bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of salivary Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in patients with hypothyroidism and periodontitis: A Case- Control Study
Authors: Ghalib Hussien Ghada , Husham Ali Omar 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The immune system has served as a bridge among periodontitis and the endocrine system, particularly in the case of thyroid disorders. After non-surgical periodontal therapy for hypothyroid patients, serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels fall within the normal limits, which reduces the inflammatory markers linked to both periodontal and hypothyroid diseases. The pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), released by macrophages, plays a significant role in bone loss caused by periodontitis. TNF-α will increase the production of collagenases, prostaglandin E2, chemokines and cytokines, cell adhesion molecules, and factors that are related to bone resorption. The aim of our study is to evaluate the salivary level of TNF-α in hypothyroidism patients with periodontitis in comparison to healthy controls.
Material and subject: Saliva were collected from 90 subjects with age ranged between (22-65) years, 50 of them hypothyroid patients (25 patients with hypothyroidism and healthy periodontium, 25 patients with hypothyroidism and periodontitis) and 25 patients with periodontitis and systemically healthy compare with 15 subject as control (systemically healthy with healthy periodontium). Detection of TNF-α in saliva was done by using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Result: The current results revealed that salivary TNF-α levels are significantly high (p<0.001) in diseases group (periodontitis group (132.8 ng/L), hypothyroid patients groups without periodontitis (128.4 ng/L) and with periodontitis (117.0 ng/L) as compared to control group (73.4 ng/L), while there are no significant difference between diseases group.
Conclusion: Salivary TNF-α level increased significantly in all diseased groups (periodontitis group, hypothyroidism groups with and without periodontitis) in comparison to healthy subject.
Effect of Temperature on Surface Hardness of Different Acrylic Materials utilized for space maintainer
Authors: Abdul Latif Rashid Amal , Kadhim Ghadeer Fatima 
Published: January 2024

Aim of the study: surface hardness is essential to avoid the indentation or scratch of space maintainer. Efforts have been made to improve the flexible and cold-cured acrylic's strength, by raising the processing temperature, unless the temperature has a chemical impact on the acrylic's qualities. The aim of this study was to study the effect of elevated temperature on the surface hardness of flexible and cold cured acrylic utilized as space maintainer appliance.
Methods: Sixty specimens were divided into three groups: flexible acrylic ( Lingchen dental) , cold-cured acrylic (vertex) and (Paladur). Each group was subdivided into two subgroups,10 control and10 experimental . The control group for flexible acrylic was injected at 270 °C ,while for the two types of cold -cure, control groups, the specimens were processed at 37°C . The experimental group for flexible acrylic was injected at 290°C and for the two cold -cure types were processed at 70°C. Hardness was tested by Shore A device for flexible acrylic while for cold -cure specimens, shore D device was used.

Results : results showed no significant increase in the hardness of flexible acrylic the mean value of control group is 66.44±0.47 while for experimental group is 66.50±0.48. For vertex and Paladur cold- cured acrylic the surface hardness was increased significantly with increasing processing temperature. The mean values of vertex and Paladur control groups are around 86.14±0.39 and 88.33±0.39 respectively, while for experimental groups are 88.39±0.40 and 88.70±0.25
Conclusion : elevated processing temperature increased the surface hardness of both types of cold acrylic however; the hardness of flexible acrylic was not affected by temperature elevation.
Scardovia wiggsiae as Recent Player in Caries Process: a Review
Authors: Jasim Al-Adool Raafat , Muwafaq Hamdoon Suhad , Faiz Hamodat Heba 
Published: January 2024

Aims: Oral cavity is attacked by many infectious agents that invade tooth, periodontium and tongue. Dental caries which is the most common oral disease, can caused by the reaction between tooth structure, oral bacteria and fermentable carbohydrates. Most of caries microbial researches considered Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli as majors caries-associated players. The discovery of Scardovia wiggsiae in 2011 had highlighted the possible occurrence of dental decay in absence of both Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in addition to other oral diseases. This review focused on taxonomy, acidogenicity, normal habitat and the important roles of newly S.wiggsiae as the pioneer bacteria for initiation and progression of caries process.
