bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the efficacy among different interventions for radiodermatitis: A Bayesian network meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Guan Ying , Liu Shuai , Li Anchuan , Cheng Wanqin
Published: April 2024

Background

Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a prevalent and difficult-to-manage consequence of radiation therapy (RT). A variety of interventions have been proven effective in preventing and treating RD. However, the optimal approach remains unclear. This network meta-analysis (NMA) conducted a comparison and ranking of the effectiveness and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of the interventions currently utilized in RD.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on the prevention and treatment of RD. The primary outcome measures included the incidence of grade≥2 RD (i.e., percentage of moist desquamation) and RD score. The secondary outcome measures encompassed patients’ subjective assessment scores of pains, itching and burning sensations.

Results

Our meta-analysis encompassed 42 studies and 4884 participants. Regarding the primary outcomes, photobiomodulation treatment (PBMT) ranked first in surface under curve cumulative ranking area (SUCRA:0.92) for reducing the incidence of grade≥2 RD. It demonstrated a significant difference when compared to Trolamine (OR 0.18,95%CrI 0.09–0.33) and Xonrid® (OR 0.28,95%CrI 0.12–0.66). Mepitelfilm (SUCRA: 0.98) achieved the highest rank in reducing the RD score, demonstrating superiority over StrataXRT® (MD -0.89, 95% CrI -1.49, -0.29). Henna (SUCRA: 0.89) demonstrated the highest effectiveness in providing pain relief, with a significant difference compared to Hydrofilm (MD -0.44, 95% CrI -0.84, -0.04) and Mepitelfilm (MD -0.55, 95% CrI -0.91, -0.19). Hydrofilm (SUCRA: 0.84) exhibited the fewest itching sensations, demonstrating superiority over Mepitelfilm (MD -0.50, 95% CrI -0.84, -0.17). No statistically significant difference was observed among various interventions in the assessment of burning sensations.

Conclusion

PBMT and Mepitelfilm demonstrated better efficacy in reducing the incidence of grade≥2 RD and RD score, respectively. In terms of PROs, Henna and Hydrofilm had fewer complaints in pain and itching sensations, respectively. However, studies with larger sample size on different interventions are warranted in the future.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42023428598.
The impact of size on middle-ear sound transmission in elephants, the largest terrestrial mammal
Authors: O’Connell-Rodwell Caitlin E. , Berezin Jodie L. , Dharmarajan Anbuselvan , Ravicz Michael E. , Hu Yihan , Guan Xiying , O’Connor Kevin N. , Puria Sunil
Published: April 2024

Elephants have a unique auditory system that is larger than any other terrestrial mammal. To quantify the impact of larger middle ear (ME) structures, we measured 3D ossicular motion and ME sound transmission in cadaveric temporal bones from both African and Asian elephants in response to air-conducted (AC) tonal pressure stimuli presented in the ear canal (PEC). Results were compared to similar measurements in humans. Velocities of the umbo (VU) and stapes (VST) were measured using a 3D laser Doppler vibrometer in the 7–13,000 Hz frequency range, stapes velocity serving as a measure of energy entering the cochlea—a proxy for hearing sensitivity. Below the elephant ME resonance frequency of about 300 Hz, the magnitude of VU/PEC was an order of magnitude greater than in human, and the magnitude of VST/PEC was 5x greater. Phase of VST/PEC above ME resonance indicated that the group delay in elephant was approximately double that of human, which may be related to the unexpectedly high magnitudes at high frequencies. A boost in sound transmission across the incus long process and stapes near 9 kHz was also observed. We discuss factors that contribute to differences in sound transmission between these two large mammals.
A profile of urban agricultural growers, organizations, their needs, and challenges in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Richardson Matthew L. , Taylor John R. , Thompson Megan J. , Rangarajan Anusuya , Hanumappa Mamatha , Little Neith G.
Published: April 2024

Urban agriculture is increasingly valued as a strategy for improving quality of life in cities, but urban growers face challenges and often lack coordinated support from governments and the agricultural industry. We surveyed urban growers through an online survey, primarily in the Northeastern United States, to develop a profile of growers and associated organizations, assess the current state of urban agriculture, and determine how universities could help meet their needs. A total of 394 respondents completed the survey and most urban growers were white (non-Hispanic) and younger than 45 years old. Women and men were in almost equal proportion. Urban growers were well-educated, but most did not receive a degree in agriculture. Urban agriculture in our study area was dominated by relatively small non-profit organizations and home and community gardens were the most common types of organizations. Urban agricultural organizations want to improve environmental sustainability and socio-cultural conditions through food access and security, regardless of their tax status. Urban growers face diverse barriers and challenges and the most ubiquitous barriers and challenges reported by respondents were related to availability of land and long-term access in urban areas. Many respondents received low revenue or were operating at a net loss even though they reported diverse income streams. Respondents need a wide range of training, including in traditional agricultural topics as well as financial management and business trainings. Universities can play a key role in promoting urban agriculture by offering training and research. Workforce development is a large priority among universities, so urban growers should regularly be consulted, and the results shared with career and workforce development professionals and researchers in urban areas to identify training and research that meets the needs of stakeholders.
System of wheat intensification (SWI): Effects on lodging resistance, photosynthetic efficiency, soil biomes, and water productivity
Authors: Singh Ramesh Kumar , Upadhyay Pravin Kumar , Dhar Shiva , G. A. Rajanna , Singh Vinod Kumar , Kumar Rakesh , Singh Rajiv Kumar , Shekhawat Kapila , Rathore Sanjay Singh , Dass Anchal , Kumar Amit , Gupta Gaurendra , Rajpoot Sudhir , Prakash Ved , Sarkar Sayantika , Sharma Navin Kumar , Rawat Satyam , Singh Satendra
Published: April 2024

