bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Bacterial Colonization in Simulated Vertical Root Fractures of Root Canals Filled with Various Obturation Materials using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Shlomo Elbahary , Dabaja-Shamiya Areej , Haj-Yahya Sohad , Kravchenko Elizabeth Priffer , Tsesis Igor , Rosen Eyal 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objectives: Vertical root fractures (VRF) can be a major challenge in root canal treatment due to bacterial biofilms' colonization of the fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological bacterial penetration and proliferation after sealing the simulated VRF with different intracanal sealing materials using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
Materials and methods: Sixty extracted human single-rooted premolars were used, and VRFs were created after root canal preparation. The canals were filled with either mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), gutta-percha (GP) with AH plus sealer, or GP with bioceramic (BC) sealer. Enterococcus faecalis bacterial infection was induced, and bacterial colonization was assessed in the dentinal tubules and simulated VRF.
Results: In the MTA group, there were significantly more dead bacteria in the dentinal tubules than live bacteria. The AH group had significantly more live bacteria than dead bacteria, and there were significantly more bacteria in the AH group compared to the BC and MTA groups. The study also revealed that bacteria can colonize the simulated VRF, from the part of the fracture to the outer surface.
Clinical relevance:
Understanding the pathological process following VRF and evaluating the ability of the VRF filling to prevent bacterial migration through the filled root end is crucial. Furthermore, quantifying the exact routes of microbial colonization, at the filling-dentine interfaces, and into the dentinal tubules, can provide valuable information to clinicians for selecting the appropriate root canal filling material to minimize bacterial colonization and improve treatment outcomes.
The Psychometric Properties of the Physical Resilience Instrument for Older Adults (PRIFOR): A Rasch Analysis
Authors: Fan Chia-Wei , Li Yueh-Ping , Chang Chia-Ming , Hu Fang-Wen , Lin Chung-Ying 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study aimed at testing the psychometric properties of the Physical Resilience Instrument for Older Adults (PRIFOR) scores among different treatment diagnoses of older patients. We recruited 413 hospitalized older patients with a medical diagnosis and 207 with a surgical diagnosis in a tertiary-care medical center. The Rasch analyses showed that all PRIFOR items were embedded within their belonged constructs, reflecting good construct validity and unidimensionality. Person and item separation reliability support the internal consistency of the studied samples and PRIFOR items. However, six PRIFOR items were found to have meaningful differential item functioning (DIF) problems among treatment diagnoses. The PRIFOR is a solid measurement and can be used for monitoring the status of older adults’ physical resilience. However, because six items were found to have meaningful DIF among treatment diagnosis groups, future studies should consider designing specific items for different patient populations to assess their needs in physical resilience.
The impact of number of steps on gastrointestinal activity-related artifacts in myocardial perfusion scintigraphy
Authors: Strok Anja , Novak Maja Dolenc , Salobir Barbara Guzic , Zaletel Katja , Stalc Monika 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objective. Various techniques have been used to reduce interfering extracardiac activity in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of previously not specifically addressed monitored walking on the reduction of infracardial artifacts in the pharmacological stress Tc-99m tetrofosmin MPI with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to improve image quality.
Methods. The study was performed in 199 patients who were referred for routine 2-day stress/rest MPI and underwent pharmacological stress test. Patients were randomized into group A (n=95) and group B (n=104). Both groups were provided with a step-counter immediately after the radiotracer injection, but only group A was instructed to take at least 1000 steps before the imaging. Study participants received intervention only on stress day. Images were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively for the interfering extracardiac artifacts. Myocardial and abdominal activity were quantitatively assessed on raw planar images, and the mean myocardium-to-abdomen count ratios were calculated. In addition, the presence of interfering activity was assessed visually on reconstructed SPECT images. The amount of extracardiac tracer activity was scored from “no tracer activity” to “severe.” Moderate and severe subdiaphragmatic tracer activity was considered relevant for the interpretation of the myocardial perfusion scan.
