seven out of 187 (46.5%) orthopaedic surgeons participated in the online survey. All types of surgeries were completely cancelled for 23 respondents. Elective surgeries were cancelled for most respondents (in-hospital n = 38 and/or ambulatory n = 32). Trauma cases were reduced according to 35 respondents. Outpatient clinics were stopped initially and transferred in virtual clinics (telemedicine). Approximately 40% of respondents were afraid of infecting others (patients, family) and 25% admitted to drink more heavily. Ninety percent of respondents reported an income loss of > 15% (range 0–100%).

Conclusion
Orthopaedic surgeons and their patients have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancellation of surgeries has created an increased backlog of 32,400 orthopaedic surgeries in British Columbia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has expedited the implementation of telemedicine, which will be a long-lasting benefit in providing healthcare.