Intense cultivation with narrow row spacing in wheat, a common practice in the Indo-Gangetic plains of South Asia, renders the crop more susceptible to lodging during physiological maturity. This susceptibility, compounded by the use of traditional crop cultivars, has led to a substantial decline in overall crop productivity. In response to these challenges, a two-year field study on the system of wheat intensification (SWI) was conducted. The study involved three different cultivation methods in horizontal plots and four wheat genotypes in vertical plots, organized in a strip plot design. Our results exhibited that adoption of SWI at 20 cm × 20 cm resulted in significantly higher intercellular CO2 concentration (5.9–6.3%), transpiration rate (13.2–15.8%), stomatal conductance (55–59%), net photosynthetic rate (126–160%), and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception (1.6–25.2%) over the existing conventional method (plant geometry 22.5 cm × continuous plant to plant spacing) of wheat cultivation. The lodging resistance capacity of both the lower and upper 3rd nodes was significantly higher in the SWI compared to other cultivation methods. Among different genotypes, HD 2967 demonstrated the highest recorded value for lodging resistance capacity, followed by HD 2851, HD 3086, and HD 2894. In addition, adoption of the SWI at 20 cm × 20 cm enhanced crop grain yield by 36.9–41.6%, and biological yield by 27.5–29.8%. Significantly higher soil dehydrogenase activity (12.06 μg TPF g-1 soil hr-1), arylsulfatase activity (82.8 μg p-nitro phenol g-1 soil hr-1), alkaline phosphatase activity (3.11 n moles ethylene g-1 soil hr-1), total polysaccharides, soil microbial biomass carbon, and soil chlorophyll content were also noted under SWI over conventional method of the production. Further, increased root volumes, surface root density and higher NPK uptake were recorded under SWI at 20×20 cm in comparison to rest of the treatments. Among the tested wheat genotypes, HD-2967 and HD-3086 had demonstrated notable increases in grain and biological yields, as well as improvements in the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and chlorophyll content. Therefore, adoption of SWI at 20 cm ×20 cm (square planting) with cultivars HD 2967 might be the best strategy for enhancing crop productivity and resource-use efficiency under the similar wheat growing conditions of India and similar agro-ecotypes of the globe.
Climate change beliefs, emotions and pro-environmental behaviors among adults: The role of core personality traits and the time perspective
Authors: Tucholska Kinga , Gulla Bożena , Ziernicka-Wojtaszek Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

Climate change and its consequences are recognized as one of the most important challenges to the functioning of the Earth’s ecosystem and humanity. However, the response to the threat posed by the climate crisis still seems inadequate. The question of which psychological factors cause people to engage (or not) in pro-environmental behavior remains without a comprehensive answer. The aim of this study is to establish the links between the cognitive (level of knowledge about climate change and degree of belief in climate myths), emotional (various climate emotions, especially climate anxiety) and behavioral aspects of attitudes towards the climate crisis and their determinants in the form of the Big Five personality domains and time perspectives. The stated hypotheses were verified by analyzing data collected in an online survey of 333 adults using knowledge tests and self-report methods, including psychological questionnaires (Climate Change Anxiety Scale by Clayton and Karazsia, Big Five Inventory–short version by Schupp and Gerlitz, and Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory by Zimbardo and Boyd), and measurement scales developed for this study (Climate myth belief scale, Climate emotion scale, and Inventories of current and planned pro-environmental activities). The results of stepwise regression analysis demonstrate the importance of the core personality traits and the dominant temporal perspective as determinants of belief in climate change myths, climate anxiety, as well as actual and planned pro-environmental behavior.
Spatio-temporal evolution of sports tourism industry integration: A empirical analysis of Xinjiang in China
Authors: Zhang Ke , Mei Xuehui , Xiao Zhengqing
Published: April 2024

Since the issuance of the "Guiding Opinions on Vigorously Developing Sports Tourism" in 2016, the integration of sports and tourism has become a strategy in regional economic development. It creates new economic growth points, enhances local images, and promotes cultural communication. In the context of the "Tourism Makes Xinjiang Thrive" strategy, quantitatively investigating the integration of the sports and tourism industries helps people to better understand their interaction which can serve as the valuable input in policy-making for the comprehensive development of a region. This paper uses entropy weight method, stochastic frontier analysis and coupling coordination model to quantitatively analyze the effect of sports tourism industry integration in Xinjiang from the perspective of integration path. Meanwhile, the Dagum Gini coefficient and nuclear density estimation were used to analyze the regional differences and dynamic evolution of industrial integration quality. The result shows that (1) The sports and tourism integration quality in Xinjiang has not reached the optimal goal of complete integration. In the process of mutual industrial promotion, tourism promotes a higher degree of integration with the sports industry. (2) The industrial integration quality shows a phenomenon of “imbalance and inadequacy” among the regions. The regions with high quality of industrial integration were Urumqi, Ili, Kashgar, Altay and Changji, which have rich sports tourism resources. (3) The overall spatial difference in the quality of industrial integration presented a fluctuation downtrend. The difference between the tourism industrial belts was very significant.
A novel and effective method for solving the router nodes placement in wireless mesh networks using reinforcement learning
Authors: Binh Le Huu , Duong Thuy-Van T.
Published: April 2024

