bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IAA is more effective than EDTA in enhancing phytoremediation potential for cadmium and copper contaminated soils
Authors: Shah Naila , Irshad Muhammad , Murad Waheed , Hamayun Muhammad , Qadir Muhammad , Hussain Anwar , Begum Hussan Ara , Alrefaei Abdulwaahed Fahad , Almutairi Mikhlid H. , Ahmad Ayaz , Ali Sajid 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEnhanced phytoremediation offers a rapid and eco-friendly approach for cleaning agricultural soil contaminated with copper and cadmium which pose a direct threat to food scarcity and security. The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the two commonly used additives, IAA and EDTA, for the remediation of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils using sunflower and maize. The plants were cultivated in pots under controlled conditions with four sets of treatments: control (0), Cu50/Cd50, Cu50/Cd50 + EDTA, and Cu50/Cd50 + IAA. The results showed that Cu50/Cd50 mg/kg drastically compromised the phytoremediation potential of both plants, as evident by reduced shoot and root length, and lower biomass. However, the augmentation of Cu50/Cd50 with EDTA or IAA improved the tested parameters. In sunflower, EDTA enhanced the accumulation of Cu and Cd by 58% and 21%, respectively, and improved plant biomass by 41%, compared to control treatment. However, IAA exhibited higher accumulation of Cu and Cd by 64% and 25%, respectively, and enhanced plant biomass by 43%. In case of maize, IAA was superior to EDTA which enhanced the accumulation of Cu and Cd by 87% and 32% respectively, and increased the plant biomass by 57%, compared to control treatment. Our findings demonstrate that foliar IAA is more effective than EDTA in enhancing the phytoremediation potential of sunflower and maize for Cu and Cd.
The causal relationship model of factors influencing COVID-19 preventive behaviors during the post-pandemic era and implications for health prevention strategies: a case of Bangkok City, Thailand
Authors: Janmaimool Piyapong , Chontanawat Jaruwan , Nunsunanon Siriphan , Chudech Surapong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Though, many countries are currently in the COVID post-pandemic era, people’s health protective behaviours are still essential to protect their health and well-being. This study aims to evaluate people’s understanding and perceptions of COVID-19 risk characteristics (i.e. threat occurrence, threat severity, perceived susceptibility and exposure), the health risk perception towards COVID-19, and health protective behaviours. The study also aims to estimate the associations among these factors by the analysis of structural equation modelling (SEM).

Methods
From 15 October to 9 November 2022, questionnaire surveys were administrated to 521 people living in Bangkok of Thailand by using the convenience sampling technique. The analyses were carried out in three phases including descriptive statistical analyses, a measurement model assessment using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis.

Results
The results of descriptive analyses demonstrated that the majority of respondents, 39.9%, had the age between 20 and 30 years old, and 61.4% of them were female. Approximately 52.1% of them had a bachelor’s degree. Upon analysing individuals’ understanding and perceptions of all risk characteristics, individuals’ understanding of COVID-19 severity did not statistically affect health risk perception towards COVID-19, whereas perceived exposure had the strongest effect and in turn influenced health protective behaviours. Perceived susceptibility and understanding of the threat occurrence also significantly affected health risk perception, and indirectly affected health protective behaviours.

Conclusions
This study implies that though the potential health impact of COVID-19 is perceived as less severe, people can still construct a perception of its risk particularly based on their perceived exposure and susceptibility. Thus, communicating people about exposure conditions and susceptibility can greatly contribute to people’ construction of risk perception towards COVID-19 which subsequently leads to the decision to perform health protective behaviours.
Understanding the mental health and intention to leave of the public health workforce in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Belita Emily , Neil-Sztramko Sarah E. , De Rubeis Vanessa , Boamah Sheila , Cabaj Jason , Jack Susan M. , Neudorf Cory , Zogo Clemence Ongolo , Seale Carolyn , Watson-Creed Gaynor , Dobbins Maureen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
There is limited evidence about the mental health and intention to leave of the public health workforce in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of burnout, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and intention to leave among the Canadian public health workforce, and associations with individual and workplace factors.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected by a Canada-wide survey from November 2022 to January 2023, where participants reported sociodemographic and workplace factors. Mental health outcomes were measured using validated tools including the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, and the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire to measure symptoms of depression. Participants were asked to report if they intended to leave their position in public health. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the associations between explanatory variables such as sociodemographic, workplace factors, and outcomes of mental health, and intention to leave public health.

