bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the introduction of a dental virtual simulator on the performance of undergraduate dental students in the pre‐clinical operative dentistry course
Authors: Murbay Sukhdeep , Chang Jeffrey Wen Wei , Yeung Shadow , Neelakantan Prasanna 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionVirtual reality‐based platforms are becoming increasingly popular in education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of undergraduate dental students with the introduction of the Moog Simodont dental trainer (VR) within the pre‐clinical curriculum in the direct restoration module of the operative dentistry course using manual and digital methods.MethodsThirty‐two randomly selected year 2 undergraduate students were divided into two groups: group 1, exposed to the Moog Simodont dental trainer (VR) and group 2, no exposure to VR. All students were then evaluated in carrying out a Class I preparation in a single‐blinded fashion. All preparations were evaluated by three assessors using a traditional manual approach and a digital software. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using chi‐square test (alpha = 0.05).ResultsThe number of students who performed satisfactory preparations was more in group 1 (12/16), compared to group 2 (7/16). The percentage of satisfactory domains was significantly higher in group 1, compared to group 2, both in the manual evaluation (83.9% (94/112) and 59.8% (67/112) in groups 1 and 2, respectively) and in the digital evaluation (85.7% (96/112) and 55.4% (62/112) in groups 1 and 2, respectively) (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the manual and digital methods of evaluation with regard to the percentage of satisfactory or unsatisfactory preparations (P > .05).ConclusionsThe use of the Moog Simodont dental trainer (VR) significantly improved the satisfactory performance of students. The virtual reality simulator may be a valuable adjunct in the undergraduate direct restorations course and for remedial student.
A new risk model to predict time to first treatment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia based on heavy chain immunoparesis and summated free light chain
Authors: Tadmor Tamar , Braester Andrei , Najib Dally , Aviv Ariel , Herishanu Yair , Yuklea Mona , Shvidel Lev , Rahimi‐Levene Naomi , Ruchlemer Rosa , Arad Ariela , Fogl Claudia , Henig Clara , Barak Mira , Magal Lee , Polliack Aaron , Townsend Kelly ,   the Israeli CLL study group
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is frequently accompanied by immune dysregulation.AimsIn this multicenter prospective study, we investigated whether heavy + light chains (HLC: IgGκ, IgGλ, IgAκ, IgAκ, IgMκ, IgMλ) and IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) could be used as novel prognostic markers of immunoparesis in 105 treatment‐naïve patients with CLL.ResultsHeavy + light chains immunoparesis of ≥1, ≥2, and ≥3 isotypes was evident in 74 (70%), 58 (55%), and 36 (34%) patients, respectively. Severe HLC immunoparesis was identified in 40 (38%) patients. Of the IgG subclasses, IgG1 and IgG2 were most frequently suppressed, affecting 46 (44%) and 36 (34%) patients, respectively; 63 (60%) patients had low levels of at least one IgG subclass. In multivariate analysis, severe HLC immunoparesis (hazard ratio [HR]: 36.5; P = .010) and ΣFLC ≥ 70 mg/L (HR: 13.2; P = .004) were the only factors independently associated with time to first treatment (TTFT). A risk model including these variables identified patients with 0, 1, and 2 risk factors and significantly different TTFT (P < .001). Patients with two factors represented an ultra‐high‐risk group with a median TTFT of only 1.3 months.ConclusionThe above findings demonstrate the potential for the use of HLC immunoparesis, together with sFLC measurements, as future prognostic biomarkers in CLL.
Weak correlations between body height and several brain metrics in healthy elderly subjects
Authors: Jäncke Lutz , Liem Franz , Merillat Susan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe question whether body height is related to different brain size measures has recently gained renewed interest as some studies have reported that body height correlates with intelligence and several brain size measures. In this study, we re‐evaluated this question by examining the relationship between body height and different brain size measures including intracranial volume, total brain volume, total cortical surface area, total cortical volume, volume of normal‐appearing white matter, white matter hyperintensity, cortical surface area, cortical thickness, subcortical grey matter volume, cerebellar cortex and cerebellar white matter in a relatively large sample (n = 216) of physically and cognitively healthy elderly subjects (mean age 71 years, age range 65–85 years). We identified small correlations (r = .11–.19) between body height and seven out of 10 brain metrics (total brain volume, cortical surface area, cortical volume, subcortical volume, normal‐appearing white matter volume and cerebellar grey as well as white matter volumes) when controlling for sex and age. Based on these small relationships between body height and various brain size measures, we discuss the possible reasons and theoretical problems for these small relationships.
Stria terminalis microstructure in humans predicts variability in orienting towards threat
Authors: Koller Kristin , Hatton Christopher M. , Rogers Robert D. , Rafal Robert D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCurrent concepts of the extended amygdala posit that basolateral to central amygdala projections mediate fear‐conditioned autonomic alerting, whereas projections to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis mediate sustained anxiety. Using diffusion tensor imaging tractography in humans, we show that microstructure of the stria terminalis correlates with an orienting bias towards threat in a saccade decision task, providing the first evidence that this circuit supports decisions guiding evaluation of threatening stimuli.
