bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inferred Linear Stability of Parker Solar Probe Observations Using One- and Two-component Proton Distributions
Authors: Klein K. G. , Verniero J. L. , Alterman B. , Bale S. , Case A. , Kasper J. C. , Korreck K. , Larson D. , Lichko E. , Livi R. , McManus M. , Martinović M. , Rahmati A. , Stevens M. , Whittlesey P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The hot and diffuse nature of the Sun’s extended atmosphere allows it to persist in non-equilibrium states for long enough that wave–particle instabilities can arise and modify the evolution of the expanding solar wind. Determining which instabilities arise, and how significant a role they play in governing the dynamics of the solar wind, has been a decades-long process involving in situ observations at a variety of radial distances. With new measurements from the Parker Solar Probe (PSP), we can study what wave modes are driven near the Sun, and calculate what instabilities are predicted for different models of the underlying particle populations. We model two hours-long intervals of PSP/SPAN-i measurements of the proton phase-space density during the PSP’s fourth perihelion with the Sun using two commonly used descriptions for the underlying velocity distribution. The linear stability and growth rates associated with the two models are calculated and compared. We find that both selected intervals are susceptible to resonant instabilities, though the growth rates and kinds of modes driven unstable vary depending on whether the protons are modeled using one or two components. In some cases, the predicted growth rates are large enough to compete with other dynamic processes, such as the nonlinear turbulent transfer of energy, in contrast with relatively slower instabilities at larger radial distances from the Sun.
Timing of Eight Binary Millisecond Pulsars Found with Arecibo in Fermi-LAT Unidentified Sources
Authors: Deneva J. S. , Ray P. S. , Camilo F. , Freire P. C. C. , Cromartie H. T. , Ransom S. M. , Ferrara E. , Kerr M. , Burnett T. H. , Parkinson P. M. Saz 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We present timing solutions for eight binary millisecond pulsars (MSPs) discovered by searching unidentified Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT) source positions with the 327 MHz receiver of the Arecibo 305 m radio telescope. Five of the pulsars are “spiders” with orbital periods shorter than 8.1 hr. Three of these are in “black widow” systems (with degenerate companions of 0.02–0.03 M
⊙), one is in a “redback” system (with a non-degenerate companion of ≳0.3 M
⊙), and one (J1908+2105) is an apparent middle-ground case between the two observational classes. The remaining three pulsars have white dwarf companions and longer orbital periods. With the initially derived radio timing solutions, we detected γ-ray pulsations from all MSPs and extended the timing solutions using photons from the full Fermi mission, thus confirming the identification of these MSPs with the Fermi-LAT sources. The radio emission of the redback is eclipsed during 50% of its orbital period, which is typical for this kind of system. Two of the black widows exhibit radio eclipses lasting for 10%–20% of the orbit, while J1908+2105 eclipses for 40% of the orbit. We investigate an apparent link between gamma-ray emission and a short orbital period among known binary MSPs in the Galactic disk, and conclude that selection effects cannot be ruled out as the cause. Based on this analysis we outline how the likelihood of new MSP discoveries can be improved in ongoing and future pulsar searches.
Communication Skills Teaching Methods in Dental Education &ndash; a Review
Authors: Burkert Vesela , Stoykova Maria , Semerdjieva Maria 
Published: March 2021