Results
Among the 671 participants, the prevalence of burnout, and symptoms of depression and anxiety in the two weeks prior were 64%, 26%, and 22% respectively. 33% of participants reported they were intending to leave their public health position in the coming year. Across all outcomes, sociodemographic factors were largely not associated with mental health and intention to leave. However, an exception to this was that those with 16–20 years of work experience had higher odds of burnout (aOR = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.12–4.18) compared to those with ≤ 5 years of work experience. Many workplace factors were associated with mental health outcomes and intention to leave public health. Those who felt bullied, threatened, or harassed because of work had increased odds of depressive symptoms (aOR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.28–2.68), burnout (aOR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.16–2.23), and intention to leave (aOR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.13–2.37).

Conclusions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the public health workforce experienced negative impacts on their mental health. 33% of the sample indicated an intention to leave their role, which has the potential to exacerbate pre-existing challenges in workforce retention. Study findings create an impetus for policy and practice changes to mitigate risks to mental health and attrition to create safe and healthy working environments for public health workers during public health crises.
Credibility of Pont’s index in Egyptian population
Authors: Zahw Esraa Khaled , Albelasy Nehal Fouad , Fouda Ahmed Maher 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Many indices have been suggested to help orthodontists in predicting the ideal dental arch width. One of these was Pont’s index which was established by Pont. He suggested equations to predict the ideal maxillary dental arch width (interpremolar and intermolar) from the combined mesiodistal width of the maxillary incisors. This study aimed to test the applicability of Pont’s index as an orthodontic diagnostic tool in Egyptian population and to compare the results with those obtained from studies of different ethnic subjects.

Methods
This study was performed using dental casts of 184 Egyptian individuals (82 males and 102 females; age range, 19–24 years). The casts were divided into 46 casts with normal occlusion, 46 casts with class I, 46 casts with class II and 46 casts with class III malocclusion, according to Angle’s classification. Alginate impressions were taken for all patients and poured immediately using dental plaster. The real models were transformed into digital models using three-dimensional laser scanner to allow digital model analysis. Predicted arch widths were calculated using Pont’s equations. The predicted values were compared to the measured values.

Results
Intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) (absolute agreement) between measured and predicted arch widths was determined. Poor absolute agreement was found between measured arch width values and the corresponding values calculated according to Pont’s index.

Conclusion
According to the results of this study, Pont’s index is not a reliable method for predicting the ideal dental arch widths in Egyptian populations.
Two-year clinical performance of indirect resin composite restorations in endodontically treated teeth with different cavity preparation designs: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fouda Hoda , Hassanein Olfat Elsayed , Saber Shehabeldin , Haridy Mohamed Fouad , Baz Maha El , Ahmed Hend Sayed , Abuelezz Ahmed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Trial design
This is a randomized, controlled, superiority, double-blinded, parallel-group, two-arms trial with an allocation ratio of 1:1. This study aimed to assess whether the cavity design could affect the clinical performance of the CAD/CAM generated indirect resin composite restoration in endodontically treated teeth (ETT) evaluated using the Modified USPHS criteria after a two-year follow up.

Methods
A total of 30 participants who underwent endodontic treatment for MOD cavities in permanent molars were divided randomly into two parallel groups (n = 30 restorations) according to the performed cavity design to group 1 in which there was no cuspal reduction (inlay) and group 2 in which cuspal reduction was performed (overlay). All pulp chambers were filled with bulk fill flowable composite, and the cavities were prepared following the criteria of the cavities for indirect restorations and restored using nano-hybrid composite resin blocks (Brilliant, Coltene, Switzerland). The restorations were evaluated using the modified USPHS criteria at baseline, six months, one-year and two years follow-up visits. For qualitative data, frequencies (n) and percentages (%) were used to display the data, while mean and standard deviation (SD) were used for quantitative data. The normality of the data was evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. For every test, P ≤ 0.05 was used as the significance threshold.

Results
Twenty-six individuals completed the follow-up period after receiving the assigned intervention.The inter-group comparison showed that, at the 6- months and 12- months observation points, the overlay design had significantly better marginal adaptation, less incidence of discoloration or tooth/restoration fracture, and similar marginal integrity and caries incidence to the inlay design. After 24- months, the overlay design still had better marginal adaptation, less incidence of discoloration or tooth/restoration fracture and less caries incidence in comparison to the inlay design, while there was no difference in the marginal integrity between either design.