Results. There were no differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups. Patients in group A walked more steps than those in group B, but there were no differences in acceptance rate between the two groups. There were also no differences in proportion of subdiaphragmatic activity with a score 2 or 3 between the groups. Number of steps had no effect on acceptance rate.
Conclusions. Walking at least 1000 steps while waiting on acquisition has no impact on the gastrointestinal activity related artifacts and acceptance rate of the scans after pharmacological stress in comparison to walking on own discretion. However, the use of pedometers encourages patients to walk while waiting for imaging. Further larger studies, which would compare a group with a higher number of steps (at least 3000 steps) and a sedentary control group, are needed, to address the impact of walking on gastrointestinal artifacts in MPI.
Trained immunity is not universal: oral heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis confers no protection against the non-enveloped Porcine Circovirus 2
Authors: Ferreras-Colino Elisa , Barasona Jose A. , Sibila Marina , Mazariegos María , Vaz-Rodrigues Rita , Cruz Fátima , Contreras Marinela , Garrido Joseba M. , Segalés Joaquim , Fuente José , Domínguez Lucas , Gortázar Christian , Risalde Maria A. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background Trained immunity, the enhanced response of innate cells leading to an improved innate immune response, and antibodies against the glycan galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal), produced by animals unable to synthesize α-Gal epitopes, have been suggested to provide the host certain advantage in infections with enveloped viruses. Conversely, the evidence of protection against non-enveloped viruses attributed to the referred mechanisms remains scarce. Aiming to evaluate whether a heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis (HIMB) immunostimulant, which had proven to protect against related and non-related pathogens, confers an advantage against non-enveloped viruses, we performed an immunization and challenge experiment with porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in swine. Sixteen piglets were randomly assigned to the immunized group (n = 8), which received two oral doses of HIMB with an interval of three weeks, or to the control group (n = 8). All animals were infected by intranasal inoculation with PCV-2 21 days later and euthanized at day 21 post-challenge.Results No differences in body weight and body temperature, viremia and viral burden in target tissues, antibody production and histopathological changes in target tissues were observed between the immunized and the control group. Overall, oral immunization with HIMB did not protect pigs against PCV-2 infection.Conclusions Our study suggests that HIMB confers no advantage against pathogens lacking α-Gal, mainly non-enveloped viruses such as PCV-2, in α-Gal-producing hosts, such as the swine.
Aortic Stiffness Effectively Risk Stratifies Diabetic Patients With Suspected Myocardial Ischemia Undergoing Vasodilatory Stress Perfusion Cardiac Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Pengyos Sukanda , Boonyasirinant Thananya , Kaolawanich Yodying 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background and aims Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) comprehensively assesses aortic stiffness and myocardial ischemia in a single examination. Aortic stiffness represents a subclinical marker of cardiovascular risk in the general population, including patients with diabetes mellitus. However, there is no prognostic data regarding aortic stiffness in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing stress perfusion CMR.Methods Consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus with suspected myocardial ischemia referred for adenosine stress perfusion CMR with aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) during 2010–2013 were studied. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of cardiac mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), hospitalization for heart failure, coronary revascularization (> 90 days post-CMR), and ischemic stroke. The secondary outcome was hard cardiac events defined as the composite of cardiac mortality and nonfatal MI.Results A total of 424 patients (median follow-up: 7.2 years) were included. The mean PWV was 12.16 ± 6.28 m/s. MACE and hard cardiac events occurred in 26.9% and 9.4% of patients, respectively. Patients with elevated PWV (> 12.16 ms) had a significantly higher incidence of MACE (HR: 2.14, p < 0.001) and hard cardiac events (HR: 2.69, p = 0.002) compared to non-elevated patients. Multivariate analysis showed that PWV independently predicts MACE (p = 0.002) and hard cardiac events (p = 0.01). The addition of PWV conferred significantly increased incremental prognostic value over clinical data, left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial ischemia, and late gadolinium enhancement for predicting MACE (incremental χ²: 10.29, p = 0.001) and hard cardiac events (incremental χ²: 7.32, p = 0.007).Conclusions Aortic stiffness by CMR independently predicts MACE and hard cardiac events and confers significant incremental prognostic value in patients with diabetes mellitus with suspected myocardial ischemia. Aortic stiffness measurement could be incorporated into a stress perfusion CMR protocol to improve risk prediction in this group.
