bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A synbiotic mixture for the management of infantile colic: A randomized trial
Authors: Delcourt Hanne , Huysentruyt Koen , Vandenplas Yvan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Infant colic is defined as a recurrent and prolonged period of fussing, crying and/or irritability that cannot be prevented or resolved by caregivers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a synbiotic (Bactecal D Liquid) in infants consulting a primary health care professional for inconsolable crying. A randomized trial was conducted in 68 infants diagnosed by the consulted primary health care professional as “probably suffering from infant colic”. Patients were randomized into two groups and given the synbiotic once (group 1) or twice (group 2) a day for 28 days. Quality of life (QoL) of the caregivers, evaluated with a Likert scale, was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the total number of crying episodes, total crying time, gassiness and “balling of the fists”. The median (Q1;Q3) QoL scores were significantly (p < 0.001) higher on day 28 than at baseline: 6 (5;7) vs 2 (1;3). At baseline, there was no significant difference (p = 0.527) in QoL between both groups. The improvement in QoL was already significant after one week of intervention for both groups. The median number of crying episodes, overall crying time, gassiness and “balling of fists” were significantly lower on day 28 compared to baseline (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The synbiotic tested was shown to be efficacious in the management of infant colic. A significant improvement was observed after 7 days of intervention, which is much earlier than the expected decrease related to the natural evolution of infant colic.

What is Known:• Some probiotic strains are reported to be effective in the management of infants presenting with colic, if breastfed.

What is New:• The synbiotic studied improved quality of life of caregivers of infants presenting infant colic.
• Two doses of the synbiotic were not more effective than one dose.
• The improved occurred within one week.
• The improvement was independent of feeding (breastfeeding, formula feeding or mixed feeding).
Comparing standard- and low-dose CBCT in diagnosis and treatment decisions for impacted mandibular third molars: a non-inferiority randomised clinical study
Authors: Hung Kuo Feng , Yeung Andy Wai Kan , Wong May Chun Mei , Bornstein Michael M. , Leung Yiu Yan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Objective
This randomised clinical study aimed to assess the influence of low-dose cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) on the visibility of the mandibular canal (MC) and its proximity to mandibular third molars (M3Ms) as assessed by general dental practitioners (GPs) and oral-maxillofacial surgeons (OMFSs), as well as its impact on their clinical decisions, when compared to standard-dose CBCT.

Methods
154 impacted M3Ms from 90 patients were randomly assigned to three groups for two CBCT exposures using one standard-dose (333 mGy×cm2) and one of the three investigated low-dose (78–131 mGy×cm2) protocols. Blinded assessments of the MC visibility, M3M-MC proximity, surgical approach, crown/root sectioning, and referral decisions, were made by GPs and OMFSs on the images separately. Pairwise comparisons for MC visibility between paired scans were evaluated using Wilcoxon signed rank test, followed by a non-inferiority test with non-inferiority margin of 0.5 on a four-point scale. Differences in other variables between paired scans were evaluated using Wilcoxon signed-rank or McNemar tests.

Results
The majority (78.5–99.3%) of MCs were clearly identified on standard-dose CBCT by all observers. Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences between paired scans only in MC visibility but not in the M3M-MC proximity or treatment decisions. The mean differences in MC visibility between paired scans ranged 0-0.22 with the upper bounds of the 95% confidence intervals (0.09–0.36) falling within the non-inferiority region.

Conclusions
The investigated low-dose CBCT protocols could provide acceptable image quality for the evaluation of impacted M3Ms in most cases. When compared to standard-dose CBCT, these low-dose CBCT images did not significantly affect the assessments of the M3M-MC proximity, treatment strategies, and patient management decisions made by GPs and OMFSs.

