bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UCP2 45-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and obesity phenotype in the Lebanese population: a preliminary study
Authors: Masri Baraa , Matar Alaa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Obesity is a significant health concern in Lebanon, contributing to various chronic diseases. Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2) plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, and genetic polymorphisms in the UCP2 gene, such as the 45-bp insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism, may influence susceptibility to obesity. This study aims to assess the association between the UCP2 45-bp I/D polymorphism and obesity in a sample of the North Lebanese population. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of 123 subjects that were categorized into "non-obese" and "obese" groups, with further stratified analysis based on age and physical activity levels. UCP2 45-bp I/D variants were screened using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results
The genotype frequencies of the UCP2 45-bp I/D polymorphism were as follows: D/D (46.3%), I/D (46.3%), and I/I (7.4%), with a minor allele frequency of 0.30. Statistical analyses, including Chi-squared tests and logistic regression, were conducted to explore the association between the UCP2 polymorphism and obesity. After adjusting for body mass index confounders and stratifying by physical activity and age, no significant differences were found in genotypic distributions: Stratum 1 (S1: irregular exercise, age < 40, P = 0.157), Stratum 2 (S2: irregular exercise, age ≥ 40, P = 0.192), and Stratum 3 (S3: regular exercise, age < 40, P = 0.160). Additionally, there were no significant differences in allelic distributions across these strata (S1: P = 0.514; S2: P = 0.869; S3: P = 0.681). Gender was also not associated with the UCP2 45-bp I/D polymorphism.

Conclusions
This study found no significant association between the UCP2 45-bp I/D polymorphism and obesity in the North Lebanese population, suggesting that this genetic variation may not play a major role in obesity risk. These results underscore the need for larger, region-wide studies to better assess the genetic contribution of UCP2 to obesity in Lebanon.
Geometrically constrained localized configurations engendering nontopological profile
Authors: Bazeia D. , Bezerra Isaiane , Menezes R. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This work deals with two real scalar fields in two-dimensional spacetime, with the fields coupled to allow the study of localized configurations. We consider models constructed to engender geometric constrictions, and use them to investigate solutions of the lump type, which attain no topological properties. We show how to modify the internal structure of the field configurations and the corresponding energy densities in several distinct ways, making them thinner, thicker and also, in the form of a multi-lump solution composed of two or more lumps or asymmetrically distributed around their associated centers. The results appear to be of current interest in high-energy physics and may, in particular, be used to study bright solitons in optical fibers and in Bose-Einstein condensates.
The Benefit of Uncertainty Coupling in Robust and Adaptive Robust Optimization
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Na Liangyuan , Stellato Bartolomeo , Wang Irina 
Published: December 2024

Despite the modeling power for problems under uncertainty, robust optimization (RO) and adaptive RO (ARO) can exhibit too conservative solutions in terms of objective value degradation compared with the nominal case. One of the main reasons behind this conservatism is that, in many practical applications, uncertain constraints are directly designed as constraint-wise without taking into account couplings over multiple constraints. In this paper, we define a coupled uncertainty set as the intersection between a constraint-wise uncertainty set and a coupling set. We study the benefit of coupling in alleviating conservatism in RO and ARO. We provide theoretical tight and computable upper and lower bounds on the objective value improvement of RO and ARO problems under coupled uncertainty over constraint-wise uncertainty. In addition, we relate the power of adaptability over static solutions with the coupling of uncertainty set. Computational results demonstrate the benefit of coupling in applications. Funding: I. Wang was supported by the NSF CAREER Award [ECCS 2239771] and Wallace Memorial Honorific Fellowship from Princeton University. B. Stellato was supported by the NSF CAREER Award [ECCS 2239771].
Management of Persistently Symptomatic Teeth in Primary Root Canal Treatment: Advice on Maximizing Successful Outcomes
Authors: Shykhon Menna , Green David , Lumley Philip 
Published: December 2024

The aim of root canal treatment is chemo-mechanical debridement of the root canal system to promote healing. Root canal treatment is a predictable modality in the treatment of apical periodontitis; however, there are situations during primary root canal treatment where signs and symptoms persist despite repeated chemo-mechanical disinfection. This article highlights such situations and offers practical solutions on how to minimize them. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Understanding the possible causes of a persistently symptomatic tooth during treatment may allow for appropriate management.
Navigating the Digital Frontier: Transforming Endodontic Diagnosis through Digitization. Part 2
Authors: D'Souza Janina Loren , Mala Kundabala , Grover Srishti , Singh Ankita 
Published: December 2024