Synthesis, spectra, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, DFT calculations and molecular docking evaluation on novel mononuclearZn(II), Mn(III) and Co(III) Schiff base complexes derived from 2- hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde
Authors: parvarinezhad sakineh , Ramezanipoor Sahar , Kubicki Maciej , Salehi Mehdi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

four novel complexes of bidentate Schiff base ligand derived from 2-hydroxy-1-(2-methoxyethylimino)-naphthalen (HL) were synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR, and UV–Vis spectroscopies. X-ray single crystal structures of Zn(II), Mn(III) and Co(III) complexes (1–4) have also been determined, and it was indicated that these Zn(II) and Co(III) complexes (1, 4) are in an octahedral geometry. Whereas, it was found that the Zn complex (2) in quite a regular tetrahedral environment. Also, Mn center in complex (3), is ligated by two azomethine nitrogen atom, two ligand oxygen atoms and one Cl atom of metal salt forming five coordinated tetragonal pyramid geometry around of the Mn atoms. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) of the complexes specifies an irreversible redox behavior for all complexes (1–4). Next, the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) was studied for all complexes to better understand and predict the reaction sites of electrophilic and nucleophilic attacks. Also, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to determine the optimal geometrical configurations, and comparison between experimental and theoretical data, and non-covalent interactions were determined by Hirshfeld surface analysis (HSA) using CrystalExplorer program. Also, finding binding affinity of complexes with protein (PDB ID: 4LXD) was also done using molecular docking.
Optimizing Diabetes Classification with a Machine Learning-Based Framework
Authors: Feng Xin , Cai Yihuai , Xin Ruihao 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Diabetes is a metabolic disorder usually caused by insufficient secretion of insulin from the pancreas or insensitivity of cells to insulin, resulting in long-term elevated blood sugar levels in patients. Patients usually present with frequent urination, thirst, and hunger. If left untreated, it can lead to various complications that can affect essential organs and even endanger life. Therefore, developing an intelligent diagnosis framework for diabetes is necessary.Result This paper proposes a machine learning-based diabetes classification framework MOG. The framework includes using the mean, median joint filling method to handle missing values, using the cap method for outlier processing, and then proposing a diabetes classification model based on the Generative Adversarial Network for Diabetes Classification (DCSGAN), and finally using logistic regression to analyze the features in detail. The model was tested using the PIMA dataset and the diabetes dataset in the GEO database, achieving an accuracy rate of 98.37% for binary classification and 96.75% for ternary classification in the PIMA dataset, and better performance than traditional models in the data from the GEO database.Conclusion The experimental results show that the framework proposed in this paper can accurately classify diabetes and provide new ideas for intelligent diagnosis of diabetes.
Effect of vertical stress difference on hydraulic fracture characteristics of deep volcanic reservoirs
Authors: Qiu Guozhou , Chang Xin , Li Jing , Guo Yintong , Wang Lei , Guo Wuhao , Bi Zhenhui 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
A deep volcanic reservoir has high geostress, and the rock in the reservoir exhibits strong heterogeneity. Moreover, extensive natural fractures are distributed in the reservoir, and the hydraulic fracture propagation mode is unclear. A high-stress true triaxial hydraulic fracturing test was carried out on volcanic rock to study the influence of vertical stress difference under different maximum horizontal principal stresses on the fracture propagation characteristics. We studied the fracture characteristics using image processing and fracture characterization methods. The high-stress hydraulic fracturing test showed that the vertical stress difference mainly affected the direction of fracture propagation and fracture roughness. Less vertical stress difference implied chaotic fracture propagation, complex fracture network, and rough fracture surface. Hydraulic fracture interface characteristics indicated that the peak pump pressure linearly increased with an increase in the vertical stress difference. Moreover, the overall fractal dimension and crack width decreased and increased, respectively, with the increase of vertical stress difference, which were verified from the decreased fractal dimension of cracks and increased crack width at different positions, respectively.