Router nodes placement (RNP) is an important issue in the design and implementation of wireless mesh networks (WMN). This is known as an P-hard problem, which cannot be solved using conventional algorithms. Consequently, approximate optimization strategies are commonly used to solve this problem. With heavy node density and wide-area WMNs, solving the RNP problem using approximation algorithms often faces many difficulties, therefore, a more effective solution is necessary. This motivated us to conduct this work. We propose a new method for solving the RNP problem using reinforcement learning (RL). The RNP problem is modeled as an RL model with environment, agent, action, and reward are equivalent to the network system, routers, coordinate adjustment, and connectivity of the RNP problem, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that applies RL to solve the RNP problem. The experimental results showed that the proposed method increased the network connectivity by up to 22.73% compared to the most recent methods.
Epithelial development of the urinary collecting system in the human embryo
Authors: Saizonou Marie Ange , Kitazawa Haruka , Kanahashi Toru , Yamada Shigehito , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: April 2024

The urinary collecting system (UCS) consists of organized ducts that collect urine from the nephrons and transport it to the ureter and bladder. Understanding the histogenesis of the UCS is critical. Thirty human embryos between the Carnegie stages (CS) 18 and 23 were selected from the Congenital Anomaly Research Center, Kyoto, Japan. Epithelia of the UCS, ureter, and bladder of each sample were randomly selected. Histological findings of the epithelia were analyzed according to the following criteria: type of epithelium, presence or absence of glycogen, percentage of migrated nuclei, percentage of cells in mitosis, and the surrounding mesenchyme. A thickened epithelium lining a narrow luminal cavity was observed in the pre-expanded pelvic specimens at CS18-CS23. At CS23, after pelvic expansion, the UCS showed a thin epithelium with a large luminal cavity mainly located on the early branches, whereas the epithelium covering the subsequent branches had medium thickness. Histological characteristics differed depending on the UCS part and sample stage. The degree of differentiation was evaluated, revealing that in CS18-CS23 pre-expanded pelvis specimens, the undifferentiated epithelium was found in the zeroth to third/fifth generation, whereas at CS23, after pelvic expansion, a differentiated epithelium covered the UCS zeroth to seventh generation. In a comparison of the urothelial epithelium between the UCS, ureter, and bladder, we found that urinary tract differentiation may be initiated in the bladder, followed by the ureter, UCS zeroth to seventh generations, and finally, UCS eighth to end generations. An understanding of the histogenesis of embryonic stage UCS can aid in the clinical management of congenital urinary tract defects and other diseases.
Absolute monocyte counts could predict disease activity and secondary loss of response of patients with Crohn’s disease treated with anti-TNF-α drug
Authors: Hu Jia , Huang Yin , Jia Ruonan , Wang Xuehong , Wang Yongjun
Published: April 2024

Background

Assessing Crohn’s disease (CD) activity is critical for monitoring disease progression. In CD, monocytes could release TNF-α. Thus, it is extremely important to study its role in the disease activity and loss of response to anti-TNF-α biologics.

Methods

In this study, we collected CD patients treated with biologics from January 2017 to May 2022. Indicators associated with disease activity were evaluated by Spearman correlation analysis and Mann-Whitney U test. Specifically, logistic analyses were used to explore the predictors of primary nonresponse (PNR) and secondary loss of response (SLOR) within 1 year of anti-TNF-α agents. In addition, a nomogram was developed for therapeutic effect prediction.

Results

283 patients with CD were identified. Disease activity group, defined as CDAI equal to or greater than 150, had significant elevated absolute monocyte counts than disease remission group based on CDAI score (p = 0.019, Z = -2.354). Logistic analyses showed that absolute monocyte counts could be an independent predictor of 1-year SLOR of anti-TNF-α agents in CD patients (p = 0.013). A nomogram established based on gender, absolute monocyte counts, and hemoglobin could predict SLOR within 1 year of anti-TNF-α agents reliably.