The field of endodontics looks at the future with continual advances in technology and armamentariums for objective diagnostic methods to evaluate pulpal and peri-apical status. Research towards advances in digital technology, especially in imaging techniques and diagnostic tools, which strive to elevate the standard of care is the need of the hour. This review article discusses the technologies that require further research and their transformative potential in endodontic diagnosis. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Advances in diagnostic tools have improved accuracy in identifying and treating dental pathologies, thereby achieving more predictable outcomes and enhancing patient care.
Mandibular Advancement Splints, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Occlusal Derangement: A Case Report
Authors: Quinn Brian M , McCracken Giles 
Published: December 2024

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a sleep-related respiratory condition. It can present to dentists through obtaining a patient's medical history. If left untreated, it is associated with several serious morbidities. Mandibular advancement splints can be used as a treatment modality; however, if fabricated incorrectly, detrimental occlusal effects can occur. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Awareness of occlusal changes that can occur with the use of partial coverage designs of mandibular advancement splints is of value.
Grey Areas in Restorative Dentistry: Part 2. The Diagnosis: Dental Pain
Authors: Caplin Robert L 
Published: December 2024

In order to help those who seek our care with a problem, whether real or perceived, overt or covert, it is essential to make a diagnosis. Arriving at a diagnosis involves multiple steps, including taking a dental/medical history, performing a physical examination, undertaking diagnostic tests, and then examining the data to come to the best explanation for the situation presented. Only after this process can the options for management be properly considered CPD/Clinical Relevance: Pain management is an essential part of dental practice and requires an accurate diagnosis.
The relationship between self-determination and burnout: Mental health outcomes in medical residents
Authors: Mobarak Hassan , Haddad Chadia , Salameh Pascale , Towair Evelyne , El Khoury-Malhame Myriam , Chatila Rajaa 
Published: December 2024

Background
Burnout is a pervasively increasing threat to personal and professional wellbeing and performance. It is yet understudied in relation to basic psychological needs (BPN), especially in at-risk population such as medical residents. This study intends to explore the differential relationship between various aspects of burnout including depersonalization (DP), emotional exhaustion (EE) and lack of personal achievement (PA) and subsets of BPN satisfaction or frustration namely autonomy, relatedness, and competence, with the framework of the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in healthcare.

Materials
A total of 110 medical residents in various Lebanese hospitals were included. Demographics and standardized scales were used to measure basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration (BPNSFS), burnout (MBI), depression and anxiety (PHQ-4). Residents were also asked about subjective evaluation of academic training and level of impact by ongoing crises (COVID-19 pandemic, Beirut port explosion and financial breakdown).

Results
Result point to alarming prevalence of burnout and mental distress in our sample. It also indicates a differential correlation between gender, financial security and various subsets of burnout. It lastly points to association of DP with overall satisfaction scale (Beta = 0.342, p = 0.001) and PHQ-4 scores (Beta = -0.234, p = 0.017), while feeling burdened to attend lectures and having been physically affected by the Beirut blast correlated with a sense of PA (Beta = 0.332, p = 0.010, Beta = 0.187, p = 0.041 respectively) and PHQ-4 (Beta = 0.341, p = 0.000), interacting with COVID-19 patients (Beta = 0.168, p = 0.020) and feeling protected in the working environment (Beta = -.231, p = 0.002) showed a significant association with EE.

Discussion
Within the SDT framework, this study highlights the complex interplay between collective crises, subjective evaluations or work conditions and other demographics with aspects of burnout in medical residents. It mostly points to the need address this at an individual but also an institutional level to buffer distress in future healthcare providers.
Putting situational affordances in an intervention context: How the interaction between personality and intervention situations can help us explain differential intervention responses
Authors: Mertens Esther C. A. , Thielmann Isabel , Nocentini Annalaura , Siezenga Aniek M. , van Gelder Jean-Louis 
Published: December 2024

We propose a framework in which interventions are described as situations affording the expression of certain personality traits to provide a systematic understanding of differential intervention response by personality traits. The goal of the present paper is twofold: 1) elaborate on the proposed framework, and 2) provide an initial test of this framework. We empirically tested this framework using data from a Randomized Controlled Trial (N = 176) that examined a smartphone-based intervention aimed at increasing future-oriented thinking and behavior, and assessed HEXACO personality traits. The results showed that more introverted and agreeable individuals profited most from the intervention. Although these results were not in line with our a priori predictions, they could be explained using the proposed situational affordances framework. This shows the potential of this framework in an intervention context, though more research and tests using different interventions are needed.
Trial registration: The trial is registered in the Netherlands Trial Register number NL9671. Additionally, the hypotheses and analysis plan of the present study were pre-registered (AsPredicted #94684; https://aspredicted.org/95F_CDR).
Cystoid macular edema prophylaxis in cataract surgery: A protocol for network meta-analysis
Authors: Nanji Keean , Staibano Phillip , McKechnie Tyler , Zoratti Michael , Chaudhary Varun 
Published: December 2024