Methods: The database was focused on articles published till 2022 for the topics oral diseases, dental caries, Scardovia wiggsiae and microbiology of dental caries
Conclusions: Scardovia wiggsiae can to be considered as a potential risk indicator for caries prediction in a given population.
Factors Affecting MSMEs in Using QRIS and Electronic Data Capture (EDC) as a Cashless Payment Method: Evidence from Sorong City, Southwest Papua
Authors: Hidayah Nurul , Ridwan Akmal , Prihandoko Nugroho Dwi , Nurhani Nurhani 
Published: January 2024

Rapid progress has been made in the development of cashless payment systems. As can be seen from the positive level of public acceptance of this payment method development standard, moreover this trend has become necessary for rural communities. QRIS and debit card payment via EDC are the non-cash methods that MSMEs players in Sorong city utilize the most frequently. Sorong city is quite developed province of Southwest Papua Indonesia, which is well regarded as a commercial and industrial hub. According to reports as of January 2022, the use of QRIS by merchants in the Sorong city itself has not met the target set by Bank Indonesia. This research aims to examine the variables that affect MSMEs players decision to use QRIS and EDC for cashless transactions. In this quantitative research, the variables predictor used are the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Davis, with are perceived risk as X1, perceived ease of use as X2, and perceived usefulness as X3. Convenience sampling was the sampling technique utilized, with questionnaires distributed to the 60 MSMEs players throughout Sorong city. Multiple linear regression analysis is used to determine the significance relationship between predictor variables and response variable. The findings demonstrate that there is significant relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness on the decision of MSMEs players to use QRIS and EDC for cashless payments in their businesses, while the usage decision not significantly affected by the variable of perceived risk. The research's empirical evidences are expected to increase local business literacy and provide a reference for the government and policymakers who make rules about cashless payment systems.
Network pharmacology combined with Mendelian randomization analysis to identify the key targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhou Dongqi , Zhou Ting , Tang Shiyun , Li Qing , Li Wen , Gan Gaofeng , Li Mingqiao , Chen Qiu 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundDiabetic Nephropathy (DN) is one of the microvascular complications of diabetes. The potential targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors for the treatment of DN need to be explored.MethodsThe GSE96804 and GSE1009 datasets, 729 RAAS inhibitors-related targets and 6,039 DN-related genes were derived from the public database and overlapped with the differentially expressed genes (DN vs. normal) in GSE96804 to obtain the candidate targets. Next, key targets were screened via the Mendelian randomization analysis and expression analysis. The diagnostic nomogram was constructed and assessed in GSE96804. Additionally, enrichment analysis was conducted and a ‘core active ingredient-key target-disease pathway’ network was established. Finally, molecular docking was performed.ResultsIn total, 60 candidate targets were derived, in which CTSC and PDE5A were screened as the key targets and had a causal association with DN as the protective factors (P &lt; 0.05, OR &lt; 1). Further, a nomogram exhibited pretty prediction efficiency. It is indicated that Benadryl hydrochloride might play a role in the DN by affecting the pathways of ‘cytokine cytokine receptor interaction’, etc. targeting the CTSC. Moreover, PDE5A might be involved in ‘ECM receptor interaction’, etc. for the effect of NSAID, captopril, chlordiazepoxide on DN. Molecular docking analysis showed a good binding ability of benadryl hydrochloride and CTSC, NSAID and PDE5A. PTGS2, ITGA4, and ANPEP are causally associated with acute kidney injury.ConclusionCTSC and PDE5A were identified as key targets for RAAS inhibitors in the treatment of DN, which might provide some clinical significance in helping to diagnose and treat DN. Among the targets of RAAS inhibitors, PTGS2, ITGA4 and ANPEP have a causal relationship with acute kidney injury, which is worthy of further clinical research.