Conclusion

The results of this study support the utility of absolute monocyte counts detecting disease activity and anti-TNF-α therapy effect in patients with CD.
High-speed railway infrastructure leads to species-specific changes and biotic homogenisation in surrounding bird community
Authors: Falcão Rodrigues Lourenço , Mata Estacio Cristina , Herranz Barrera Jesús , Santamaría Figueroa Ana Eugenia , Malo Arrázola Juan Esteban
Published: April 2024

Linear infrastructure networks, including railways, are undergoing rapid development in order to connect distant urban areas. Particularly, High-Speed Railways are increasingly seen as a viable alternative to domestic flights in many countries. However, this development of linear infrastructures is known to affect the surrounding faunal communities due to the changes in the landscape and operation of said linear infrastructures. Both positive and negative effects of linear infrastructures on adjacent faunal communities have been reported. In this study, we determined the influence of the High-Speed Railway infrastructure on the bird community that surrounds it. Birds were surveyed by using both linear transect and direct counting methods, both in the area directly adjacent to the railway infrastructure and 500m away from it in a period of two years of surveys. A total of 16114 individuals belonging to 71 species were recorded. The presence of the High-Speed Railway caused species-specific changes in the bird communities that surround it, causing the attraction of some species and the rejection of others. Furthermore, we show that the presence of the infrastructure altered the natural species turnover as the landscape changes by attracting the same bird species regardless of changes in the landscape, and filtering out others. We propose that further work in mitigation and development plans should focus on species-specific measures to assess the risk bird communities are exposed to.
Wolbachia infection-responsive immune genes suppress Plasmodium falciparum infection in Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Vandana Vandana , Dong Shengzhang , Sheth Tanaya , Sun Qiang , Wen Han , Maldonado Amanda , Xi Zhiyong , Dimopoulos George
Published: April 2024

Wolbachia, a maternally transmitted symbiotic bacterium of insects, can suppress a variety of human pathogens in mosquitoes, including malaria-causing Plasmodium in the Anopheles vector. However, the mechanistic basis of Wolbachia-mediated Plasmodium suppression in mosquitoes is not well understood. In this study, we compared the midgut and carcass transcriptomes of stably infected Anopheles stephensi with Wolbachia wAlbB to uninfected mosquitoes in order to discover Wolbachia infection-responsive immune genes that may play a role in Wolbachia-mediated anti-Plasmodium activity. We show that wAlbB infection upregulates 10 putative immune genes and downregulates 14 in midguts, while it upregulates 31 putative immune genes and downregulates 15 in carcasses at 24 h after blood-fed feeding, the time at which the Plasmodium ookinetes are traversing the midgut tissue. Only a few of these regulated immune genes were also significantly differentially expressed between Wolbachia-infected and non-infected midguts and carcasses of sugar-fed mosquitoes. Silencing of the Wolbachia infection-responsive immune genes TEP 4, TEP 15, lysozyme C2, CLIPB2, CLIPB4, PGRP-LD and two novel genes (a peritrophin-44-like gene and a macro domain-encoding gene) resulted in a significantly greater permissiveness to P. falciparum infection. These results indicate that Wolbachia infection modulates mosquito immunity and other processes that are likely to decrease Anopheles permissiveness to Plasmodium infection.
Impact of night trading sessions on volatility of USD futures market in Thailand
Authors: Jongadsayakul Woradee
Published: April 2024

Prior to September 2021, USD Futures could only be traded during the regular hours in Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX). An additional trading session at night, while trading in both London and New York exchanges is active, enables investors to better handle their foreign exchange exposure or speculative needs of the moment. However, understanding volatility behavior is crucial for achieving successful trading. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of night trading sessions on the USD Futures volatility using GARCH family models. The USD Futures market volatility is examined through comparative analysis before and after the introduction of the night trading session. Both TARCH and EGARCH models have revealed no existence of leverage effect over the sample period - from January 2, 2020 to December 30, 2022. The GARCH model has proved to be the most accurate model for describing USD Futures volatility. Following the launch of nighttime trading, USD Futures market has experienced higher and more persistent volatility. In response to an increase in the volatility of USD Futures, TFEX should increase its margin requirement and monitor the speculative movements in futures market for their possible destabilizing effect. Investors should also adjust their hedge ratio to manage risk more appropriately and incorporate an extended period of increased uncertainty into their trading strategies.
The impact of unprecedented growth in public investment on stimulating the Indian economy
Authors: Krajewski Piotr , Piłat Katarzyna
Published: April 2024

The aim of the article is to compare the effects of public investment and public consumption in the Indian economy. This issue is particularly relevant in the context of the unprecedented increase in public investment in India, which is becoming one of the biggest economies globally. The empirical research is based on a New Keynesian model. The novelty of the applied methodology lies both in the inclusion of public capital as a factor of production, and the partial substitution between public and private consumption in the model. The results show that government gross capital formation in the short run is a slightly more effective method of stimulating the Indian economy than government final consumption expenditure. However, the biggest differences between the effects of public investment and public consumption are evident in the long term. The impact of public consumption on GDP fades out quickly, while public investment raises the level of output for a long period. Government gross capital formation also affects employment and consumption more strongly than government final consumption expenditure does. Thus, the main implication of the study is to recommend increasing public investment in emerging markets, to boost their economies.
The impact of selected HRM factors on company´s survival of SMEs: Empirical research in V4 countries
Authors: Belas Jaroslav , Machova Renata , Oláh Judit , Metzker Zdenko
Published: April 2024