Objective
Cataracts are the leading cause of global preventable and treatable blindness. Cystoid macular edema (CME) is among the most common complications following cataract surgery. The development of CME impacts patients’ quality of life and has economic implications for patients and healthcare systems. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the evidence from randomized controlled trials evaluating patients receiving prophylactic treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid medications to determine the comparative effectiveness of each specific regimen on retinal thickness, visual acuity, the development of CME, patient quality of life, intraocular pressure and adverse events following uncomplicated, age-related cataract surgery performed by phacoemulsification.

Methods
A systematic review and random effects Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) will be performed and will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) extension statement for NMA. A comprehensive electronic search will be performed of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases, as well as of the ClinicalTrials.gov and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registries. Data will be collected and synthesized for seven pre-specified outcomes at 6 weeks and 3 months following surgery: i) change in central retinal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), ii) best-recorded visual acuity iii) the rate of CME measured by OCT, and fluorescein angiography (FA) iv) the rate of patients experiencing clinically significant macular edema defined as the presence of CME and pre-specified thresholds for decreased visual acuity, v) patient quality of life, vi) intraocular pressure and vii) the number of patients experiencing one or more pre-specified adverse events. The certainty of evidence for each outcome will be assessed using GRADE NMA guidelines.

Discussion
The results of this NMA will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for this critical question with significant clinical equipoise.

Trial registration
Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42024531150.
Targeted metabolomics investigation of metabolic markers of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the cerebrospinal fluid of paediatric patients with tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Samuel Victory , Solomons Regan , Mason Shayne 
Published: December 2024

Objective
To investigate metabolic markers linked to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a South African cohort of paediatric tuberculous meningitis (TBM).

Methods
Targeted proton magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy and two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS) metabolomics approaches were used to evaluate M. tb-linked metabolites in the CSF of 21 definite cases of TBM and 25 control cases. Uni- and multivariate statistical analyses were performed.

Results
Four statistically significant metabolites were identified to discriminate TBM cases from controls. Mannose and arabinose were found at lower concentrations in the TBM group. Nonanoic acid and propanoic acid were found in higher concentrations in the definite TBM group.

Conclusions
We identified the novel presence of nonanoic acid for the first time as a M. tb-linked marker in the CSF of cases of TBM, possibly as a degradation product of the M. tb cell wall. Propanoic acid can be related to perturbed brain neuro-energetics and neuro-inflammation in TBM cases and is likely a host-response metabolite. Mannose and arabinose–supposed surrogates for lipoarabinomannan, a component of the M. tb cell wall–were not reliable markers for M. tb. Further research should focus on the analysis of fatty acids in the CSF of patients with TBM.
Community Health Worker Optimization of Antihypertensive Care in HIV (COACH): Study protocol for a pilot trial of an intervention to improve hypertension care among Tanzanians with HIV
Authors: Min Htike Wai Yan , Manavalan Preeti , Wanda Lisa , Haukila Kelvin , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Sakita Francis M. , Zebedayo Rennyda , Gwasma Francis , Jafar Tazeen , Bosworth Hayden B. , Thielman Nathan M. , Hertz Julian T. 
Published: December 2024

Objective
This study will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the COACH (Community Health Worker Optimization of Antihypertensive Care in HIV) intervention, which integrates hypertension management into existing HIV care for people living with HIV (PLWH) in Tanzania.

Methods
The study will be conducted at two HIV Care and Treatment Centers (CTCs) in Tanzania. In a single-arm pre-post feasibility trial, 100 PLWH with hypertension will be enrolled and will receive the six-month intervention. The COACH intervention includes six monthly hypertension educational sessions delivered by community health workers (CHWs) and integrated within HIV CTC visits, monthly blood pressure monitoring, follow up care coordination, fully subsidized antihypertensive medications, a standardized antihypertensive treatment algorithm, and training for providers. The intervention’s implementation outcomes will be evaluated using the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, and the primary study outcome (reach of the intervention) will be the proportion of all scheduled intervention sessions attended by participants, a measure of feasibility. Secondary clinical effectiveness outcomes will include adherence to antihypertensive medication, blood pressure control, body mass index, cardiovascular risk, and hypertension knowledge.