Communication skills of dentists have been demonstrated to be part of the good dental practice. The aim we set ourselves in this study was to review the literature related to the methods of teaching communication skills at dental faculties, and develop a handout in the Bulgarian language about leading a successful conversation with a patient.
According to some authors, the most important principles for effective communication training include the use of practical exercises, clinically relevant scenarios, students&rsquo; self-assessment tools, videotapes, participation of patient actors, and training in small groups. Another communication training program is the so-called Miller pyramid. Using the method of objective structured clinical examina-tion (OSCE) can also be an effective way of teaching communication skills to dental students.&nbsp;
The conclusion to be made is that communication skills should be taught across the entire dental curriculum as this leads to better understanding and sufficient outcome.&nbsp;
The Skin–Liver Axis Modulates the Psoriasiform Phenotype and Involves Leucine-Rich α-2 Glycoprotein
Authors: Nakajima Hideki , Nakajima Kimiko , Takaishi Mikiro , Ohko Kentaro , Serada Satoshi , Fujimoto Minoru , Naka Tetsuji , Sano Shigetoshi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein (LRG), one of the acute phase proteins mainly produced by the liver, similar to C-reactive protein, has been recognized as an inflammatory biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. We recently demonstrated that LRG was also increased in the sera of psoriasis patients and correlated well with disease activity with a sensitivity and specificity much higher than C-reactive protein; however, whether LRG mechanistically contributed to the pathogenesis of psoriasis remained unclear. In this study, we explored the role of LRG in psoriasiform inflammation using LRG-knockout (KO) mice in an imiquimod (IMQ)–mediated model. Following topical treatment with IMQ, serum levels of LRG and its expression in the liver were abruptly elevated. Similarly, an acute surge of proinflammatory cytokines was observed in the liver, including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, although LRG-KO mice showed delayed responses. LRG-KO mice showed less skin inflammation in the IMQ model than wild-type mice. K5.Stat3C mice developed psoriasis-like lesions following tape stripping, which also abruptly induced LRG expression in the liver. A deficiency of Lrg mitigated tape stripping–induced lesions, similar to the IMQ model. These results indicate that LRG modulates both feed-forward and feedback loops of cytokines in the skin–liver axis involved with psoriasiform inflammation.
Using carboxymethyl gum from Tamarindus indica and Cassia fistula seeds with Chromolaena odorata leaf extract to develop antibacterial gauze dressing with hemostatic activity
Authors: Sittikijyothin Wancheng , Phonyotin Bussaba , Sangnim Tanikan , Huanbutta Kampanart 
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose:
Gauze dressing is a barrier against microbial infection in wounds. The seed gums of Tamarindus indica and Cassia fistula are abundant in tropical countries; we used them as a coating material of cotton gauzes to improve the liquid absorption ability. Moreover, Chromolaena odorata leaf extract was loaded on the gums for antibacterial gauze dressing with hemostatic activity.

Experimental approach:
Crude gums were extracted from T. indica and C. fistula seeds and carboxymethyl gums were then derived and chracterized. C. Odorata ethanolic extract was also prepared by maceration and its antimicrobial and blood clotting activities were determine coated gauze dressing containing different concentrations of carboxymethyl gum was prepared in the presence of various concentrations of C. odorata extract. Then, the physical properties, antibacterial activity, and skin-irritating effects of the coated gauze were analyzed.

Findings/Results:
The results indicated that the amount of carboxymethyl gum affected the physical properties and absorption capacity of the coated gauze. C. odorata extract exhibited better bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus than against Escherichia coli. The blood clotting effects of C. odorata extract indicated that it had dramatic hemostatic efficacy. The coated gauze exhibited bactericidal activity against S. aureus. In the human skin irritation test, the coated gauze caused no adverse effects on human skin.

Conclusion and implication:
Coated gauze has the potential to serve as a prototype for primary hemostasis in first aid for opened wounds such as abrasions and lacerations.
Evaluation of the effect of hydroalcoholic and flavonoid-enriched extracts of Dracocephalum kotschyi on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats
Authors: Minaiyan Mohsen , Sadraei Hassan , Yousefi Iman , Sajjadi Sayed-Ebrahim , Talebi Ardeshir 
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose:

Dracocephalum kotschyi (Zaringiah) is a fragrant wild medicinal plant found in Iran. Traditionally, it is used for the treatment of rheumatism, asthma, and gastrointestinal ailments. So far no investigation has been done on the beneficial or side effects of D. kotschyi on peptic ulcer. Therefore, this research was performed to find out whether D. kotschyi extract would induce peptic ulcer or could alleviate existing peptic ulcer.

Experimental approach:
Effect of hydroalcoholic (DKHE) and flavonoid extracts (DKFE) of D. kotschyi were determined in normal or indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer rats (n = 6) and compared with the vehicle and ranitidine treated controls. All the treatments were carried out orally and 24 h later the stomach mucus was visually examined for peptic ulcers. A section of the stomach was taken for microscopic histopathological examinations while another section of the stomach was used for measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities.