This paper aimed to present and quantify the impact of significant HRM factors on the survival of SMEs in the V4 countries. In June 2022, researchers conducted a study in the Visegrad Four countries to understand the attitudes of SMEs. The study employed a random sampling method and included 1,398 respondents. The established scientific hypothesis was verified using linear regression modelling at a significance level of ɑ = 5%. The study found a link between specific HR practices and the medium-term survival of SMEs in the Visegrad Four countries. The intensity of this dependence varies across the V4 countries. Czech respondents emphasized the importance of investing in improving the qualification of their employees in the context of firm sustainability. At the same time, Slovak SMEs drew attention to the importance of the existing incentive system for employees. SMEs in Poland strongly and positively perceived the importance of human capital in the company and regular evaluation of employee performance in their attitudes. A somewhat surprising finding is that in Hungary, the individual HRM factors were not statistically significant. The aggregate model for all V4 countries showed the highest intensity of dependence between the defined variables.
Large-Caliber Empiric Esophageal Dilation Results in Sustained Improvement for Selected Patients With Nonobstructive Dysphagia
Authors: Bar Nir , Pathipati Mythili , Staller Kyle , Bailey Abbey Phelan , Rao Fatima , Newman-Gaewsky Jennifer , Kuo Braden , Vélez Christopher
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Empiric esophageal dilation (EED) remains a controversial practice for managing nonobstructive dysphagia (NOD) secondary to concerns about safety and efficacy. We examine symptom response, presence of tissue disruption, and adverse events (AEs) after EED.

METHODS:

We examined large-caliber bougie EED for NOD at 2 tertiary referral centers: retrospectively evaluating for AEs. Esophageal manometry diagnoses were also reviewed. We then prospectively assessed EED's efficacy using the NIH Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System disrupted swallowing questionnaire to assess dysphagia at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after EED. Treatment success was defined by improvement in patient-reported outcome scores.

RESULTS:

AE rate for large-caliber dilation in the retrospective cohort of 180 patients undergoing EED for NOD was low (0.5% perforations, managed conservatively). Visible tissue disruption occurred in 18% of patients, with 47% occurring in the proximal esophagus. Obstructive motility disorders were found more frequently in patients with tissue disruption compared with those without (44% vs 14%, P = 0.05). The primary outcome, the mean disrupted swallowing T-score was 60.1 ± 9.1 at baseline, 56.1 ± 9.5 at 1 month (P = 0.03), 57 ± 9.6 at 3 months (P = 0.10), and 56 ± 10 at 6 months (P = 0.02) (higher scores note more symptoms). EED resulted in a significant and durable improvement in dysphagia and specifically solid food dysphagia among patients with tissue disruption.

DISCUSSION:

EED is safe in solid food NOD and particularly effective when tissue disruption occurs. EED tissue disruption in NOD does not preclude esophageal dysmotility.
Dynamic Observation in Children and Adolescents Following Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Reinberg M. V. , Kiyaev A. V. , Chernikov R. A. , Veresenko I. V. , Slashchuk K. Yu.
Published: April 2024

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is one of the most common malignancies within the endocrine system, with a progressively increasing incidence over recent decades. In the structure of DTC, occurrence in the pediatric age group is relatively rare and is associated with excellent prognoses in terms of disease-specific survival. However, the prevalence of advanced disease in children and the frequency of recurrences present interdisciplinary teams with questions regarding the optimal management approach for such patients, focusing not on achieving disease eradication but preserving and maintaining quality of life. Notably, the presence of oncological pathology, coupled with fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels due to therapeutic interventions, underscores the importance of maintaining psychological and physiological well-being that are affected by the increased frequency of anxiety and depressive symptoms in children and their parents, as well as cognitive and physical functioning. These symptoms may exacerbate against the backdrop of hypothyroidism and directly correlate with TSH levels. To maintain quality of life during the period of dynamic observation and risk group re-stratification, we proposed a method of reduced thyroid hormone doses as an alternative to discontinuing thyroid hormones to assess stimulated thyroglobulin when reaching a threshold TSH level >30 mIU/L. The method was implemented in 2 pediatric patients, showing positive outcomes in terms of absence of hypothyroidism-related complaints, preservation of free thyroid hormone fractions, achievement of adequate target TSH levels, and informative tumor marker indicators. The results of our study underscore the importance of an individualized approach to the management of children with DTC and demonstrate the potential effectiveness of the reduced dose method in maintaining the quality of life of these patients. Further research and clinical observations are necessary for a deeper understanding of the applicability of this method and its impact on longterm outcomes.
Investigation of the mutagenic, cytotoxic and antimicrobial effect of bikaverin mycotoxin
Authors: Beyzi Ebru , Külahcı Meryem Burcu , Çerçi Nebahat Aytuna
Published: April 2024

Bikaverin is a reddish pigment produced by different fungi species (Mycogone jaapii, Verticillium agaricinum, Beauveria bassiana, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, Polyporus sulphureus), mainly of the Fusarium genus. Due to its pigment feature, bikaverin can be used as a dye in various fields in the industry. However, it is extremely important to study the mutagenic/genotoxic effects, cytotoxic effects and antimicrobial properties of bikaverin for application of industrial areas. In the study, the mutagenic, cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects of bikaverin were investigated. The mutagenic effect of bikaverin was studied with the Ames test. Salmonella typhimurium TA97a, TA98, TA100, TA102 and TA1535 strains were used in the test. Five different doses of bikaverin (0.075, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 μg/plate) were tested against strains. It was determined that there was no mutagenic effect of bikaverin. The cytotoxicity of bikaverin was evaluated by MTT test on L929 fibroblast cell line. Bikaverin demonstrated no cytotoxic effect on L929 fibroblast cell line, according to cell viability calculations that showed >73% for all concentrations (1, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.075, 0.05, 0.025, 0.01, 0.005 and 0.001 μg/mL) examined. Bikaverin's IC50 value was determined to be 1.79±0.51 g/mL. The antimicrobial activity of the bikaverin was evaluated by using the microdilution method. Bikaverin was found to have antimicrobial effects on Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans and Candida krusei, as MIC values ranged from 1.25 -5 µg/ mL.
“Nova” Odontologia: técnicas R.H. (minhas iniciais) mágicas de resinas compostas?
Authors: Hirata Ronaldo
Published: April 2024