A crop for a forest: Opuntia ficus-indica as a tool for the restoration of Mediterranean forests in areas at desertification risk
Authors: Bueno Rafael Silveira , Badalamenti Emilio , Sala Giovanna , La Mantia Tommaso 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe Mediterranean is the European region with the lowest woody cover and the highest level of habitat degradation, being highly susceptible to climate change effects and desertification risk. In such worrying conditions, increasing woody cover and restoring forests is a major goal established in several international commitments. However, recruitment limitation of woody species is rather frequent both within natural regeneration processes and active restoration programs, particularly due to drought, overgrazing, and a lack of post-planting tending operations. Therefore, finding suitable tools to improve the recruitment success of native woody species is of crucial importance.MethodsWe assessed woody natural regeneration under abandoned prickly pear orchards, olive trees, and nearby open areas in three sites under high desertification risk in central Sicily (Italy). Then, we tested for differences in density, richness, diversity, height, and basal diameter of the woody recruiting species between these three habitats.Results and discussionNatural regeneration was widespread under prickly pear, with 94.6% of the sampled plots showing at least one recruit, in comparison to 61.6% of plots under olive and 22.3% in open areas. Natural regeneration density under prickly pears (114 ± 99 individuals m−2) was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) than under olive trees (60.4 ± 76.4) and open areas (4.6 ± 9.3). Recruits’ diversity, basal diameter, and height were also significantly higher under prickly pear, concentrating 94.4% of the individuals higher than 100 cm and all late successional species. Our results indicate a great potential for prickly pears to accelerate the natural regeneration of Mediterranean woody species in areas under desertification. However, a site-specific evaluation must be made taking into account prickly pear’s historical presence, temporary income as a crop, management capacity and, especially, its invasive potential.
High-throughput sequencing and characterization of potentially pathogenic fungi from the vaginal mycobiome of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in estrus and non-estrus
Authors: Ma Xiaoping , Liu Zhen , Yue Chanjuan , Wang Siwen , Li Xinni , Wang Chengdong , Ling Shanshan , Wang Ya , Liu Songrui , Gu Yu 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) reproduction is of worldwide attention, and the vaginal microbiome is one of the most important factors affecting the reproductive rate of giant pandas. The aim of this study is to investigate the diversity of vaginal mycobiota structure, and potential pathogenic fungi in female giant pandas during estrus and non-estrus.MethodsThis study combined with high-throughput sequencing and laboratory testing to compare the diversity of the vaginal mycobiota in giant pandas during estrus and non-estrus, and to investigate the presence of potentially pathogenic fungi. Potentially pathogenic fungi were studied in mice to explore their pathogenicity.Results and discussionThe results revealed that during estrus, the vaginal secretions of giant pandas play a crucial role in fungal colonization. Moreover, the diversity of the vaginal mycobiota is reduced and specificity is enhanced. The abundance of Trichosporon and Cutaneotrichosporon in the vaginal mycobiota of giant pandas during estrus was significantly higher than that during non-estrus periods. Apiotrichum and Cutaneotrichosporon were considered the most important genera, and they primarily originate from the environment owing to marking behavior exhibited during the estrous period of giant pandas. Trichosporon is considered a resident mycobiota of the vagina and is an important pathogen that causes infection when immune system is suppressed. Potentially pathogenic fungi were further isolated and identified from the vaginal secretions of giant pandas during estrus, and seven strains of Apiotrichum (A. brassicae), one strain of Cutaneotrichosporon (C. moniliiforme), and nine strains of Trichosporon (two strains of T. asteroides, one strain of T. inkin, one strain of T. insectorum, and five strains of T. japonicum) were identified. Pathogenicity results showed that T. asteroides was the most pathogenic strain, as it is associated with extensive connective tissue replacement and inflammatory cell infiltration in both liver and kidney tissues. The results of this study improve our understanding of the diversity of the vaginal fungi present in giant pandas and will significantly contribute to improving the reproductive health of giant pandas in the future.
Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive training on cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Gaotian , Xue Bing , Guan Yafei , Luo Xianwu 
Published: January 2024

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) paired with cognitive training on cognitive function in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients.MethodsPubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WanFang Database were searched. The risk of bias was appraised through the Cochrane collaboration tool. A meta-analysis was conducted, including an assessment of heterogeneity.ResultsTen studies comprising 408 participants were included. The addition of rTMS significantly improved overall cognition in patients compared with cognitive intervention alone (p &lt; 0.05 for all tests). The treatment also had some continuity, with significant improvements in cognitive function within weeks after the treatment ended (p &lt; 0.05 for all tests).ConclusionRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive training (rTMS-CT) is a valuable technique for the cognitive rehabilitation of AD patients. It is beneficial to improve the cognitive ability of patients and restore their overall functional state. The results of the study may provide a basis for clinical providers to implement interventions that facilitate the design of more rigorous and high-quality interventions.LimitationsThe number of studies and sample size in our study were small. We did not explore possible interactions between rTMS and medications and mood improvement after rTMS due to inadequate data.Systematic review registrationThis study was registered on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023405615.
To what extent does frailty mediate the association between age and the outcomes of brain reperfusion following acute ischemic stroke?
Authors: Miranda Luana Aparecida , Luvizutto Gustavo José , Bessornia Pedro Augusto Cândido , Furlan Natalia Eduarda , Winckler Fernanda Cristina , Ferreira Natalia Cristina , Hamamoto Filho Pedro Tadao , de Souza Juli Thomaz , Martin Luis Cuadrado , Zanati Bazan Silméia Garcia , Pinheiro Modolo Gabriel , de Freitas Carlos Clayton Macedo , Vidal Edison Iglesias de Oliveira , Bazan Rodrigo 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveWe evaluated the extent to which frailty mediated the association between age, poor functional outcomes, and mortality after acute ischemic stroke when patients were treated with brain reperfusion (thrombolytic therapy and/or thrombectomy).Materials and methodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke who had undergone intravenous cerebral reperfusion therapy and/or mechanical thrombectomy. We created a mediation model by analyzing the direct natural effect of an mRS score &gt; 2 and death on age-mediated frailty according to the Frailty Index.ResultsWe enrolled 292 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent brain reperfusion. Their mean age was 67.7 ± 13.1 years. Ninety days after the stroke ictus, 54 (18.5%) participants died, and 83 (28.4%) lived with moderate to severe disability (2 &lt; mRS &lt; 6). In the mediation analysis of the composite outcome of disability (mRS score &gt; 2) or death, frailty accounted for 28% of the total effect of age. The models used to test for the interaction between age and frailty did not show statistically significant interactions for either outcome, and the addition of the interaction did not significantly change the direct or indirect effects, nor did it improve model fit.ConclusionFrailty mediated almost one-third of the effect of age on the composite outcome of disability or death after acute ischemic stroke.