Significance
The COACH intervention has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management among PLWH in Tanzania by leveraging the existing HIV care infrastructure and CHWs. This study will provide crucial insights into the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the intervention in integrating hypertension care into HIV services, informing larger-scale implementation and policy changes in Tanzania and other resource-limitted settings.

Trial registration
Clinical trials.gov Identifer: NCT06503991.
Entre el peronismo histórico y Montoneros:
Authors: Tocho Fernanda 
Published: December 2024

En el presente trabajo, desde un enfoque centrado en las trayectorias políticas o carreras militantes, nos proponemos analizar el derrotero de Oscar Bidegain -reconocido dirigente del peronismo histórico que gobernó la provincia de Buenos Aires entre mayo de 1973 y enero de 1974- y su vinculación con la organización armada Montoneros en los años setenta y en la recuperación democrática. Más precisamente, se indaga en su trayectoria posterior a la gestión bonaerense -mucho menos estudiada- que incluye el paso y la integración por diferentes espacios de sociabilidad y redes políticas vinculadas a la Tendencia Revolucionaria del peronismo, y más directamente a Montoneros: desde su participación en la cúpula del Partido Peronista Auténtico y el Movimiento Peronista Auténtico en el año 1975, a su incorporación, durante el exilio, como uno de los máximos dirigentes de la rama política del Movimiento Peronista Montonero en 1977; y su continuidad en la posdictadura, apoyando espacios como Intransigencia y Movilización Peronista en la transición electoral e integrando la Mesa Nacional del Peronismo Revolucionario en el año 1985, ya en el marco de su detención carcelaria durante los años del alfonsinismo y la hegemonía de la teoría de los dos demonios. De modo más general, el trabajo se inscribe en la línea de estudios que en los últimos años han examinado las múltiples formas de la política en los años setenta, poniendo el foco en la participación institucional, las apuestas políticas legales y los proyectos de gobierno de la izquierda peronista, que acompañaron y/o tensionaron la reconocida estrategia armada.
Correction of hypoxic effects on target organs in pneumonia with phytotherapy
Authors: Philippova Alla , Aringazina Raisa , Lozano Roberto , Tikhonova Yuliya 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the combination of stellasterin, quercetin, and kaempferol – components of the phytopreparation ginseng (trade name Panax) – in the treatment of tissue hypoxia occurring in patients with viral and bacterial pneumoni.

Methods
An analytical single-center method of network pharmacology was utilized, involving 110 individuals divided into two subgroups: placebo and Panax phytopreparation. The therapy course lasted 2 months, after which physical (forced vital capacity, respiratory volume, oxygen saturation) and laboratory (total ATPase, Na+/K+-ATPase, glucose, leukocytes) parameters were evaluated.

Results
The administration of kaempferol, stellasterin, and quercetin increased the activity of total ATPase compared to baseline measurements in pneumonia patients with respiratory insufficiency, as well as compared to the placebo group. Thus, phytopreparations capable of controlling or limiting inflammatory reactions in various types of pneumonia and accompanying hypoxia represent promising adjunctive therapy.

Conclusions
Given the increasing incidence of viral and bacterial pneumonia, there is a growing need to develop new treatment strategies for patients and improve hypoxia outcomes.
Brittle failure analysis and modeling of high-burnup PWR fuel cladding alloys
Authors: Simbruner Kai , Billone Michael C. , Zencker Uwe , Liu Yung Y. , Völzke Holger 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The aim of this research is the development of methods for predicting mechanical behavior and identification of limiting conditions to prevent brittle failure of high-burnup (HBU) pressure water reactor (PWR) fuel cladding alloys. A finite element (FE) model of the ring compression test (RCT) was created to analyze the failure behavior of zirconium-based alloys with radial hydrides during the RCT. An elastic-plastic material model describes the zirconium alloy. The stress-strain curve needed for the elastic-plastic material model was derived by inverse finite element analyses. Cohesive zone modeling is used to reproduce sudden load drops during RCT loading. Based on the failure mechanism in non-irradiated ZIRLO® claddings, a micro-mechanical model was developed that distinguishes between brittle failure along hydrides and ductile failure of the zirconium matrix. Two different cohesive laws representing these types of failure are present in the same cohesive interface. The key differences between these constitutive laws are the cohesive strength, the stress at which damage initiates, and the cohesive energy, which is the damage energy dissipated by the cohesive zone. Statistically generated matrix-hydride distributions were mapped onto the cohesive elements and simulations with focus on the first load drop were performed. Computational results are in good agreement with the RCT results conducted on high-burnup M5® samples. It could be shown that crack initiation and propagation strongly depend on the specific configuration of hydrides and matrix material in the fracture area.