bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Murmur identification and outcome prediction in phonocardiograms using deep features based on Stockwell transform
Authors: Manshadi Omid Dehghan , mihandoost Sara 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTraditionally, heart murmurs are diagnosed through cardiac auscultation, which requires specialized training and experience. The purpose of this study is to predict patients' clinical outcomes (normal or abnormal) and identify the presence or absence of heart murmurs using phonocardiograms (PCGs) obtained at different auscultation points. A semi-supervised model tailored to PCG classification is introduced in this study, with the goal of improving performance using time–frequency deep features. The study begins by investigating the behavior of PCGs in the time–frequency domain, utilizing the Stockwell transform to convert the PCG signal into two-dimensional time–frequency maps (TFMs). A deep network named AlexNet is then used to derive deep feature sets from these TFMs. In feature reduction, redundancy is eliminated and the number of deep features is reduced to streamline the feature set. The effectiveness of the extracted features is evaluated using three different classifiers using the CinC/Physionet challenge 2022 dataset. For Task I, which focuses on heart murmur detection, the proposed approach achieved an average accuracy of 93%, sensitivity of 91%, and F1-score of 91%. According to Task II of the CinC/Physionet challenge 2022, the approach showed a clinical outcome cost of 5290, exceeding the benchmark set by leading methods in the challenge.
The bidirectional associations between sarcopenia-related traits and cognitive performance
Authors: Lu Chun-feng , Liu Wang-shu , Cang Xiao-min , Sun Xin , Wang Xue-qin , Wang Chun-hua , Xu Feng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhile many studies have sought to explore the degree to which sarcopenia-related traits are associated with cognitive performance, these studies have yielded contradictory results without any clear indication of the causality of such relationships. In efforts to better understand associations between sarcopenia-related traits and cognitive ability, a series of multivariate linear regression assessments were carried out upon datasets derived through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Of these, cognitive performance was assessed by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DDST), the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Immediate Recall Test (CERAD-IR), Delayed Recall Test (CERAD-DR) and Animal Fluency Test (AFT). Causal relationships between the two were further inferred via a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis approach. Sarcopenia-related traits considered in these assessments included walking speed, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), and hand grip strength (HGS). Walking speed, ASM, and HGS were all significantly independently related to cognitive scores following adjustment for covariates. MR assessments also identified that each 1-SD higher walking speed and appendicular lean mass were causally and respectively associated with a 0.34 [standard error (SE) = 0.09; p < 0.001)] standardized score higher and a 0.07 (SE = 0.01; p < 0.001) standardized score higher cognitive score, whereas a higher hand grip strength was positively associated with a better cognitive performance. Reverse MR assessments also yielded similar findings. These data suggest that lower walking speed, muscle strength, and muscle mass were all closely related to lower cognitive performance irrespective of gender, and that there may be a mutually reinforcing relationship among these variables.
Can the Remaining Coronal Tooth Structure Influence the Mechanical Behavior of Nonpost Full Crowns?
Authors: Pinto Alana Barbosa Alves , Andrade Guilherme Schmitt de , Abu Hasna Amjad , Souza Joyce Rodrigues de , Tribst João Paulo Mendes , Borges Alexandre Luiz Souto 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives This study investigated the impact of the remaining coronal tooth structure on the mechanical behavior of nonpost (NP) full crowns on endodontically treated maxillary central incisors.
Materials and Methods Forty bovine incisors with NP and 2-mm of ferrule were divided into four groups based on the remaining structure: complete 2-mm ferrule (NP-2), absence of mesial and distal ferrule effect (NP-BL), absence of buccal and lingual ferrule effect (NP-MD), and no ferrule (NP-0). The specimens underwent a stepwise stress fatigue test until fracture occurred, and stress distribution was analyzed using in silico finite element analysis (FEA). Additionally, groups with endodontic posts (P) were simulated in the FEA.