The DoDo Experience: An Alternative Antiretroviral 2-Drug Regimen of Doravirine and Dolutegravir
Authors: Sammet Stefanie , Touzeau-Römer Veronique , Wolf Eva , Schenk-Westkamp Pia , Romano Birgit , Gersbacher Elke , Kastenbauer Ulrich , Boesecke Christoph , Rockstroh Jürgen , Scholten Stefan , Schneeweiss Stephan , Roider Julia , Seybold Ulrich 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Currently available antiretroviral 2-drug regimen (2DR) fixed dose combinations may not be suitable for specific situations including the presence of resistance associated mutations (RAM) or drug-drug interactions. Data on the use of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor doravirine (DOR) and the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir (DTG) as an alternative 2DR remain scarce.
Methods: People living with HIV with DOR+DTG as a 2DR are being followed in a prospective observational study.
Results: This analysis describes 85 participants with a median age of 57 years. Median CD4-nadir was 173/µl and a majority (66%) had a history of HIV-associated or AIDS-defining conditions. Antiretroviral history was mostly extensive, and documentation of RAM was frequent. Main reasons for choosing DOR+DTG were DDI (29%), tolerability (25%), and cardiovascular risk reduction (21%). Plasma viral load at switch was <50 cp/ml in all but 3 instances, median CD4 count was 600/µl. DOR+DTG was later changed to another regimen in 10 participants after a median of 265 days, the other 75 participants have remained on DOR+DTG for a median of 947 days.
Conclusion: DOR+DTG as a 2DR proved to be a durable treatment option even in extensively pre-treated individuals.
A scoping review to explore the materialisation of health system resilience across three Caribbean countries, Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Haiti: A protocol
Authors: St Louis Patricia , Wautié Alice , Makali Samuel Lwamushi , Radix Carlene , Paul Elisabeth 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic offers a window of opportunity for building resilient health systems. As such, it is important to use this opportunity to redesign, strengthen, and adapt health systems to meet current population needs. Health system resilience (HSR) is even more critical in Caribbean countries, which face health, environmental, and economic shocks and,in certain cases, political and social upheavals. This study aims to explore the extent to which Haiti, Dominica, and Saint Lucia have developed HSR into their respective contexts.
Methods: This study will consist of a scoping review of the available literature on HSR and/or health systemstrengthening (HSS) covering Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Haiti from 2010 to 2023. It will follow the five-point methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and will answer the following question. What approaches, strategies or interventions contribute to building or strengthening HSR in dealing with shocks across these three countries? The perspectives, concepts, dimensions, and definitions from relevant scientific literature will be combined to generate the research equations. The papers identified via PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar and OpenGrey will then be processed on EndNote and independently filtered by two researchers, reinforced by a third researcher in case of disagreement, according to the PRISMA method adjusted to scoping reviews. Following a deductive-inductive method, the material will be analysed thematically to identify the key approaches, strategies and interventions outlined in the retained materials.
Results: This scoping review intends to produce a preliminary assessment of how HSR is implemented in the three participating countries. It holds the potential to shed new light on the experiences of these three countries in their efforts to attain resilience in their health systems.
Conclusions: This study might offer insight into the role of stakeholders and processes activated for the achievement of HSR in the Caribbean. In addition, it provides the starting point for the development of a tool to understand and realise HSR tailored to the three countries.