Conclusions and clinical relevance
Cuspal reduction in endodontically treated teeth showed better clinical performance than the cusp preservation thus, the former is more reliable.
Implantable antennas for biomedical applications: a systematic review
Authors: Mohan Archana , Kumar Niraj 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis review presents an in-depth examination of implantable antennas for various biomedical purposes. The development of implantable antennas, including their designs, materials, and operating principles, are introduced at the beginning of the discussion. An overview of the many kinds of implantable antennas utilized in implantable medical devices (IMDs) are presented in this study. The article then discusses the important factors to consider when developing implantable antennas for biomedical purposes, including implant placement, frequency range, and power needs. This investigation additionally examines the challenges and limitations encountered with implantable antennas, including the limited space available within the human body, the requirement for biocompatible materials, the impact of surrounding tissue on antenna performance, tissue attenuation, and signal interference. This review also emphasizes the most recent advances in implanted antenna technology, such as wireless power transmission, multiband operation, and miniaturization. Furthermore, it offers illustrations of several biomedical uses for implantable antennas, including pacemaker, capsule endoscopy, intracranial pressure monitoring, retinal prostheses, and bone implants. This paper concludes with a discussion of the future of implantable antennas and their possible use in bioelectronic medicine and novel medical implants. Overall, this survey offers a thorough analysis of implantable antennas in biomedical applications, emphasizing their importance in the development of implantable medical technology.
Association between high-density lipoprotein and functional outcome of ischemic stroke patients in a Taiwanese population
Authors: Lin Ting-Chun , Huang Chun-Yao , Li Yu-Ling , Chiou Hung-Yi , Hu Chaur-Jong , Jeng Jiann-Shing , Tang Sung-Chun , Chan Lung , Lien Li-Ming , Lin Huey-Juan , Lin Chu-Chien , Hsieh Yi-Chen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDespite recent findings indicating a paradoxical association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, the impact of HDL-C on subsequent outcomes after ischemic stroke remains unclear. The study aims to investigate the relationships between HDL-C levels and post-stroke functional outcomes while examining the potential modifying influence of HDL-C-related single nucleotide polymorphisms identified through genome-wide association studies. This cohort study included 1,310 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), all of whom had their admission serum lipid profile and genotyping information. Participants were categorized into four groups based on gender and HDL-C level. Prognostic outcomes were assessed using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 1, 3, and 12 months post-admission. Multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression analysis were used to assess the associations between HDL-C levels and outcomes. The mean age of patients was 61.17 ± 12.08 years, and 69.31% were men. After adjusting confounders, patients with the highest HDL-C level group had a significantly higher risk of poor functional outcomes at 1, 3, and 12 months following stroke compared to the reference group. Restricted cubic splines depicted a nonlinear association between HDL-C levels and poor prognosis in both men and women. The ABCA1 gene rs2575876 AA genotype combined with abnormal HDL-C levels exhibited a significantly heightened risk of post-stroke adverse outcomes at 1 and 3 months compared to patients with normal HDL-C levels and GG + GA genotype. These findings suggest that the combined effects of ABCA1 genetic variants with either low or high HDL-C levels could further heighten this risk.
Identification of a specific APOE transcript and functional elements associated with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chen Qiang , Aguirre Luis , Liang Guoming , Zhao Huanhuan , Dong Tao , Borrego Felix , de Rojas Itziar , Hu Qichan , Reyes Christopher , Su Ling-Yan , Zhang Bao , Lechleiter James D. , Göring Harald H. H. , De Jager Philip L. , Kleinman Joel E. , Hyde Thomas M. , Li Pan P. , Ruiz Agustín , Weinberger Daniel R. , Seshadri Sudha , Ma Liang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
The APOE gene is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease (LOAD). However, the gene regulatory mechanisms at this locus remain incompletely characterized.

Methods
To identify novel AD-linked functional elements within the APOE locus, we integrated SNP variants with multi-omics data from human postmortem brains including 2,179 RNA-seq samples from 3 brain regions and two ancestries (European and African), 667 DNA methylation samples, and ChIP-seq samples. Additionally, we plotted the expression trajectory of APOE transcripts in human brains during development.

Results
We identified an AD-linked APOE transcript (jxn1.2.2) particularly observed in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The APOE jxn1.2.2 transcript is associated with brain neuropathological features, cognitive impairment, and the presence of the APOE4 allele in DLPFC. We prioritized two independent functional SNPs (rs157580 and rs439401) significantly associated with jxn1.2.2 transcript abundance and DNA methylation levels. These SNPs are located within active chromatin regions and affect brain-related transcription factor-binding affinities. The two SNPs shared effects on the jxn1.2.2 transcript between European and African ethnic groups.

Conclusion
The novel APOE functional elements provide potential therapeutic targets with mechanistic insight into the disease etiology.
Cerebral blood flow and cognition after 3 months tadalafil treatment in small vessel disease (ETLAS-2): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ölmestig Joakim , Mortensen Kristian Nygaard , Fagerlund Birgitte , Naveed Nadia , Nordling Mette Maria , Christensen Hanne , Iversen Helle Klingenberg , Poulsen Mai Bang , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Kruuse Christina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Targeted treatment is highly warranted for cerebral small vessel disease, a causal factor of one in four strokes and a major contributor to vascular dementia. Patients with cerebral small vessel disease have impaired cerebral blood flow and vessel reactivity. Tadalafil is a specific phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor shown to improve vascular reactivity in the brain.