Findings/Results:
Oral administration of the DKHE and DKFE alone, did not cause any sign of gastric ulcer induction. The D. kotschyi extracts not only didn’t aggravate the induced ulcer but also significantly prevented the severity of gastric ulcer induction by indomethacin. In addition, DKHE and DKFE inhibited MPO (up to 58.2%) and MDA (up to 44.2%) activities indicating their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential action on the stomach-induced ulcer.

Conclusion and implication:
Usage of D. kotschyi extracts is not associated with gastric ulcer induction and its co-administration with NSAIDs would be beneficial for controlling both the inflammation and preventing gastric ulcer in diseases such as rheumatism.
Rapamycin attenuates gene expression of programmed cell death protein-ligand 1 and Foxp3 in the brain; a novel mechanism proposed for immunotherapy in the brain
Authors: Khedri Mostafa , Kooshki Hamid , Taheri Ramezan Ali 
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose:
Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD1) expresses on the cell surface of the activated lymphocytes and at least a subset of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. The binding of PD1 to its ligands including PD-L1 and PD-L2 leads to deliver an inhibitory signal to the activated cells. Although PD1/PD-L signal deficiency can lead to failure in the self-tolerance and development of autoimmunity disorders, PD1 blockade with monoclonal antibodies is considered an effective strategy in cancer immunotherapy. Determining effective environmental factors such as stress conditions on the expression of PD1 and PD-L1 genes can provide an immunotherapeutic strategy to control PD1 signaling in the patients Mammalian target of rapamycin signaling is a stress-responsive pathway in the cells that can be blocked by rapamycin. In this study, the effects of rapamycin on the expression of immunoregulatory genes were investigated in the stress condition.

Experimental approach:
Daily administration of rapamycin (1.5 mg/kg per day) was used in the mouse model of restraint stress and the relative expression of PD1, PD-L1, and Foxp3 genes in the brain and spleen were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method.

Findings/Results:
With our observation, daily restraint stress ceased rapamycin to decrease the expression of Foxp3 in the brain significantly. These findings would be beneficial in developing tolerance to autoimmune diseases and finding immunopathology of stress in the CNS. In another observation, daily administration of rapamycin decreased the expression of PD-L1 in the brain cells of mice. In the spleen samples, significant alteration in genes of interest expression was not detected for all groups of the study.

Conclusion and implications:
Downregulation of the PD-L1 gene in the brain induced by rapamycin can be followed in future experiences for preventing immunosuppressive effects of PD/PD-L1 signal in the brain.
Suppression of hypoxia and inflammatory pathways by Phyllanthus niruri extract inhibits angiogenesis in DMBA-induced breast cancer mice
Authors: Ramadhani Abu Hanifah , Ahkam Ahmad Hafidul , Suharto Aditya Ragil , Jatmiko Yoga Dwi , Tsuboi Hideo , Rifa’i Muhaimin 
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose:
Angiogenesis has been one of the hallmarks of cancer. In recent years, Phyllanthus niruri extract (PNE) was reported to inhibit angiogenesis by decreasing the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in breast cancer. However, the experimental results were confirmed in cancer cell lines only, whereas the anti-angiogenic activity in animal models has not been demonstrated. In this study, we tried to examine the anti-angiogenic activity of PNE on BALB/c strain mice models that were induced for breast cancer using the carcinogenic substance 7,12- dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA).

Experimental approach:
Experimental animals were divided into five different groups; vehicle, DMBA, PNE 500 mg/kg, PNE 1000 mg/kg; and PNE 2000 mg/kg. Mammary carcinogenesis was induced using a subcutaneous injection of 15 mg/kg of DMBA for 12 weeks. Afterward, oral PNE treatment was given for the following 5 weeks. VEGFA and HIF-1α were observed using immunohistochemistry. Endothelial cell markers CD31, CD146, and CD34 were observed using the fluorescent immunohistochemistry method. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17, and C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL12) were measured using flow cytometry.

Findings/Results:
The survival analysis indicated that PNE increased the survival rate of mice (P = 0.043, log-rank test) at all doses. The PNE treatment decreased the immunoreactive score of angiogenic factors (VEGF and HIF-1α), as well as the endothelial cell markers (CD31, CD146, and CD34). The PNE- treated groups also decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, and CXCL12) at all doses.