The estrous cycle modulates rat caudate–putamen medium spiny neuron physiology
Authors: Willett Jaime A. , Cao Jinyan , Johnson Ashlyn , Patel Opal H. , Dorris David M. , Meitzen John 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe neuroendocrine environment in which the brain operates is both dynamic and differs by sex. How differences in neuroendocrine state affect neuron properties has been significantly neglected in neuroscience research. Behavioral data across humans and rodents indicate that natural cyclical changes in steroid sex hormone production affect sensorimotor and cognitive behaviors in both normal and pathological contexts. These behaviors are critically mediated by the caudate–putamen. In the caudate–putamen, medium spiny neurons (MSNs) are the predominant and primary output neurons. MSNs express membrane‐associated estrogen receptors and demonstrate estrogen sensitivity. However, how the cyclical hormone changes across the estrous cycle may modulate caudate–putamen MSN electrophysiological properties remains unknown. Here, we performed whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings on male, diestrus female, proestrus female, and estrus female caudate–putamen MSNs. Action potential, passive membrane, and miniature excitatory post‐synaptic current properties were assessed. Numerous MSN electrical properties robustly differed by cycle state, including resting membrane potential, rheobase, action potential threshold, maximum evoked action potential firing rate, and inward rectification. Strikingly, when considered independent of estrous cycle phase, all but one of these properties do not significantly differ from male MSNs. These data indicate that female caudate–putamen MSNs are sensitive to the estrous cycle, and more broadly, the importance of considering neuroendocrine state in studies of neuron physiology.
Comparison of classification methods for tissue outcome after ischaemic stroke
Authors: Tozlu Ceren , Ozenne Brice , Cho Tae‐Hee , Nighoghossian Norbert , Mikkelsen Irene Klærke , Derex Laurent , Hermier Marc , Pedraza Salvador , Fiehler Jens , Østergaard Leif , Berthezène Yves , Baron Jean‐Claude , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn acute ischaemic stroke, identifying brain tissue at high risk of infarction is important for clinical decision‐making. This tissue may be identified with suitable classification methods from magnetic resonance imaging data. The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the performance of five popular classification methods (adaptive boosting, logistic regression, artificial neural networks, random forest and support vector machine) in identifying tissue at high risk of infarction on human voxel‐based brain imaging data. The classification methods were used with eight MRI parameters, including diffusion‐weighted imaging and perfusion‐weighted imaging obtained in 55 patients. The five criteria used to assess the performance of the methods were the area under the receiver operating curve (AUCroc), the area under the precision–recall curve (AUCpr), sensitivity, specificity and the Dice coefficient. The methods performed equally in terms of sensitivity and specificity, while the results of AUCroc and the Dice coefficient were significantly better for adaptive boosting, logistic regression, artificial neural networks and random forest. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the performances of these five classification methods regarding AUCpr, which was the main comparison metric. Machine learning methods can provide valuable prognostic information using multimodal imaging data in acute ischaemic stroke, which in turn can assist in developing personalized treatment decision for clinicians after a thorough validation of methods with an independent data set.
Influence of silica nanocoating on stain susceptibility and superficial integrity of dimethacrylate‐based composites
Authors: Yanikian Cristiane R. F. , Stape Thiago H. S. , Tezvergil‐Mutluay Arzu , Martins Luís R. M. 
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of a novel silica (SiO2)‐based nanocoating approach to extend the superficial integrity of current composites. Cylindrical discs (7 × 2 mm) were produced from nanohybrid and nanofilled composites. Specimens in control groups were not coated, but SiO2 nanocoating was performed on specimens in experimental groups (n = 8). Specimens were stored for 24 h in distilled water at 37°C (baseline) and then artificially aged for 15, 90, or 180 d in a low‐pH staining solution. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer, and a goniometer was used to determine surface free energy (SFE). Color change was evaluated by a reflectance spectrophotometer, applying the color distance metric, ΔE00, according to the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* coordinates. Data were subjected to repeated‐measures anova and the Tukey post‐hoc test. Composites presented visually perceptible color changes (ΔE00 > 0.81) as early as 15 d of aging, with significantly higher ΔE00 values recorded over time. Nanocoating with SiO2 significantly reduced the SFE of composites at all storage times, and significantly lower Ra values were identified after aging. Nanohybrid and nanofilled composites were susceptible to substantial hydrolytic superficial degradation and staining, which was dramatically attenuated by the proposed SiO2 nanocoating approach. Nanocoating effectively lowered the SFE of composites, thus minimizing water–composite interactions, which contributed to reduced superficial deterioration and lower stain susceptibility over time.