Clinical relevance
The low-dose protocols might be clinically acceptable for M3M management while greatly reducing radiation exposure.
Transitive reasoning in the adult domestic hen in a six-term series task
Authors: Degrande R. , Amichaud O. , Piégu B. , Cornilleau F. , Jardat P. , Ferreira V. H.B. , Colson V. , Lansade L. , Calandreau L. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Transitive inference (TI) is a disjunctive syllogism that allows an individual to indirectly infer a relationship between two components, by knowing their respective relationship to a third component (if A > B and B > C, then A > C). The common procedure is the 5-term series task, in which individuals are tested on indirect, unlearned relations. Few bird species have been tested for TI to date, which limits our knowledge of the phylogenetic spread of such reasoning ability. Here we tested TI in adult laying hens using a more solid methodology, the 6-term series task, which has not been tested in poultry so far. Six hens were trained to learn direct relationships in a sequence of six arbitrary items (A > B > C > D > E > F) in a hybrid training procedure. Then, 12 testing sessions were run, comprising 3 non-rewarded inference trials each: BD, BE, and CE. All subjects showed TI within 12 inference trials and were capable of TI whatever the relative distance between the items in the series. We found that TI performance was not impacted by the reinforcement ratios of the items for most individuals, making it harder to support a purely associative-based resolution of the task. We suggest that TI is based on the same cognitive processes in poultry (Galloanserae) than in modern flying birds (Neoaves), and that the cognitive strategy to solve the task might be driven mainly by individual parameters within species. These results contribute to a better understanding of transitive inference processes in birds.
Evaluation of biofloc system effects on water quality, growth, innate immunity, physiological status, and immune- and growth-related gene expressions in early growth stages of thin-lipped mullet (Liza ramada)
Authors: Zaki Fatma M. , Said Mohamed M. , Amer M. A. , Khalil Riad H. , Dighiesh Hagar Sedeek 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A 90-day experiment was carried out to study the influence of biofloc system on water quality, growth, feed utilization, survivability, bacteria in fish gut, and physiological and immunological responses of thin-lipped mullet (Liza ramada). Two treatments, clear water (CW) and biofloc (BFS), were each designed in triplicates. Both treatments were stocked with Liza ramada (mean weight of 1.18 ± 0.02 g). BFS group showed the highest final body weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, and specific growth rate, the lowest feed conversion ratio, and the highest protein efficiency ratio and survivability. The proximate analysis of biofloc samples showed that percent crude protein and lipid were 26.17 and 7.75% respectively with the presence of essential minerals required for fish growth. The total body chemical composition of fish demonstrated improved crude protein and fat in Liza ramada stocked in BFS compared to CW. The highest total bacterial count and Bacillus number were recorded in the intestine of fish kept under BFS. Protease, lipase, and amylase levels significantly increased in fish stocked in BFS. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in fish kept under BFS treatment, while cortisol, alanine aminotransferase, and serum aspartate aminotransferase showed the lowest activity. Significantly high serum total protein, serum albumin, serum globulin, phagocytic activity, lysozymes, respiratory burst activity, and immunoglobulin M were observed in fish raised in BFS compared to CW. The intestinal histomorphometry examination showed a significantly high villi length and width, crypt depth, high number of intraepithelial lymphocytes, and goblet cells in BFS group. BFS resulted in a significantly up-regulation of the immune genes in the liver (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-10) and the growth-related genes in the liver (IGF-1 and GH) compared to CW treatment. These results revealed that applying biofloc system in the rearing of Liza ramada resulted in many advantages including growth improvement, high survivability, enhanced activity of digestive enzymes, antioxidant system, immunological response, gut health, and decreased stress enzymes.
Analysis of Lung Cancer Incidence in Non-Hispanic Black and White Americans using a Multistage Carcinogenesis Model
Authors: Skolnick Sarah , Cao Pianpian , Jeon Jihyoun , Park S. Lani , Stram Daniel O. , Le Marchand Loïc , Meza Rafael 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose
There are complex and paradoxical patterns in lung cancer incidence by race/ethnicity and gender; compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) males, non-Hispanic Black (NHB) males smoke fewer cigarettes per day and less frequently but have higher lung cancer rates. Similarly, NHB females are less likely to smoke but have comparable lung cancer rates to NHW females. We use a multistage carcinogenesis model to study the impact of smoking on lung cancer incidence in NHB and NHW individuals in the Multiethnic Cohort Study (MEC).