Conclusion and implications:
This finding suggests that PNE may inhibit the progression of angiogenesis in breast cancer mice by targeting the hypoxia and inflammatory pathways.
Possible Protective Role of NLRC4 Inflammasome in Periodontal Diseases
Authors: Parameswaran Sneha , Naik Vanaja Krishna , Aral Kubra , Gunasekaran Sugirtharaj , Appukuttan Devapriya , Milward Michael R , Ramadoss Ramya 
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes, which regulate proinflammatory cytokines, Interleukin-18 (IL-18), and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) that are associated with periodontal breakdown. This study investigated the expression of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) and NOD-like receptor family CARD domain-containing protein 4 (NLRC4) inflammasomes in different periodontal diseases in humans and their potential association with IL-18 release in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Materials and Methods:
A total of 45 participants (21 males and 24 females) divided into four groups; periodontally healthy (H), gingivitis (G), chronic periodontitis (CP), and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) based on periodontal examination. NLRC4 and NLRP3 expression were detected by immunohistochemistry in gingival tissue samples for all groups. Expression percentage (%) and staining intensity distribution score (SID) were calculated for both NLRC4 and NLRP3. IL-18 was measured in GCF via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:
Positive immunoreactivity was seen for NLRC4 and NLRP3 across groups. No differences were found for NLRC4 expression %, but SID scores were slightly higher in G and AgP compared to other groups (P > 0.05). Results showed a significant increase of NRLP3 expression % in group CP compared to group H (P < 0.05) without affecting SID scores (P > 0.05). IL-18 levels were significantly higher in AgP and CP groups compared to H and G groups (P < 0.05). IL-18 significantly and positively correlated with clinical attachment levels across groups.

Conclusion:
Within the limitations of this preliminary study, we suggest that the NLRC4 platform may have a protective role contrary to the NLRP3 platform influencing IL-18 release and associated periodontal tissue breakdown.
Clinical Comparison of Fissure Sealants Retention Following Preparation with Seventh Generation Bonding Agent with Prior Etching and Conventional Acid Etch and Bond System (fifth Generation)
Authors: Erfanparast Leila , Vatandoust Masoumeh , Sohrabi Azin , Mahmoudi Leila 
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
Fissure sealant therapy is a preventive method relied on covering pits and fissures to prohibit bacteria from settling on tooth and producing acid, which cause tooth demineralization. The benefits of caries prevention could only be achieved when the sealants remain intact for a long time, thus long-lasting retention is mandatory. Despite recently achieved improvement in sealant quality, their retention in long course remains a challenging issue in dentistry. The purpose of our study was to compare the clinical efficacy of sealants after using seventh generation adhesive and additional etchant material with fifth generation bonding agent.

Materials and Methods:
In this randomized clinical trial, 40 patients in the age group of 7 to 12 years were randomly selected. All participants had a pair of sound first permanent molar in the mandible, which need fissure sealant therapy. For each patient, one tooth was treated with seventh generation bonding and separate etching material, and the counterpart tooth had undergone the fifth generation bonding system. A pediatric dentist did exert 6 and 12-mounth follow ups.

Results:
In 38 of 40 patients, who completed 6-month follow-up, the success rate of seventh generation adhesive was 84.2% and in the fifth generation group it was 76.3%. At 12-month follow-up, 36 patients were referred and success rate of fifth generation bonding was 52% and it was 36% in seventh generation adhesive. According to fisher test, the difference between two groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:
This study depicted that fissure sealant retention was equal after 6 and 12 months in both methods.
Physical and Chemical Characterizations of Novel Bioactive Caries Detecting Solution
Authors: Govind Shashirekha , Kamilla Sushant Kumar , Nanda Binita , Jena Amit , Mohanty Neeta 
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
The nature and progression of acute and chronic carious lesion are extremely variable on different tooth surfaces. Early detection of dental caries is challenging for clinicians and involves careful visual and tactile examination. Caries detection dyes and chemomechanical caries removal solutions guide the clinicians in the removal of infected dentin. This study aims to prepare and analyze the physical, chemical, and thermal characterizations of novel bioactive caries detecting dye solution (BCD) and its effectiveness in caries removal from the tooth structure.