Methods
The ETLAS-2 trial is a phase 2 double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled, parallel trial with the feasibility of tadalafil as the primary outcome. The trial aims to include 100 patients with small vessel occlusion stroke or transitory ischemic attacks and signs of cerebral small vessel disease more than 6 months before administration of study medication. Patients are treated for 3 months with tadalafil 20 mg or placebo daily and undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate changes in small vessel disease according to the STandards for ReportIng Vascular changes on nEuroimaging (STRIVE) criteria as well as cerebral blood flow, cerebrovascular reactivity, and neurovascular coupling in a functional MRI sub-study. The investigation includes comprehensive cognitive testing using paper–pencil tests and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) tests in a cognitive sub-study.

Discussion
The ETLAS-2 trial tests the feasibility of long-term treatment with tadalafil and explores vascular and cognitive effects in cerebral small vessel disease in trial sub-studies. The study aims to propose a new treatment target and improve the understanding of small vessel disease. Currently, 64 patients have been included and the trial is estimated to be completed in the year 2024.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05173896. Registered on 30 December 2021.
The child dental care reform in Israel – service uptake from 2011 to 2022
Authors: Domb Herman Hagit , Dadosh Hazav , Dekel Dan , Yellon David , Zusman Shlomo Paul , Natapov Lena 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
The 2010 Child Dental Care Reform of the National Health Insurance Law marked a turning point in the Israeli oral healthcare system by establishing Universal Health Coverage of dental care for children. Initially, the reform included children up to age 8 and gradually expanded to age 18 in 2019. The basket of services includes preventive and restorative treatments provided by the four Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO). The aim of this study was to examine the uptake of child dental services during the first decade of the reform.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the treatment uptake, type and amount of the services delivered based on annual service utilization reports submitted by the HMOs to the Ministry of Health in the years 2011–2022.

Results
The number of insured children increased from 1,546,857 in 2011 to 3,178,238 in 2022. The uptake of dental services gradually increased during the study period with a slight decrease in 2020. The percentage of children who used the services gradually increased from 8 to 33%, with the incremental inclusion of additional age groups. From 2012 onwards the most common treatments provided were preventive, however the single most common treatment was dental restoration. In 2022 35% of the population of Israel was under the age of 18. Out of these, about a third received dental treatment via the HMOs. This is a significant achievement, since before the reform all treatments were paid out-of-pocket. After a short period of increasing uptake, a stable service utilization pattern was evident that can indicate better public awareness and service acceptance.

Conclusion
Although this is a reasonable uptake, additional efforts are required to increase the number of children receiving dental care within the public insurance. Such an effort can be part of a multi-disciplinary approach, in which pediatricians and public health nurses can play a vital role in dental caries prevention, enhancement of awareness and service utilization.
Genetic deletion of ITIH5 leads to increased development of adipose tissue in mice
Authors: Sessler Thomas M. , Beier Justus P. , Villwock Sophia , Jonigk Danny , Dahl Edgar , Ruhl Tim 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Adipocytokines play a pivotal role in maintaining adipose tissue homeostasis by regulating cellular metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, and secretory activity. These soluble factors are relevant components for healthy adipose tissue, while their deficiency is closely associated with the development of obesity and related metabolic diseases, e.g., chronic inflammation. In human adipose tissue, inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 5 (ITIH5) is expressed in proportion to the development of adipose tissue, i.e., the individual’s BMI. Thus, ITIH5 has been proposed to be an inert marker of human obesity. However, when applied to adipose stem cells in vitro, recombinant (r)ITIH5 protein inhibited proliferation and adipogenesis, suggesting that ITIH5 negatively affects the development of fat mass. We now tested the role of ITIH5 in vivo and compared ITIH5+/+ wildtype with ITIH5−/− knockout mice.

Results
Genetic deletion of ITIH5 significantly increased adipose tissue mass relative to animal bodyweight (p < 0.05). Next, we characterized adipose stem cells (ASCs) from both genotypes in vitro. ITIH5−/− cells exhibited increased proliferation and adipogenic differentiation (p < 0.001), which could explain the increase in adipose tissue in vivo. Furthermore, ASCs from ITIH5−/− animals were more responsive to stimulation with inflammatory mediators, i.e., these cells released greater amounts of IL-6 and MCP-1 (p < 0.001). Importantly, the application of the rITIH5 protein reversed the observed knockout effects in ASCs.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that ITIH5 potently regulates adipose tissue development and homeostasis by modulating ASC biology in mice. In addition, the effect of the rITIH5 protein underscores its potential as a therapeutic agent to correct the adipose tissue dysregulation often associated with obesity and metabolic disorders.