Methods
The effects of smoking on the rates of lung tumor initiation, promotion, and malignant conversion, and the incidence of lung cancer in NHB versus NHW adults in the MEC were analyzed using the Two-Stage Clonal Expansion (TSCE) model. Maximum likelihood methods were used to estimate model parameters and assess differences by race/ethnicity, gender, and smoking history.

Results
Smoking increased promotion and malignant conversion but did not affect tumor initiation. Non-smoking-related initiation, promotion, and malignant conversion and smoking-related promotion and malignant conversion differed by race/ethnicity and gender. Non-smoking-related initiation and malignant conversion were higher in NHB than NHW individuals, whereas promotion was lower in NHB individuals.

Conclusion
Findings suggest that while smoking plays an important role in lung cancer risk, background risk not dependent on smoking also plays a significant and under-recognized role in explaining race/ethnicity differences. Ultimately, the resulting TSCE model will inform race/ethnicity-specific lung cancer natural history models to assess the impact of preventive interventions on US lung cancer outcomes and disparities by race/ethnicity.
Dressing vs. Fixing: On How to Extract and Interpret Gauge-Invariant Content
Authors: Berghofer P. , François J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThere is solid consensus among physicists and philosophers that, in gauge field theory, for a quantity to be physically meaningful or real, it must be gauge-invariant. Yet, every “elementary” field in the Standard Model of particle physics is actually gauge-variant. This has led a number of researchers to insist that new manifestly gauge-invariant approaches must be established. Indeed, in the foundational literature, dissatisfaction with standard methods for reducing gauge symmetries has been expressed: Spontaneous symmetry breaking is deemed conceptually dubious, while gauge fixing suffers the same limitations and is subject to the same criticisms as coordinate choices in General Relativity. An alternative gauge-invariant proposal was recently introduced in the literature, the so-called “dressing field method” (DFM). It is a mathematically subtle tool, and unfortunately prone to be confused with simple gauge transformations, hence with standard gauge fixings. As a matter of fact, in the physics literature the two are often conflated, and in the philosophy community some doubts have been raised about whether there is any substantial difference between them. Clarifying this issue is of special significance for anyone interested in both the foundational issues of gauge theories and their invariant formulation. It is thus our objective to establish as precisely as possible the technical and conceptual distinctions between the DFM and gauge fixing.
Objective Air Pollution and the Subjective Well-being of Chinese Residents
Authors: Li Linfei , Ning Jiachen , Khan Sufyan Ullah 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this study, we constructed a new database to investigate the complex relationship between hazy weather, heightened air pollution concerns due to elevated PM 2.5 levels, and residents’ well-being in China. Our study concludes that the results of the baseline regression showing that PM2.5 significantly increases the well-being of the population is at odds with common sense, which is attributed to potential endogeneity issues, including reverse causation and omitted variables. For this purpose, first, we used the instrumental variables method to exclude the endogeneity problem and obtained a causal relation between objective air pollution and well-being, that is, objective air pollution significantly and negatively affects residents’ well-being. Second, we also considered the effect of individual differences and verified the mechanistic pathways by which objective air pollution affects well-being through residents’ subjective air pollution. Specifically, we found that in the air quality evaluation process, “pessimistic” residents have a lower level of well-being, and “optimistic” residents have a higher level of well-being. Finally, we verified that the level of household income can weaken the negative impact of objective air pollution on residents’ well-being and has a positive moderating effect. By integrating macro and micro-level data through innovative technology, our research provides policy recommendations for effective pollution management and improved overall well-being in China.
Heterogeneous Electoral Constituencies Against Legislative Gridlock