Results The results showed that the survival rates varied among the different groups under oblique loading. The NP-2 group exhibited the highest survival rate, with all samples enduring loads up to 200 N and some surviving up to 520 N. The NP-MD and NP-BL groups had lower survival rates, while the NP-0 group had the poorest survival rate. The predominant failure mode was a nonrepairable root fracture. FEA results indicated no significant difference between groups with and without posts. NP intraradicular restorations on nonweakened roots with a minimum height of 2mm and partial or total ferrule thickness of 1mm offer a promising treatment option.
Conclusion A complete 2-mm ferrule was found to be the most favorable configuration for NP full crowns. However, maintaining the remaining tissue is crucial, as both combinations with preserved ferrule effect exhibited superior behavior in terms of fatigue and fracture load compared to the group with no ferrule. These findings contribute to understanding the mechanical considerations for NP full crowns and provide insights into treatment planning and design choices in restorative dentistry.
Examination of the Structure and Formation Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Induced by Glucose, Lactose, Soy Protein, and Iron
Authors: Kriswandini Indah Listiana , Budi Hendrik Setia , Justitia Fuadia Mumaiyyiah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective Streptococcus mutans, the main causative agent of caries, have the ability to form biofilms on the surface of teeth. The availability of nutrients such as glucose, lactose, soy protein, and iron can influence S. mutans in biofilm formation. All four sources of nutrients have been shown to increase the formation of S. mutans biofilms. The purpose of this study was to determine the structure and thickness of S. mutans biofilms induced by glucose, lactose, soy protein, and iron.
Materials and Methods This experimental laboratory study aimed to examine the formation of biofilm structures (chemical elements) and determine the thickness of S. mutans biofilms induced by glucose, lactose, soy protein, and iron. The structures (chemical elements) were examined using scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to determine the thickness of S. mutans biofilms with an Olympus FV1000 microscope, and the findings were analyzed using Olympus Fluoview Ver. 4.2a software.
Results It was established that the results of SEM-EDX examination of the structure of S. mutans biofilms induced by glucose had oxygen (O) as the dominant chemical element (30.24 w%); lactose reported oxygen (O) as the dominant element (29.65 w%); soy protein had carbon (C) as the dominant element (34.31 w%); and iron showed oxygen (O) as the dominant element (32.51 w%). The thickness (measured by the CLSM examination) of biofilms induced by glucose, lactose, soy protein, and iron were 17,666, 12,666, 18,000, and 15,666 nm, respectively.
Conclusion The structure of S. mutans biofilms induced by glucose, lactose, and iron contain the following elements in amounts from the highest to lowest: O, C, N, P, and S; the biofilm produced by S. mutans induced by soy protein in amounts from the highest to lowest comprised the elements: C, O, N, S, and P. The S. mutans biofilms induced by soy protein had the maximum thickness, followed by those induced by glucose, iron, and lactose.
Caries Etiology and Preventive Measures
Authors: Meyer Frederic , Schulze zur Wiesche Erik , Amaechi Bennett T. , Limeback Hardy , Enax Joachim 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCaries is a widespread disease in both children and adults. Caries is caused by the conversion of fermentable carbohydrates by plaque bacteria into acids on the tooth surface. Thus, it is important to focus on sugar reduction and plaque control. For efficient plaque removal/control, state-of-the-art toothpastes contain various active ingredients such as antimicrobial agents (e.g., chlorhexidine, stannous salts, and zinc salts), abrasives (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium phosphates, and hydrated silica), surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate), and natural compounds (e.g., polyphenols and xylitol). Agents with pH-buffering and calcium-releasing properties (e.g., calcium carbonate and calcium phosphates) and biomimetic actives (e.g., hydroxyapatite) reverse the effects of the acids. Additionally, modern toothbrushes (i.e., electric toothbrushes) as well as dental floss and interdental brushes significantly help remove plaque from dental surfaces including interproximal surfaces. In conclusion, modern concepts in caries prevention should focus not only on tooth remineralization alone but also on the control of all the key factors involved in caries development.