"Talvez seja uma tendência, amplificada pelo uso das mídias sociais, na busca de destaque pessoal, ou, talvez (e muito provavelmente), eu esteja ficando mais velho e mais impaciente com modismos. Modismos, esses, que sempre existiram, mas, hoje, com nomes mais bonitos e complexos, soam-nos mais importantes. Temos essa síndrome, como diria Nelson Rodrigues, de vira-latas: gostamos de um termo em inglês que agregue valor (Premium, Diamond, Biologic, etc.)"
O custo de um aparelho fotoativador está associado à qualidade de luz?
Authors: Couto Neto Mario Pereira , Pereira Leonardo Duarte Eiras , Dias Ângela Alexandre Meira , Prado Maíra do , Schneider Luis Felipe Jochims
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar se o custo de um aparelho fotoativador está associado à irradiância emitida, se há variabilidade entre equipamentos de mesmo modelo, e se há perda de luz em função da distância entre a ponta do aparelho e a resina a ser ativada. Métodos: Foi realizado um levantamento com objetivo de verificar o custo médio de seis modelos de aparelhos de LED de espectro azul. A irradiância foi determinada de forma direta (0 mm) e a 5 mm de distância até o sensor de um radiômetro digital. Foram avaliadas oito unidades de cada modelo. Os dados de irradiância e da razão 5 mm/0 mm foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey (95%). Para cada modelo analisado, foi determinada a variabilidade nas razões entre as irradiâncias. A correlação de Pearson foi usada para avaliar a relação entre preço e irradiância, preço e razão das irradiâncias, preço e variabilidade da irradiância. Resultados: A irradiância foi dependente do aparelho e da distância avaliada, bem como da interação entre os fatores. Houve correlação positiva e significativa entre preço e irradiância aferida a 0 mm, mas não com a irradiância aferida a 5 mm de distância. A razão entre as irradiâncias foi dependente do aparelho, mas não houve relação com o preço. Houve correlação inversamente proporcional e significativa entre preço e variabilidade da irradiância, quando considerada a avaliação a 0 mm, mas não com os valores obtidos a 5 mm. Conclusão: O custo do aparelho foi associado à irradiância aferida e à variabilidade entre equipamentos analisados a 0 mm. A relação entre custo e qualidade de luz em função da distância do objeto não ocorreu de forma linear.
Anti-aging da beleza vazia
Authors: Rossi Felipe Augusto Rodrigues
Published: April 2024

A explosão da harmonização facial, de tratamentos estéticos e das redes sociais, trouxe um novo horizonte para nós, seres humanos. Um arquétipo estereotipado de belezas artificiais, dentárias ou não, que transcendem a natureza humana. O natural passa longe, como uma invenção simplista do ser mundano, totalmente irreal, distante da realidade criada por Deus. Estamos criando "belezas" parecidas, sem individualidade, quase como uma produção em massa.
Os dez tipos de lesões cervicais em dentes humanos
Authors: Consolaro Alberto
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: Fundamentar o uso clínico e didático do termo "lesões cervicais" em dentes humanos, visto que, na maioria dos textos e aulas, se referem apenas à abfração, abrasão e erosão. Além disso, existem algumas tentativas de abarcar essas três lesões sob o mesmo diagnóstico, chamando-as de "lesões cervicais não cariosas". Critérios e Resultados: Ao consultar a literatura e os livros-textos pertinentes, verificou-se que há outras doenças próprias e específicas do colo do dente, ou região cervical. Pode-se afirmar que existem dez tipos de doenças exclusivas desse local, podendo ser chamadas de cervicopatias dentárias. Conclusão: O mais adequado para a completude do assunto, quando se tratam de lesões cervicais dentárias, é preconizar o diagnóstico específico para cada uma delas, pois isso favorece um tratamento mais adequado, com um prognóstico estético e funcional muito melhor.
Resina compostas que se adaptam a todas as cores dentais: uma realidade?
Authors: Silva André L. Faria e
Published: April 2024