Authors: Bloks Suzanne A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLegislative gridlocks, driven by social partisan sorting, pose a significant threat to contemporary democracies. In this paper, I argue that this problem can be addressed by replacing geographic electoral constituencies, which group voters by area of residence, with heterogeneous electoral constituencies, which are based on random assignment and thus reflect the diversity of the entire electorate. I show that geographic electoral constituencies are likely to crystallise cleavages that reinforce geographic divisions, whereas heterogeneous electoral constituencies are likely to dilute deep social divisions. I argue that heterogeneous constituencies have this effect not because they suppress intergroup difference, as is commonly held, but rather because they encourage political parties to express cross-cutting social identities. The politicisation of cross-cutting social cleavages prevents social partisan sorting and moderates political conflict. Heterogeneous electoral constituencies should therefore be considered as part of an expressive institutional response to the democratic threat of legislative gridlock.
First report of Hexametra angusticaecoides Chabaud & Brygoo, 1960 (Nematoda: Ascarididae) in a population of captive central bearded dragons, Pogona vitticeps Ahl (Squamata: Agamidae)
Authors: Hernández-Hurtado Laura , Gomes Jacinto , Pereira Luisa , Vila-Viçosa Maria João , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Carlos 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Between 2022 and 2023 ascaridoid nematodes of the genus Hexametra were recovered from two captive central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps Ahl) in the Extremadura region of Spain. These nematodes were identified by an integrative approach combining morpho-anatomical and molecular data. We used two rRNA regions (D2–D3 expansion segments of the 28S, and ITS fragments), and the partial region of the cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI mtDNA) sequences. Hexametra angusticaecoides Chabaud & Brygoo, 1960 (Ascarididae) was morphologically characterized and illustrated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic trees for these genetic markers established relationships that highlight the importance of using molecular and phylogenetic data for accurate species identification within the genus Hexametra. Phylogenetic trees indicated that the Spanish isolates of H. angusticaecoides were clustered in a well-supported clade together with other isolates from Central Europe of the same species. Molecular phylogenetic findings also reflect that there was a higher intraspecific variation for ITS genetic markers at the intraspecific level. Phylogenetic results based on 28S rRNA suggest that Ascarididea was divided into three monophyletic major clades. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this species parasitizing bearded dragons, extending the host range of this species. These findings represent the first formal record of H. angusticaecoides in Spain.
What drives individuals’ trusting intention in digital platforms? An exploratory meta-analysis
Authors: Oesterreich Thuy Duong , Anton Eduard , Hettler Fabia Marie , Teuteberg Frank 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe primary objective of this study is to delve into the determinants influencing individuals’ intention to trust digital platforms. Therefore, we conduct a meta-analysis of 74 primary studies that investigate the role of trusting beliefs, technology acceptance factors, as well as variables associated with systems, users, and platform providers in driving trust. We found evidence that all trust antecedents positively impact trusting intention in digital platforms. Notably, human-like trusting beliefs, attitude, platform provider image/reputation, structural assurance, perceived enjoyment, and perceived usefulness display the strongest effects, while familiarity, perceived value, and system-like trusting beliefs exhibit a moderate yet significant influence. Additionally, publication year was found to significantly moderate the relationship between service quality and trusting intention, indicating a temporal effect on the outcomes. Through these findings, we contribute to the body of knowledge by guiding scholars across research disciplines towards future research avenues and aiding practitioners in the development of trustworthy digital platforms.
Applicability of Vfrac in men: a qualitative study of an osteoporotic vertebral fracture screening tool for use in older people with back pain
Authors: Barker Karen L. , Toye Francine , Drew Sarah , Khalid Tanzeela Y. , Clark Emma M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Summary
The Vfrac clinical screening tool was developed to help primary care healthcare practitioners decide if an older woman with back pain is at high risk of a vertebral fragility fracture (VFF) and requires a spinal radiograph to confirm diagnosis. The Vfrac tool developmental work was carried out in women because of the higher background prevalence of VFF. We now wish to assess Vfrac in men.