Limosilactobacillus reuteri as an Adjuvant in the Treatment of Peri-implant Mucositis in Total Rehabilitation: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Parreira Gonçalo J.G. , de Araújo Nobre Miguel A. , Moreira André G.C.R. , Luís Henrique P.S. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives Mechanical debridement is the traditional method for the treatment of peri-implant mucositis (P-im) and its success depends on the patient's correct oral hygiene. It is believed that probiotics may help by their ability to modulate the oral biofilm, resulting in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial plaque action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adjuvant effect of the probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri (LR) in the mechanical treatment of P-im.
Materials and Methods This exploratory study included 29 subjects with implant-supported total rehabilitation and P-im, divided into test (TG) and control (CG) groups, equally subjected to professional mechanical debridement, with the administration of a daily GUM PerioBalance lozenge for 30 days added to the TG. The modified Plaque Index (mPlI) modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mBI) and pocket depth (PD) were evaluated before the intervention (baseline) and 6 and 10 weeks later.
Statistical Analysis Parametric and nonparametric tests with 5% significance level were used in the statistical analysis, using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0 software.
Results Both treatments resulted in reduced mPlI, mBI, and PD at 6 weeks; while from 6 to 10 weeks there was an increase in mPlI and mBI and maintenance of PD. Compared with baseline, differences were close to statistical significance in the reduction in PD at 10 weeks in the CG (p = 0.018), after Bonferroni correction, and statistically significant in the mPlI at 6 weeks in the CG (p = 0.004) and in the TG (p = 0.002) as well as at 10 weeks in the TG (p = 0.016). Comparing the groups in the postintervention assessments, no statistically significant differences were found.
Conclusion LR adjuvant mechanical treatment of P-im does not show a clear benefit compared with mechanical treatment alone, with both interventions achieving similar clinical results. Further prospective and long-term studies are needed.
Effect of Two Different Intraoral Polishing Systems on Surface Roughness, Color Stability, and Bacterial Accumulation of Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Ceramic
Authors: Makkeyah Fatma , Moustafa Dina Mohamed , Bakr Mahmoud M. , Al Ankily Mahmoud 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two intraoral polishing methods on zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic after ultrasonic scaling.
Materials and Methods Thirty disc-shaped samples of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate were constructed. Freshly extracted bovine teeth were collected and cleaned then the discs were cemented into a cavity prepared onto their labial surface. The samples were divided into three groups (10 samples per group); S: Scaling only, SE: Scaling followed by polishing using Eve Diapro lithium disilicate polishers, SD: Scaling followed by polishing using Diatech ShapeGuard ceramic polishing plus kit. The surface roughness was evaluated after scaling and polishing the samples. For color stability, the samples were stored for 12 days at 37°C in an incubator to simulate 1-year consumption of coffee. L*a*b* color parameters were assessed using VITA Easyshade Advance 4.0 before and after the staining procedure and the color difference was measured. Finally, bacterial accumulation was evaluated by incubating the samples with a suspension of Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans), after that the S. mutans colonies were counted to obtain the values of colony-forming units (CFU). The final overall roughness, change in color and bacterial count were compared between all groups using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc analysis. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between continuous variables. The cutoff for significance was chosen at p ≤ 0.05.
Results Scaling induced surface roughness of the zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic was significantly decreased after using both intraoral polishing systems and this was accompanied by a significant decrease in color change and bacterial count.
Conclusion Intraoral polishing techniques can reduce the roughness of the surface of zirconia reinforced lithium silicate restorations induced due to scaling and subsequently reduce the stainability and bacterial accumulation.