Você já ficou inseguro ao selecionar a cor da resina composta que vai usar? Mudou a marca de resina e ficou confuso com o sistema de cores no novo material? De fato, o processo de seleção de cor pode ser desafiador, pois é afetado por muitos fatores. Na seleção visual da cor — a mais comum na prática clínica —, a iluminação do consultório pode afetar significativamente o resultado estético, por exemplo, de uma faceta de resina: uma faceta que apresentava cor “perfeita” no consultório pode apresentar discrepância cromáticas inaceitáveis sob luz natural (fenômeno chamado de metamerismo). Apesar do efeito da iluminação ser facilmente resolvido por meio de iluminantes adequados compatíveis com a luz natural (ex.: dispositivo Smile Lite), outras variáveis (ex.: experiência do dentista) reduzem a previsibilidade da obtenção de restaurações com cor satisfatória. Para aumentar essa previsibilidade, muitos clínicos têm recorrido a dispositivos de mensuração de cor, como espectrofotômetros clínicos (ex.: VITA EasyShade) ou scanners intrabucais (ex.: 3shape TRIOS4). Mas o custo desses dispositivos pode ser impeditivo para muitos dentistas.
Entrevista com Kumiko Yoshihara
Authors: Yoshihara Kumiko , Matos Adriana Bona , Giannini Marcelo
Published: April 2024

Bacharelado em Odontologia (DDS) pela Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de Okayama, Japão. Residente Clínica no Centro de Treinamento Clínico de Pós-Graduados, Universidade de Okayama, Japão. Estudante de Doutorado no Departamento de Reabilitação Funcional Oclusal e Oral, Escola de Pós-graduação em Medicina, Odontologia e Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de Okayama, Japão. Estudante de Doutorado no laboratório BIOMAT, Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Oral, Universidade de Leuven, Bélgica. Professora Assistente do Centro de Inovações em Medicina Clínica, Universidade de Okayama, Japão. Pesquisadora Sênior do Instituto de Pesquisa em Saúde, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Industrial Avançada (AIST), Japão. Pesquisadora visitante no Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Experimental, Escola de Pós-Graduação em Medicina, Odontologia e Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de Okayama, Japão. Gestora Associada da Divisão de Meio Ambiente e Segurança, Gestão de Bioética e Biossegurança do Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Industrial Avançada (AIST), Japão.
Odontologia brasileira: desafios e oportunidades em busca da excelência
Authors: Aranha Ana Cecilia
Published: April 2024

Recentemente, recebi duas notícias: uma delas é extremamente gratificante e me enche de alegria. Agora, sou a nova colunista da renomada Journal of Clinical Dentistry and Research (JCDR), o que significa que nos encontraremos aqui em cada edição. Escrever uma coluna é uma oportunidade empolgante para expressar opiniões, compartilhar conhecimentos e, até mesmo, iniciar debates sobre temas essenciais. Tenho certeza de que essa será uma excelente chance de compartilhar ideias e perspectivas sobre diversos assuntos relacionados à Odontologia, como seus conceitos fundamentais, suas novas tecnologias, assim como sobre trajetórias profissionais. Espero proporcionar a vocês um conteúdo enriquecedor e envolvente.
Ohlédnutí za konferencí Blaise Pascal 400: Pochybovat, tvrdit, odevzdat se
Authors: Geisler Felix , Brocková Alexandra , Novák Aleš
Published: April 2024

Conference report
A step-by-step guide on how NOT to get published in a high impact educational technology journal
Authors: Lodge Jason , Corrin Linda , Huijser Henk , Han Feifei
Published: April 2024

Many elements come together to make for a good, publishable manuscript in a high-impact educational technology journal. There are also some fatal errors and omissions that will doom a paper to be immediately declined. In this editorial, we focus on the latter. Checking the aims and scope of a journal is a simple step to ensure that the publication of an article is not delayed and time is not wasted. Unfortunately, it seems this step is neglected by many aspiring authors. Beyond a misalignment with the aims and scope of the journal, we will discuss some of the other main reasons why manuscripts have recently been declined by AJET. We hope that this editorial will assist authors to ensure that they do not make the same mistakes.
Fractionating microplastics by density gradient centrifugation: a novel approach using LuerLock syringes in a low-cost density gradient maker
Authors: Majcen Alina , Gohla Jan , Steinhoff Anna S. , Meißner Lena , Tassoti Sebastian , Spitzer Philipp
Published: April 2024

Microplastics are now ubiquitous in the environment and are even considered “technofossils” of the Anthropocene. Given their omnipresence and potential impact, identifying and analyzing these particles becomes increasingly crucial. Novel approaches suggest density gradient centrifugation for simultaneous extraction and fractionation of microplastic particles based on their plastic-specific densities. In this article we describe a cheap and harmless experimental setting to fractionate microplastic particles by density gradient centrifugation. An innovative low-cost Do-It-Yourself (DIY) gradient maker using Luer-Lock syringes is presented. With this gradient maker it is possible to produce density gradients with water and sucrose solutions, covering a density range of 1.00–1.32 g/cm3, as well as with water and saturated potassium carbonate solutions, covering a density range of 1.06–1.53 g/cm3. The separation performance was tested with the most broadly used plastics polyamide, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinylchloride. Both density gradients show centrifugation stability and clear banding patterns after centrifugation. Due to its cheap and easy-to-build-easy-to-use nature, this experimental setting for microplastic fractionation by density gradient centrifugation offers an approach for schools not only to address the microplastic problems, but also to integrate new methods of microplastic analysis in upper secondary school laboratories.
EU Contract Case Law, July–December 2023
Authors: Esposito Fabrizio , Almeida Lucila de , Paulesu Carolina
Published: April 2024