A multiscale approach to detect selection in nonmodel tree species: Widespread adaptation despite population decline in Taxus baccata L
Authors: Mayol Maria , Riba Miquel , Cavers Stephen , Grivet Delphine , Vincenot Lucie , Cattonaro Federica , Vendramin Giovanni G. , González‐Martínez Santiago C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDetecting the molecular basis of local adaptation and identifying selective drivers is still challenging in nonmodel species. The use of purely population genetic approaches is limited by some characteristics of genetic systems, such as pleiotropy and polygenic control, and parallel evidence from phenotypic‐based experimental comparisons is required. In long‐lived organisms, the detection of selective pressures might also be precluded by evolutionary lag times in response to the environment. Here, we used the English yew to showcase an example of a multiscale integrative approach in a nonmodel species with limited plant and genomic resources. We combined information from two independent sources, phenotypes in a common environment and genomic data in natural populations, to investigate the signature of selection. Growth differences among populations in a common environment, and phenological patterns of both shoot elongation and male strobili maturation, were associated with climate clines, providing evidence for local adaptation and guiding us in the selection of populations for genomic analyses. We used information on over 25,000 SNPs from c. 1,200 genes to infer the demographic history and to test for molecular signatures of selection at different levels: SNP, gene, and biological pathway. Our results confirmed an overall demographic history of population decline, but we also found evidence for putative local adaptation at the molecular level. We identified or confirmed several candidate genes for positive and negative selection in forest trees, including the pseudo‐response regulator 7 (PRR7), an essential component of the circadian clock in plants. In addition, we successfully tested an approach to detect polygenic adaptation in biological pathways, allowing us to identify the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway as a candidate stress‐response pathway that deserves further attention in other plants. Finally, our study contributes to the emerging view that explaining contemporary standing genetic variation requires considering adaptation to past climates, especially for long‐lived trees.
Functional and morphological evolution in gymnosperms: A portrait of implicated gene families
Authors: De La Torre Amanda R. , Piot Anthony , Liu Bobin , Wilhite Benjamin , Weiss Matthew , Porth Ilga 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGymnosperms diverged from their sister plant clade of flowering plants 300 Mya. Morphological and functional divergence between the two major seed plant clades involved significant changes in their reproductive biology, water‐conducting systems, secondary metabolism, stress defense mechanisms, and small RNA‐mediated epigenetic silencing. The relatively recent sequencing of several gymnosperm genomes and the development of new genomic resources have enabled whole‐genome comparisons within gymnosperms, and between angiosperms and gymnosperms. In this paper, we aim to understand how genes and gene families have contributed to the major functional and morphological differences in gymnosperms, and how this information can be used for applied breeding and biotechnology. In addition, we have analyzed the angiosperm versus gymnosperm evolution of the pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) gene family with a wide range of functionalities in plants' interaction with their environment including defense mechanisms. Some of the genes reviewed here are newly studied members of gene families that hold potential for biotechnological applications related to commercial and pharmacological value. Some members of conifer gene families can also be exploited for their potential in phytoremediation applications.
Evidence on the direct correlation between miR‐31 and IL‐22 axis in IMQ‐induced psoriasis
Authors: Abdallah Florence , Pichon Chantal 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPsoriatic skin is characterized by a deregulated profile of miRNAs that are contributing in disease development. In this study, we focus on miR‐31, one of the upregulated miRNAs known to promote keratinocytes proliferation and migration. Moreover, miR‐31 expression induction was dependent on a large panel of cytokines including IL‐22. Here, we aimed at investigating the relationship between miR‐31‐5p and IL‐22 axis; and by searching novel molecular target for miR‐31‐5p in keratinocytes. Our data identify a direct correlation between miR‐31‐5p and IL‐22 in psoriasis with Pwp1 as new potential target. These findings confirm the important role of miR‐31 in psoriasis onset and provide a basis for further investigations in miRNAs field in context of skin diseases.
Next‐generation sequencing of endoscopic ultrasound guided microbiopsies from pancreatic cystic neoplasms
Authors: Vestrup Rift Charlotte , Melchior Linea C , Kovacevic Bojan , Toxværd Anders , Klausen Pia , Karstensen John G , Kalaitzakis Evangelos , Storkholm Jan , Palnæs Hansen Carsten , Vilmann Peter , Preuss Hasselby Jane 
Published: July 2019

AimsInterpretation of cytology samples from pancreatic cysts is challenging. A novel microbiopsy forceps used during endoscopic ultrasound examinations offers new opportunities for histological examination of tissue from pancreatic cysts as well as next‐generation sequencing. The aim of this study was to analyse the results of next‐generation sequencing of microbiopsies from pancreatic cysts.Methods and resultsMicrobiopsies from 27 patients were obtained, 23 of which were subjected to next‐generation sequencing. Sixteen intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms harboured mutations in genes regulating cell cycle and repair, and three were without mutations. Most frequent mutations were found in the KRAS and GNAS genes, and these were often concomitant. Three serous cystic neoplasms were without mutations, while with regard to histology, a non‐diagnostic microbiopsy harboured a KRAS and a TP53 mutation and was deemed malignant after clinical follow‐up. Three patients underwent surgery, and the point mutations detected in the microbiopsies were confirmed in the resected specimens. We identified one resected sample with an additional GNAS mutation which was not identified in the microbiopsy.ConclusionsNext‐generation sequencing of microbiopsies may have the potential to improve diagnostic decision‐making.