Materials and Methods:
BCD is a combination of contrast agent (iobitridol), chitosan (CS), nanohydroxyapatite (nHAP), and coloring agent. It is synthesized, lyophilized, and subjected to Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis. Pilot study was conducted by applying BCD on two extracted carious teeth for evaluating caries removal efficiency under a microscope (10x). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image analysis was done to assess the percentage of dentinal tubules occlusion.

Results:
FTIR, XRD, and DSC analysis revealed that BCD has compatible interfacial bond between the components and is endothermic. Effective caries removal was seen under a microscope and SEM analysis revealed mean 77.66% of dentinal tubules occlusion.

Conclusion:
BCD is a stable solution without exothermic reaction, has caries identifying potential, and helps in caries removal. BCD is also bioactive in nature due to the presence of CS and nHAP as ingredients.
Porphyromonas gingivalis in Periodontitis
Authors: Utomo Haryono , Wijaksana I Komang Evan , Prahasanti Chiquita 
Published: March 2021

Introduction:
Theories or hypotheses regarding the connection between COVID-19 and periodontal disease are increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has been reported to have adverse outcomes related to the establishment of a cytokine storm, which is similar to the cytokine expression profile and cells involved in periodontitis. Nevertheless, the exact etiology why cytokine storm is vulnerable in COVID-19 as well as periodontitis still not clearly understood.

The hypothesis:
Recently, the phenomenon of angry macrophages can be explained by M1/M2 macrophage polarization. Periodontitis patients that harbored Porphyromonas gingivalis have a greater M1/M2 ratio than healthy patients, thus have more active M1 macrophages that produce pro-inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesize that periodontal disease could be a burden in defense mechanism toward infectious diseases, particularly the COVID-19.

Evaluation of the Hypothesis:
Endotoxin tolerance caused by P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharides shifts immune response from T helper (Th)-1 toward Th2, which leads to a less effective antivirus system. This mechanism may explain the connection between COVID-19 and periodontal disease through their cytokine profiles, microbial balance, and M1/M2 homeostasis. Recommendation for maintenance of oral hygiene and periodontal treatment is mandatory in the COVID era.
Efficacy of EUS-guided needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy in the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Saghir Syed Mohsin , Dhindsa Banreet Singh , Daid Sarav Gunjit Singh , Mashiana Harmeet S. , Dhaliwal Amaninder , Cross Chad , Singh Shailender , Bhat Ishfaq , Ohning Gordon V. , Adler Douglas G. 
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives:
Needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE) is a procedure in which an AQ-Flex nCLE mini-probe is passed through an EUS-FNA needle into a pancreatic lesion to enable subsurface in vivo tissue analysis. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of nCLE for the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive search of several databases and conference proceedings, including PubMed, EMBASE, Google-Scholar, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases (earliest inception to March 2020). The primary outcomes assessed the pooled rate of diagnostic accuracy for nCLE and the secondary outcomes assessed the pooled rate of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and adverse events (AE) of nCLE to diagnose premalignant/malignant pancreatic lesions.

Results:
Eleven studies on 443 patients were included in our analysis. The pooled rate of diagnostic accuracy of EUS nCLE was 83% (95 confidence interval [CI] = 79–87; I
2 = 0). The pooled rate of sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of EUS nCLE was 85.29% (95% CI = 76.9–93.68; I
2 = 85%), 90.49% (95% CI = 82.24–98.74; I
2 = 64%), 94.15% (95% CI = 88.55–99.76; I
2 = 68%), and 73.44% (95% CI = 60.16–86.72; I
2 = 93%), respectively. The total AE rate was 5.41% (±5.92) with postprocedure pancreatitis being the most common AE at 2.28% (±3.73).

Conclusion:
In summary, this study highlights the rate of diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and PPV for distinguishing premalignant/malignant lesions. Pancreatic lesions need to be further defined with more validation studies to characterize CLE diagnosis criteria and to evaluate its use as an adjunct to EUS-FNA.