This article provides an overview of the most relevant cases decided by the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning contract law. The present issue covers the period between the beginning of July 2023 and the end of December 2023. Out of a total of 220 judgments decided in this period, 57 had a contract law dimension.
Towards the Use of Social Robot Furhat and Generative AI in Testing Cognitive Abilities
Authors: Sabo Róbert , Beňuš Štefan , Kevická Viktória , Trnka Marian , Rusko Milan , Darjaa Sakhia , Kejriwal Jay
Published: April 2024

Spoken communication between social robotic devices, powered by generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, and the senior population offers great potential for researching social interaction and robot identity perceptions as well as exploring the potential opportunities and challenges when implementing this human-machine interactions in real life situations and health care. In this paper we explore people’s perceptions of the social robot Furhat when administering verbal tasks similar to those used in screening for Alzheimer’s disease. We describe the Slovak system mounted on the robot that includes a speech recognizer, the scenarios powered by generative large language model ChatGPT, and a speech synthesizer. We tested the functionality of the proposed approach with two groups of participants: attendees of a large science fair and a scientific conference. The observations from 87 collected questionnaires suggest good potential and applicability of such an approach for the given task and more positive attitudes of older subjects compared to younger ones.
Beyond Factories and Laboratories: Reflecting the Relationships Between Archivists and Historians
Authors: Yu Andrew
Published: April 2024

In her influential article published in 2016, Alexandra Walsham, Professor of Modern History at the University of Cambridge, coined the metaphor that ‘Archives are the factories and laboratories of the historian’. Traditionally viewed as neutral storehouses of official records passively awaiting historians’ scrutiny, conceptions of archives have expanded in recent decades. Archives are now understood as complex social and cultural entities that actively participate in shaping understandings of the past. This paper examines shifting perspectives on the nature and functions of archives through a critical analysis of key debates. Specifically, this paper adopts a hermeneutic lens to critically engage Walsham’s metaphor and move beyond its potential limitations through situated analysis and interpretation. This paper explores how archives are actively implicated in knowledge construction through their contents, organisational frameworks, and interactions with historians. Recognising archives as fragmented, culturally contingent remnants that mediate engagement with the past, the paper calls for collaborative, reflective approaches between archivists and historians. The paper also acknowledges historians’ subjective interpretive roles while advocating consultation of archivists’ contextual expertise. Ultimately, it advances methodological discussions on writing history through a nuanced appreciation of archives as dynamic mediators within historical research, not transparent conduits neutrally supplying facts.
Introduction to special issue: languages in modern day Puerto Rico
Authors: Morales Lugo Katherine , Carroll Kevin S. , Campos Simón D.
Published: April 2024

This introduction to our special issue surveys some of the current work undertaken by scholars on the island of Puerto Rico and abroad that document the language forms, uses, and ideologies of language in the U.S. territory. We provide the “total linguistic fact” (Silverstein 1985) of what it means to speak English and Spanish in Puerto Rico, Census projections of language use, self-reported data and actual documented work on the form and social uses of languages. We provide the sociohistorical context of the history of both Spanish and English on the Island, language policies across time, and how these have played out and been contested in real time. Setting the scene for our special issue, we ask our readers to think critically on the status of contact languages in globalized times, ideological shifts of language practices, and the intimate ties between language and identity.
Migration Policy – An Oxymoron or a Management Project?
Authors: Brunsson Karin
Published: April 2024

Arguably, standardization is a key concept in contemporary global society. Not only has standardization facilitated worldwide trade of goods and services, but it has also made people amenable to similar work situations and to the production and consumption of similar products and similar information across countries. Harsh regional and national migration policies negate these effects of globalization and reflect instead a – unrealistic – managerial ideal of order. It is suggested that legislators who seek to transform states into nation states mistake states for organizations. They take an instrumental approach to citizens and migrants and see the declaration of human rights as an insignificant mission statement.
Estimation in shape mixtures of skew-normal linear regression models via ECM coupled with Gibbs sampling
Authors: Alizadeh Ghajari Zakaria , Zare Karim , Shokri Soheil
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study linear regression models in which the error term has shape mixtures of skew-normal distribution.
This type of distribution belongs to the skew-normal (SN) distribution class that can be used for heavy tails and asymmetry data.
For the first time, for the classical (non-Bayesian) estimation of the parameters of the SN family, we apply the Markov chains Monte Carlo ECM (MCMC-ECM) algorithm where the samples are generated by Gibbs sampling, denoted by Gibbs-ECM, and also, we extend two other types of the EM algorithm for the above model.
Finally, the proposed method is evaluated through a simulation and compared with the Numerical Math-ECM algorithm and Monte Carlo ECM (MC-ECM) using a real data set.
The crystal structure of tetrakis(μ
2-(1H-benzimidazole-2-methoxo-κ2
N,O:O:O)-(n-butanol-κO)-chlorido)-tetranickel(II), C48H68Cl4N8O8Ni4
Authors: Wang Yanfei , He Xiujuan , Mao Qian , Ji Jinlan
Published: April 2024

C48H68Cl4N8O8Ni4, tetragonal, I41/a (no. 88), a = 16.9137(5) Å, c = 19.5028(13) Å, V = 5579.2(5) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0391, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1221, T = 293 K.