Factors influencing the oral health‐related quality of life among children with severe early childhood caries in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Sarah Hiu Fong , Wong Mildred Lok Wun , Wong Hai Ming , McGrath Colman P. J. , Yiu Cynthia Kar Yung 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the oral health‐related quality of life among Hong Kong preschool children with severe early childhood caries.MethodsA total of 315 Hong Kong preschool children diagnosed with severe early childhood caries (S‐ECC) were recruited. Their caries and plaque status were evaluated. Their parents were asked to complete the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECHOIS) and a sociodemographic background questionnaire.ResultsThere was a 98.7% response rate. The mean age was 4.7 ± 0.8 years. The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) score was 10.2 ± 4.5. Almost all the children (98.7%) had decayed teeth. More than half of the children (61.4%) had a visible plaque index (VPI) score of above 90%. About one quarter (28.9%) were experiencing symptoms of pain. The dmft score of the child was significantly associated with the ECOHIS child impact, child function, family impact and family distress domains (P < .001). The presence of pain was significantly associated with increased ECOHIS child and family impact scores (P < .001). In the multiple regression analyses, the dmft score and presence of pain showed a significant association with the ECOHIS scores (P < .001).ConclusionThe OHRQoL of children with S‐ECC was worsened with the presence of pain and severity of the disease. More measures need to be placed to decrease the prevalence of children with S‐ECC.
Dental treatment improves the oral health‐related quality of life of adolescents: A mixed‐methods approach
Authors: Maroneze Marília Cunha , Ardenghi Diego Machado , Brondani Mario , Unfer Beatriz , Ardenghi Thiago Machado 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimTo evaluate and understand the impact of dental treatment on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of adolescents.DesignA sequential explanatory mixed‐methods design was performed. A sample of 182 adolescents, aged 10 and 15 years old who had finished their dental treatment at adolescent dental clinic of Federal University of Santa Maria from 2010 to 2016, were included. Participants answered the short form of Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11‐14) prior to their dental treatment and 1 month after concluding the treatment. The effect size was calculated to assess magnitude of change. In qualitative phase, semi‐structured interviews took place at the end of the dental treatment. Interviews were audio‐recorded and analyzed according to thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke.ResultsThe effect sizes ranged from 0.35 to 1.00, and the oral symptom domain presented the greatest effect. Sixteen interviews were conducted and five themes emerged: concept of quality of life, oral health influenced by oral conditions, oral health symptoms influencing seeking care behavior, personal and subjective experiences, and dental educational environment.ConclusionDental treatment has an uncountable meaning for adolescents because it has a psychosocial meaning in this phase of life and it is able to improve their OHRQoL.
Dissecting biodiversity in a global hotspot: Uneven dynamics of immigration and diversification within the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa
Authors: Wüest Rafael O. , Boucher Florian C. , Bouchenak‐Khelladi Yanis , Karger Dirk N. , Linder H. Peter 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimFragmented distributions should show immigration and diversification dynamics consistent with the predictions of island biogeography theory. We test whether this applies to the fragmented Cape fynbos vegetation.LocationSouthern Africa, Cape Floristic Region (CFR).TaxonAngiosperms, Restionaceae (restios).MethodsWe used a large occurrence dataset and environmental layers to characterize an existing regionalization and the intervals between the regions ecologically and spatially. We extended the available phylogeny for restios and inferred their historical biogeography using models implemented in BioGeoBEARS. We then measured the relative contribution of immigration and in situ speciation to the species richness of each region within the CFR. We used standard statistical methods to test the predictions of the island biogeography theory.ResultsThe area and environmental heterogeneity of the seven regions of the CFR are positively correlated with in situ speciation rate. Furthermore, more isolated areas, and areas colonized more recently, have proportionally higher immigration rates, and more central and older areas proportionally higher in situ speciation rates.Main conclusionsThe variation in immigration and diversification dynamics among the regions within the CFR is extensive and consistent with the archipelago model of island biography theory. This dynamic may contribute significantly to the diversity of the Cape flora. Such a model could be generally useful for understanding the generation and maintenance of diversity in biodiversity hotspots, and may even scale up to explain continental biodiversity.