Efficacy of Hydrotherapy on Arterial Blood Pressure in patients with peripheral artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khushhal Alaa , Abdelaal Ashraf , Alayat Mohamed , Khaled Osama Ahmed 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Hydrotherapy is an effective therapeutic modality in controlling pain and increasing blood flow, but its effect on Peripheral arterial diseases (PAD) is still unclear.Aim The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of hydrotherapy on the arterial blood pressure in patients with PAD.Method A systematic review searches were conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and EBSCO databases from 2015 till 2022. Studies were eligible if randomized controlled trails (RCTs) investigating the effect of hydrotherapy on arterial blood pressure in patients with PAD. Qualitative data was extracted from six studies. Methodological quality was used to assess the risk of bias using the PEDro scale.Results A Meta-analysis was conducted on 6 RCTs (214 patients: 204 patients with PAD and 10 healthy subjects) to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and overall effect size (ES) of the ankle brachial index (ABI), Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), 6-min-walk test (6MWT) distance, resting heart rate (RHR). The Meta-analysis showed that hydrotherapy had non-significant effects on the SBP (SMD 0.01 [95% CI -0.26-0.27]), the DBP (SMD − 0.18 [95% CI -0.58-0.22]), the ABI (SMD 0.08 [95% CI -0.57-0.73], 6MWT (SMD 0.45 [95% CI -0.19-1.08]), RHR (SMD − 0.19 [95% CI -0.52-0.14]).Conclusion The results of this review could not conclude the non-significant effects of the hydrotherapy in improving the SBP, ABI, DBP, RHR, and the 6MWT distance in patients with PAD.
Prediction of cutting performance using artificial neural network during buffered impact damper-assisted boring process
Authors: G Lawrance , P Sam Paul , Mohammed Jazeel , Gunasegeran Muthukumaran , Sudhagar P Edwin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In manufacturing industry tool vibration, tool wear and surface finish which considerably affects production and its costs. During boring process, overhanging length of the tool holder generates tool vibration which affects the quality of surface finish, hastened tool life, and further reduction in machine tool life. In order to enhance the cutting performance, buffered impact dampers were designed, developed and tested in this research work. A set of 27-run cutting experiment were conducted by varying particle size, material and filling. From the results it was observed that the performance of buffered impact damper shows a significant improvement in cutting efficiency when compared with standard tool holder. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was used to predict the impact of buffered damper on surface roughness, tool wear, tool vibration and cutting force. Results obtained in ANN model was compared with the experimental results for MSE, AAD, MAPE & R and it was observed that the experimental results concurred more with predicted results by using ANN.
Potentialities of Cellulose Nanofibers (CNF) in Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Composites
Authors: Agnes Erick Afonso , Hillig Everton , Zattera Ademir José , Beltrami Lilian Rossa , Covas José António , Hilliou Loic , Sousa João Duarte , Pequeneza Maria Leonor Calado , Pinto Mário 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The growing demand for polymeric materials makes them significant in both industry and the environment, and the task of making them sustainable is becoming increasingly challenging. Cellulose presents an opportunity to minimize the effect of non-degradable materials. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is part of a class of cellulose fibers with superior performance due to its high strength and stiffness combined with low weight and biodegradability. This work aimed to produce composites using Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) as matrix and CNF from Pinus sp. (Pinus) and Eucalyptus sp. (Eucalyptus) as reinforcement. The CNF were obtained by mechanical defibrillation of the cellulose, subsequently the water was removed by centrifugation to then produce a master with CNF and LDPE using a thermokinetic homogenizer. The master was milled and blended with LDPE to obtain booster concentrations of 1, 2 and 3 percent by weight (wt. %). To characterize the composite, tensile and flexural tests, thermal and rheological analysis were performed. As a result, an increase of between 3 and 4% in the crystallinity of the composite was evidenced with the addition of Pinus CNF and a reduction of 2 to 3% in the crystallinity index with the addition of Eucalyptus CNF. Thermal stability increased for all compositions. For mechanical properties, increasing the CNF content increased the stiffness and tensile strength. In general, it was found that the process is an effective alternative to produce composites of LDPE with cellulose nanofibers.