Acute amnestic syndrome in fornix lesions: a systematic review of reported cases with a focus on differential diagnosis
Authors: Mazzacane F. , Ferrari F. , Malvaso A. , Mottese Y. , Gastaldi M. , Costa A. , Pichiecchio A. , Cavallini A. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionAcute amnestic syndrome is an uncommon clinical presentation of neurological disease. Differential diagnosis encompasses several syndromes including Wernicke-Korsakoff and transient global amnesia (TGA). Structural lesions of the fornix account for a minority of cases of acute amnestic syndromes. Etiology varies from iatrogenic injury to ischemic, inflammatory, or neoplastic lesions. A prompt diagnosis of the underlying pathology is essential but challenging. The aim of this review is to systematically review the existing literature regarding cases of acute amnestic syndrome associated with non-iatrogenic lesions of the fornix.MethodsWe performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to September 2023 to identify case reports and case series of patients with amnestic syndrome due to fornix lesions. The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The research was limited to articles written in English. Cases of fornix damage directly ascribable to a surgical procedure were excluded.ResultsA total of 52 publications reporting 55 cases were included in the review. Focusing on acute/subacute onset, vascular etiology was highly prevalent, being responsible for 78% of cases, 40/55 (74%) of which were due to acute ischemic stroke. The amnestic syndrome was characterized by anterograde amnesia in all patients, associated with retrograde amnesia in 27% of cases. Amnesia was an isolated presentation in most cases. Up to two thirds of patients had persistent memory deficits of any severity at follow-up.DiscussionAcute amnestic syndrome can be rarely caused by fornix lesions. In most cases of acute/subacute presentation, the etiology is ischemic stroke, mainly caused by strokes involving the subcallosal artery territory. The differential diagnosis is challenging and a distinction from common mimics is often difficult on a clinical basis. A high index of suspicion should be maintained to avoid misdiagnosis and provide adequate acute treatment to patients with time-dependent disease, also employing advanced neuroimaging. More research is needed to better understand the outcome and identify prognostic factors in patients with amnestic syndrome due to fornix lesions.
Functional balance at rest of hemispheric homologs assessed via normalized compression distance
Authors: Pascarella Annalisa , Bruni Vittoria , Armonaite Karolina , Porcaro Camillo , Conti Livio , Cecconi Federico , Paulon Luca , Vitulano Domenico , Tecchio Franca 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe formation and functioning of neural networks hinge critically on the balance between structurally homologous areas in the hemispheres. This balance, reflecting their physiological relationship, is fundamental for learning processes. In our study, we explore this functional homology in the resting state, employing a complexity measure that accounts for the temporal patterns in neurodynamics.MethodsWe used Normalized Compression Distance (NCD) to assess the similarity over time, neurodynamics, of the somatosensory areas associated with hand perception (S1). This assessment was conducted using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in conjunction with Functional Source Separation (FSS). Our primary hypothesis posited that neurodynamic similarity would be more pronounced within individual subjects than across different individuals. Additionally, we investigated whether this similarity is influenced by hemisphere or age at a population level.ResultsOur findings validate the hypothesis, indicating that NCD is a robust tool for capturing balanced functional homology between hemispheric regions. Notably, we observed a higher degree of neurodynamic similarity in the population within the left hemisphere compared to the right. Also, we found that intra-subject functional homology displayed greater variability in older individuals than in younger ones.DiscussionOur approach could be instrumental in investigating chronic neurological conditions marked by imbalances in brain activity, such as depression, addiction, fatigue, and epilepsy. It holds potential for aiding in the development of new therapeutic strategies tailored to these complex conditions, though further research is needed to fully realize this potential.
Musculoskeletal fitness: relative handgrip strength and vertical jump power from 10 to 18 years old
Authors: Correia Abel S. , Zymbal Vera , Baptista Fátima 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThere is an increasing consensus on the relevance of musculoskeletal fitness for health throughout the life cycle, requiring evaluation approaches and description of results capable of characterizing different age groups and body sizes. This study aimed to describe the musculoskeletal fitness of young Portuguese people aged 10–18 through handgrip strength (HGS) and vertical jump power (VJP) and investigate differences between the sexes.MethodsThe sample included 736 participants (359 girls recruited from schools. HGS (kg) was assessed using a handheld dynamometer, and VJP (W) was assessed using a force platform; both measurements were standardized for body mass.ResultsHigher HGS and VJP were observed in boys than in girls from 13 years old (13 years: p ≤ 0.05; 14–18 years: p ≤ 0.001), with no significant differences before this age. The percentile distributions of HGS and VJP are described for each sex using the lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method. The pattern of development of these variables as a function of age is presented.ConclusionsHandgrip strength and vertical jump power show differences between the sexes from 13 years of age and similar trajectories to populations in other countries in the same age group.