Efficacy of Biofilm Removal on the Dental Implant Surface by Sodium Bicarbonate and Erythritol Powder Airflow System
Authors: Pujarern Patr , Klaophimai Arthit , Amornsettachai Parinya , Panyayong Woraphong , Chuenjitkuntaworn Boontharika , Rokaya Dinesh , Suphangul Suphachai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective Peri-implantitis is a common complication in implant therapy and it is one of the main contributing factors to implant failure. This can be prevented by regular maintenance with mechanical debridement. One of the recent mechanical debridement methods is air abrasion therapy using different abrasive powders. This study aimed to evaluate the two common abrasive powders of different sizes (sodium bicarbonate and erythritol) for their biofilm cleaning efficacy on dental implant surfaces.
Materials and Methods In an in vitro setting, a total of 33 implants were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n =11) = no treatment; group 2 (n = 11) = air abrasion therapy treated group using a sodium bicarbonate powder (AIRFLOW Powder Classic Comfort, EMS Electro Medical Systems, Nyon, Switzerland); and group 3 (n = 11) = air abrasion therapy treated group using an erythritol powder (AIRFLOW Powder Plus, EMS Electro Medical Systems, Nyon, Switzerland). The implants in each group were subjected to biofilm formation, and group 2 and group 3 were treated with air abrasion therapy of two different powders having different sizes with the same settings. The particle sizes were sodium bicarbonate (40 µm) and erythritol (14µm). The surface characteristics of the dental implants in three groups were studied from a digital camera and under the scanning electron microscope at different magnifications. The comparison of biofilm-removal efficacy between the three groups was performed by using a one-way analysis of variance with post-hoc Dunnett's T3 test. A p-value less than 0.05 was chosen to indicate statistical significance.
Results There were no statistical differences (p > 0.05) between the two powder-treated groups for the biofilm cleaning efficacy. However, both groups showed significantly better biofilm-cleaning efficacy than the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion This suggests that both powders are effective in removing biofilm from the implant surface under ideal conditions. However, there was no clear distinction between the cleaning potential of the two powders, as both performed in a similar manner.
Experiencing Exclusion among Iranian-Canadian Muslim Women
Authors: Mahmoudi Mohadeseh 
Published: March 2024

Summary
This case study includes three narratives of Iranian-Canadian Muslim women who describe their experience of visiting natural spaces in Canada. They wear Islamic hijabs and follow Islamic rules, which may cause them to experience natural spaces differently compared to other Canadians. These narratives resulted from a series of interviews I conducted in which I aimed to understand how Iranian Canadians used Canada’s natural environment and the opportunities or challenges they face. Their stories revealed their joy in nature-based leisure and recreation while also unfolding their feelings of social exclusion in some natural settings where dogs were off-leash. In dogs’ off-leash areas, participants encountered serious constraints and exclusion or felt in need of protection from spouses.

Information
© CAB International 2024
Using nanopore sequencing to identify bacterial infection in joint replacements: a preliminary study
Authors: Wilkinson Hollie , McDonald Jamie , McCarthy Helen S , Perry Jade , Wright Karina , Hulme Charlotte , Cool Paul 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This project investigates if third-generation genomic sequencing can be used to identify the species of bacteria causing prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) at the time of revision surgery. Samples of prosthetic fluid were taken during revision surgery from patients with known PJIs. Samples from revision surgeries from non-infected patients acted as negative controls. Genomic sequencing was performed using the MinION device and the rapid sequencing kit from Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Bioinformatic analysis pipelines to identify bacteria included Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, Kraken2 and MinION Detection Software, and the results were compared with standard of care microbiological cultures. Furthermore, there was an attempt to predict antibiotic resistance using computational tools including ResFinder, AMRFinderPlus and Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database. Bacteria identified using microbiological cultures were successfully identified using bioinformatic analysis pipelines. Nanopore sequencing and genomic classification could be completed in the time it takes to perform joint revision surgery (2–3 h). Genomic sequencing in this study was not able to predict antibiotic resistance in this time frame, this is thought to be due to a short-read length and low read depth. It can be concluded that genomic sequencing can be useful to identify bacterial species in infected joint replacements. However, further work is required to investigate if it can be used to predict antibiotic resistance within clinically relevant timeframes.