Purpose
To understand and characterise pain symptoms of men with VFF, to evaluate the wording of the Vfrac tool from men’s perspective, and to establish if a gender-specific version of the Vfrac tool was needed.

Methods
Individual interviews were conducted with 15 men using an interview topic guide based on the original Vfrac topic guide with the addition of a ‘think aloud’ section to discuss the wording of the current questions within the Vfrac tool. Thematic analysis was conducted by two researchers.

Results
Seven themes highlight that physical measurements can be potentially upsetting for those being measured (‘Weighed, measured and found wanting’), that closed questions cannot capture the complexity of experience (there is no room on the paper; pain is dynamic, not static; walking can make it better or worse; well, it depends on which chair), and that gendered roles are varied and dynamic (I try to do my share of domestic work; no more do-it-yourself).

Conclusions
This research has allowed the male perspective of osteoporosis to be heard and importantly identified that the Vfrac tool had no gender-specific barriers.
Effects of Defects and Shot Peening on Fatigue Properties of Additively Manufactured CoCrFeNiTiMo-Based High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Hayashi Miu , Kurita Naoki , Watanabe Tadatoshi , Yamamoto Kenichi , Ogawa Yuki , Akebono Hiroyuki , Sugeta Atsushi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractRecently, the automotive industry has increasingly focused on additive manufacturing as a new technology for reducing the weights of automobiles. In this study, fatigue tests were conducted on additively manufactured high-entropy alloys with different defect characteristics to clarify the relationships between their defect characteristics and fatigue strengths and to elucidate their fatigue fracture mechanisms. In addition, the effect of shot peening as an effective fatigue strength improvement method for an additively manufactured component was investigated. As a result, when defects formed by additive manufacturing were smaller than crystal grains, the numbers and sizes of defects affect fatigue crack growth behavior and barely affect fatigue life. Shot peening reduces the crack growth rate and is effective in extending the fatigue life. However, improvement in the fatigue limit is not achieved because the crack initiation site is a facet. From the above results, for defects smaller than the grain size, shot peening is a more effective method for improving fatigue life than reducing the numbers and sizes of defects.
An Unusual Histopathological Presentation of Mandibular Osteosarcoma
Authors: Alramadhan Saja A. , Vyas Rutvi , Cohen Donald M. , Bhattacharyya Indraneel , Islam Mohammed N. , Reith John D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractJaw osteosarcoma (JOS) is a rare, distinct variant that differ from long bone osteosarcoma (LBOS) in several aspects. JOS typically appears about twenty years later than LBOS, displays a lower propensity for metastasis to other organs, and exhibits better survival rates. The dissimilarities in clinical and biological behavior between JOS and LBOS are likely due, at least in part, to variations in their respective microenvironments. In this report, we present a case of OS affecting the mandible in a young patient. This case displayed classic radiographic features but a unique histopathological presentation, posing a diagnostic challenge for pathologists, especially if encountered in small biopsies.
A Traffic Anomaly Detection Method Using Traffic Flow Vectors During Heavy Rainfall
Authors: Hirata Kensuke , Kawasaki Yosuke , Yoshida Takahiro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn torrential rain disasters, affected areas are identified through reporting and patrolling; however, traffic monitoring remains a challenge. This study establishes a traffic anomaly detection method during heavy rain disasters. Using probe trajectory data collected during such events, the proposed method captures traffic flow characteristics using directional vectors of road inflow and outflow. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated through comparisons with previously proposed methods. The results confirmed that compared with existing methods, the proposed method could more accurately detect traffic anomalies, such as U-turns and detours, and can be used to detect other traffic anomalies. Moreover, the proposed model necessitates minimal calibration effort because it requires only two parameters—time step and rate of change. The proposed method can detect various traffic anomalies that occur during a heavy rain disaster and will contribute to the early restoration of damaged areas by providing a detailed understanding of the damage situation.