Advances in phage–host interaction prediction: in silico method enhances the development of phage therapies
Authors: Nie Wanchun , Qiu Tianyi , Wei Yiwen , Ding Hao , Guo Zhixiang , Qiu Jingxuan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Phages can specifically recognize and kill bacteria, which lead to important application value of bacteriophage in bacterial identification and typing, livestock aquaculture and treatment of human bacterial infection. Considering the variety of human-infected bacteria and the continuous discovery of numerous pathogenic bacteria, screening suitable therapeutic phages that are capable of infecting pathogens from massive phage databases has been a principal step in phage therapy design. Experimental methods to identify phage–host interaction (PHI) are time-consuming and expensive; high-throughput computational method to predict PHI is therefore a potential substitute. Here, we systemically review bioinformatic methods for predicting PHI, introduce reference databases and in silico models applied in these methods and highlight the strengths and challenges of current tools. Finally, we discuss the application scope and future research direction of computational prediction methods, which contribute to the performance improvement of prediction models and the development of personalized phage therapy.
D3EGFR: a webserver for deep learning-guided drug sensitivity prediction and drug response information retrieval for EGFR mutation-driven lung cancer
Authors: Shi Yulong , Li Chongwu , Zhang Xinben , Peng Cheng , Sun Peng , Zhang Qian , Wu Leilei , Ding Ying , Xie Dong , Xu Zhijian , Zhu Weiliang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
As key oncogenic drivers in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), various mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with variable drug sensitivities have been a major obstacle for precision medicine. To achieve clinical-level drug recommendations, a platform for clinical patient case retrieval and reliable drug sensitivity prediction is highly expected. Therefore, we built a database, D3EGFRdb, with the clinicopathologic characteristics and drug responses of 1339 patients with EGFR mutations via literature mining. On the basis of D3EGFRdb, we developed a deep learning-based prediction model, D3EGFRAI, for drug sensitivity prediction of new EGFR mutation-driven NSCLC. Model validations of D3EGFRAI showed a prediction accuracy of 0.81 and 0.85 for patients from D3EGFRdb and our hospitals, respectively. Furthermore, mutation scanning of the crucial residues inside drug-binding pockets, which may occur in the future, was performed to explore their drug sensitivity changes. D3EGFR is the first platform to achieve clinical-level drug response prediction of all approved small molecule drugs for EGFR mutation-driven lung cancer and is freely accessible at https://www.d3pharma.com/D3EGFR/index.php.
PANoptosis, an indicator of COVID-19 severity and outcomes
Authors: Yang Qingyuan , Song Wanmei , Reheman Hanizaier , Wang Dan , Qu Jieming , Li Yanan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been wreaking havoc for 3 years. PANoptosis, a distinct and physiologically relevant inflammatory programmed cell death, perpetuates cytokine storm and multi-organ injuries in COVID-19. Although PANoptosis performs indispensable roles in host defense, further investigation is needed to elucidate the exact processes through which PANoptosis modulates immunological responses and prognosis in COVID-19. This study conducted a bioinformatics analysis of online single-cell RNA sequence (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq datasets to explore the potential of PANoptosis as an indicator of COVID-19 severity. The degree of PANoptosis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) indicated the severity of COVID-19. Single-cell transcriptomics identified pro-inflammatory monocytes as one of the primary sites of PANoptosis in COVID-19. The study subsequently demonstrated the immune and metabolic characteristics of this group of pro-inflammatory monocytes. In addition, the analysis illustrated that dexamethasone was likely to alleviate inflammation in COVID-19 by mitigating PANoptosis. Finally, the study showed that the PANoptosis-related genes could predict the intensive care unit admission (ICU) and outcomes of COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized.