bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dental caries prevalence in relation to the cardiovascular diseases: cross-sectional findings from the Iranian kurdish population
Authors: Ghanbari Zahra , Moradi Yousef , samiee Negin , Moradpour Farhad 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveOral and dental health (ODH) is a significant public health concern globally, affecting billions of people. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the prevalence of dental caries using the DMFT index and investigate its relationship with cardiovascular diseases in the Iranian Kurdish population.MethodsA total of 3,996 individuals aged 35–70 years were included from the Dehgolan prospective cohort study (DehPCS). Clinical examinations were performed to assess decayed (DT), missing (MT) and filled (FT) teeth (DMFT index). Data on demographics, socioeconomic status, medical history, oral hygiene practices were also collected. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) history was self-reported via questionnaires assessing heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between oral health indicators and self-reported CVD, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsThe mean DMFT score was 18.18 ± 19, indicating a high oral disease burden. Specifically, 60.04% had DT, 37.82% had more than 16 MT, and 38.83% had FT. Only 13.21% reported flossing regularly and 43.17% brushed less than daily, showing suboptimal oral hygiene. The overall CVD prevalence was 9.21%. Individuals with high DMFT (≥ 14) scores had approximately two times higher CVD prevalence than those with low DMFT. DMFT decreased by 10.23% with increase in education level, and by 5.87% as economic status increased In adjusted analyses, high DMFT scores (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.2–1.9) and MT (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.1–2.1) were associated with 50–150% increased odds of CVD, though associations weakened after adjusting for age. Among men, DMFT remained a significant predictor for CVD after age adjustment, with an odds ratio of 2.37 (95% CI: 1.22–4.60).ConclusionThis population had substantial oral disease and poor oral hygiene. Higher DMFT scores and MT positively correlated with increased CVD prevalence. Promoting preventive oral care and health education could help reduce dental issues and potentially lower CVD risk. Further research is needed to clarify biological mechanisms linking oral and systemic health.
Evaluation and comparison of the effects of a new paste containing 8% L-Arginine and CaCO3 plus KNO3 on dentinal tubules occlusion and dental sensitivity: a randomized, triple blinded clinical trial study
Authors: Mohammadipour Hamideh Sadat , Bagheri Hossein , Babazadeh Saber , Khorshid Mehrzad , Shooshtari Zahra , Shahri Arsalan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Dentin hypersensitivity, often occurring after dental treatments or from erosive lesions, is a prevalent patient complaint. This study introduces a paste combining 8% L-arginine, calcium carbonate, and potassium nitrate to evaluate its impact on dentinal tubules occlusion, dentin permeability, and tooth sensitivity.

Methods
Dentin surfaces from 24 third molars (thickness: 2 mm) were divided into two groups of 12. One received the experimental paste, while the other received a placebo without desensitizer. Permeability and sealing ability were assessed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dentin permeability measurement. The pastes’ effects on hypersensitivity were then examined in a triple-blind, randomized parallel-armed clinical trial with 16 eligible patients. Sensitivity to cold, touch, and spontaneous stimuli was recorded using the VAS scale at various intervals post-treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted using Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05).

Results
The permeability test demonstrated a significant reduction in dentin permeability in the experimental group (P = 0.002) compared to the control (P = 0.178). SEM images revealed most dentinal tubules in the intervention samples to be occluded. Clinically, both groups showed a significant decrease in the three types of evaluated sensitivity throughout the study. However, no significant difference in sensitivities between the two groups was observed, with the exception of cold sensitivity at three months post-treatment (P = 0.054).

Conclusion
The innovative desensitizing paste featuring 8% L-arginine, calcium carbonate, and potassium nitrate effectively occluded dentinal tubules and reduced dentin permeability. It mitigated immediate and prolonged dentin hypersensitivity to various stimuli, supporting its potential role in managing dentin hypersensitivity.

Trial registration
http://irct.ir: IRCT20220829055822N1, September 9th, 2022.
The experiences and needs of older adults receiving voluntary services in Chinese nursing home organizations: a qualitative study
Authors: Li Lin , Shen Qin , Wu Junxian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Older adults living in nursing home organizations are eager to get voluntary help, however, their past experiences with voluntary services are not satisfactory enough. To better carry out voluntary services and improve the effectiveness of services, it is necessary to have a deeper understanding of the experiences and needs of older adults for voluntary services.

Methods
The purposive sampling method was used to select 14 older adults from two nursing home organizations in Hangzhou and conduct semi-structured interviews, Collaizzi’s seven-step method was used to analyze the data.

Results
Older adults in nursing home organizations have both beneficial experiences and unpleasant service experiences in the process of receiving voluntary services; Beneficial experiences include solving problems meeting needs and feeling warmth and care, while unpleasant service experiences include the formality that makes it difficult to benefit truly, lack of organization, regularity, sustainability, and the mismatch between service provision and actual demands. The needs for voluntary services mainly focuses on emotional comfort, Cultural and recreational, and knowledge acquisition.

Conclusion
Older adults in nursing home organizations have varied voluntary experiences, and their voluntary service needs are diversified. Voluntary service needs of older adults should be accurately assessed, and voluntary service activities should be focused upon.
Modulation of the microhomology-mediated end joining pathway suppresses large deletions and enhances homology-directed repair following CRISPR-Cas9-induced DNA breaks
Authors: Yuan Baolei , Bi Chongwei , Tian Yeteng , Wang Jincheng , Jin Yiqing , Alsayegh Khaled , Tehseen Muhammad , Yi Gang , Zhou Xuan , Shao Yanjiao , Romero Fernanda Vargas , Fischle Wolfgang , Izpisua Belmonte Juan Carlos , Hamdan Samir , Huang Yanyi , Li Mo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing often induces unintended, large genomic rearrangements, posing potential safety risks. However, there are no methods for mitigating these risks.

Results
Using long-read individual-molecule sequencing (IDMseq), we found the microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) DNA repair pathway plays a predominant role in Cas9-induced large deletions (LDs). We targeted MMEJ-associated genes genetically and/or pharmacologically and analyzed Cas9-induced LDs at multiple gene loci using flow cytometry and long-read sequencing. Reducing POLQ levels or activity significantly decreases LDs, while depleting or overexpressing RPA increases or reduces LD frequency, respectively. Interestingly, small-molecule inhibition of POLQ and delivery of recombinant RPA proteins also dramatically promote homology-directed repair (HDR) at multiple disease-relevant gene loci in human pluripotent stem cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Conclusions
Our findings reveal the contrasting roles of RPA and POLQ in Cas9-induced LD and HDR, suggesting new strategies for safer and more precise genome editing.
First-trimester fetal size, accelerated growth in utero, and child neurodevelopment in a cohort study
Authors: Chen Xinmei , Liu Hongxiu , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Wenxin , Zhou Aifen , Xia Wei , Xu Shunqing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Early pregnancy is a critical window for neural system programming; however, the association of first-trimester fetal size with children’s neurodevelopment remains to be assessed. This study aimed to explore the association between first-trimester fetal size and children’s neurodevelopment and to examine whether intrauterine accelerated growth could compensate for the detrimental effects of first-trimester restricted growth on childhood neurodevelopment.

Methods
The participants were from a birth cohort enrolled from March 2014 to March 2019 in Wuhan, China. A total of 2058 fetuses with crown to rump length (CRL) (a proxy of first-trimester fetal size) measurements in the first trimester and neurodevelopmental assessment at age 2 years were included. We measured the first-trimester CRL and defined three fetal growth patterns based on the growth rate of estimated fetal weight from mid to late pregnancy. The neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development of China Revision at 2 years.

Results
Each unit (a Z score) increase of first-trimester CRL was associated with increased scores in mental developmental index (MDI) (adjusted beta estimate = 1.19, (95% CI: 0.42, 1.95), P = 0.03) and psychomotor developmental index (PDI) (adjusted beta estimate = 1.36, (95% CI: 0.46, 2.26), P < 0.01) at age 2 years, respectively. No significant association was observed between fetal growth rate and PDI. For children with restricted first-trimester fetal size (the lowest tertile of first-trimester CRL), those with “intrauterine accelerated growth” pattern (higher growth rates) had significantly higher MDI (adjusted beta estimate = 6.14, (95% CI: 3.80, 8.49), P < 0.001) but indistinguishable PDI compared to those with “intrauterine faltering growth” pattern (lower growth rates). Main limitations of this study included potential misclassification of gestational age due to recall bias of the last menstrual period and residual confounding.

Conclusions
The current study suggests that restricted first-trimester fetal size is associated with mental and psychomotor developmental delay in childhood. However, in children with restricted first-trimester fetal size, intrauterine accelerated growth was associated with improved mental development but had little effect on psychomotor development. Additional studies are needed to validate the results in diverse populations.
Investigation of the interaction between genetic risk score (GRS) and fatty acid quality indices on metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese women
Authors: Rasaei Niloufar , Daneshzad Elnaz , Khadem Alireza , Gholami Fatemeh , Samadi Mahsa , Mirzaei Khadijeh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background and aim
Metabolic syndrome is one of the major public-health challenges, affecting one-quarter of the world population. Fatty acid quality indices are novel determinants of this disease and their interactions with genetic factors may have an impact on metabolic syndrome risk. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the interaction between genetic risk score (GRS) and fatty acid quality indices with metabolic syndrome (MetS) among overweight and obese women.

Methods
In the present cross-sectional study, 279 overweight and obese women (18–48 years old) were included. Several anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body fat percent (BF%) were measured. Also, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were measured. Biochemical determination was performed for fasting blood glucose (FBS), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). MetS was determined according to National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Dietary intake was evaluated by a validated and reliable 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Cholesterol-saturated fat index (CSI) and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 (ω-6/ω-3) essential fatty acids were considered as fat quality indices. The salting-out method was used to extract the total DNA. The unweighted GRS was calculated using the risk alleles of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms. The total average GRS value was 2 and the sum of the risk alleles of the 3 polymorphisms was 6.

Result
The results of our analysis showed that after controlling for age, energy intake, BMI, and physical activity, there was a positive interaction between T2 of GRS and T2 of N6/N3 ratio on WC (β = 7.95, 95%CI = 0.83,15.08, P = 0.029), T3 of GRS and T2 of N6/N3 ratio on DBP (β = 5.93, 95%CI= -0.76,12.63, P = 0.083), and FBS (β = 6.47, 95%CI = 0.59,13.53, P = 0.073), T3 of GRS and T3 of N6/N3 ratio on TG (β = 54.42, 95%CI = 1.76,107.08, P = 0.043), and T3 of GRS and T3 of CSI on BF% (β = 3.55, 95%CI= -0.35,7.45, P = 0.075). Also T2 of GRS in the interaction with T3 of CSI leads to an decrease − 8.35 mg/dl in HDL level after adjustment in (β= -8.35, 95%CI= -17.34,0.62, P = 0.068).

Conclusion
It seems the interaction of GRS and fatty acid quality indices is positively associated with several components of metabolic syndrome such as WC, TG and BF%. Our findings are of importance to public health, considering the high consumption of foods that are high on fatty acids. Conflicting evidence of many previous studies regarding the effect of fat intake and obesity and cardiovascular diseases could be because of the gene-diet interactions and genetic heterogeneity across various ethnic groups. Hence, the synergism effect of genetic and dietay intakes should be considered in future studies.
Identification of Novel NSD1 variations in four Pediatric cases with sotos Syndrome
Authors: Ren Zhuo , Yue Ling , Hu Hua-ying , Hou Xiao-lin , Chen Wen-qi , Tan Ya , Dong Zhe , Zhang Jing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
Sotos syndrome (SOTOS) is an uncommon genetic condition that manifests itself with the following distinctive features: prenatal overgrowth, facial abnormalities, and intellectual disability. This disorder is often associated with haploinsufficiency of the nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein 1 (NSD1)gene. We investigated four pediatric cases characterized by early-onset overgrowth and developmental delay. The primary objective of this study was to achieve accurate genetic diagnoses.

Design&Methods
A sequential analysis approach comprising chromosomal karyotyping, whole exome sequencing, and microarray analysis was conducted.

Results
All four cases exhibited variations in the NSD1 gene, with the identification of four previously unreported de novo variants, each specific to one case.Specifically, Case 1 carried the NSD1 (NM_022455): c.2686 C > T(p.Q896X) variant, Case 2 had the NSD1 (NM_022455): c.2858_2859delCT(p.S953X) variant, Case 3 displayed a chromosomal aberration, chr5: 5q35.2q35.3(176,516,604–176,639,249)×1, which encompassed the 5′-untranslated region of NSD1, and Case 4 harbored the NSD1 (NM_022455): c.6397T > G(p.C2133G) variant.

Conclusion
This study not only provided precise diagnoses for these cases but also supplied significant evidence to facilitate informed consultations. Furthermore, our findings expanded the spectrum of mutations associated with SOTOS.
Bone-derived PDGF-BB enhances hippocampal non-specific transcytosis through microglia-endothelial crosstalk in HFD-induced metabolic syndrome
Authors: Liu Guanqiao , Shu Wen , Chen Yingqi , Fu Yong , Fang Shuai , Zheng Haonan , Cheng Weike , Lin Qingrong , Hu Yanjun , Jiang Nan , Yu Bin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
It is well known that high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome plays a crucial role in cognitive decline and brain-blood barrier (BBB) breakdown. However, whether the bone-brain axis participates in this pathological process remains unknown. Here, we report that platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) secretion by preosteoclasts in the bone accelerates neuroinflammation. The expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), a nonspecific transcytosis marker, was upregulated during HFD challenge.

Main body
Preosteoclast-specific Pdgfb transgenic mice with high PDGF-BB concentrations in the circulation recapitulated the HFD-induced neuroinflammation and transcytosis shift. Preosteoclast-specific Pdgfb knockout mice were partially rescued from hippocampal neuroinflammation and transcytosis shifts in HFD-challenged mice. HFD-induced PDGF-BB elevation aggravated microglia-associated neuroinflammation and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion, which increased ALPL expression and transcytosis shift through enhancing protein 1 (SP1) translocation in endothelial cells.

Conclusion
Our findings confirm the role of bone-secreted PDGF-BB in neuroinflammation and the transcytosis shift in the hippocampal region during HFD challenge and identify a novel mechanism of microglia-endothelial crosstalk in HFD-induced metabolic syndrome.
Curriculum-based sexual and reproductive health education: revealing its relevance for risky sexual behaviors among secondary school students in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Ngissa Ng’wamba Sitta , Sanga Erica , Nsanya Mussa Kelvin , Kweka Belinda , Malindisa Evangelista , Mwaipopo Rosemarie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Secondary school students are vulnerable to risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) which may lead to adverse health consequences, such as teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS. In Tanzania, the burden of teenage pregnancy was reported to be 27% in 2016. The integration of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education into the school curriculum is one of the proven crucial interventions. However, there is limited information on the extent to which curriculum-based SRH education is relevant for fostering good practices for coping with RSBs. This study sought to describe students’ and teachers’ perceptions of the relevance of curriculum-based SRH education.

Methods
A qualitative study was conducted from May to June 2020 (involving 5 secondary schools in Ilemela district, Mwanza, Tanzania). In-depth interviews (30) were conducted among secondary school students and 10 interviews for teachers. The data were collected in Swahili and then transcribed and translated into English after which thematic content analysis was performed.

Results
The majority (56%) of secondary school students were revealed to have a limited understanding of curriculum-based SRH education, which was limited to a few aspects of health that involved married people and pregnant women. Teachers of different subjects had different perceptions about the relevance of curriculum-based SRH education. Civics teachers had the perception that it was relevant and enough, while Biology teachers thought that it was not enough. Students reported utilizing the information taught in class to manage and navigate RSBs. Moreover, they expressed a need for additional delivery strategies to be used for a comprehensive understanding of sexual and reproductive health.

Conclusion
Despite the identified gaps in providing a comprehensive knowledge that builds on the appropriate attitudes and skills, the existing curriculum-based SRH education in secondary schools was utilized to help students in addressing and managing RSBs. However, there is a need for more comprehensive information and an improved delivery approach for SRH to equip students with the necessary skills when faced with RSBs.
Breast density knowledge and willingness to delay treatment for pre-operative breast cancer imaging among women with a personal history of breast cancer
Authors: Smith Rebecca E. , Sprague Brian L. , Henderson Louise M. , Kerlikowske Karla , Miglioretti Diana L. , Wernli Karen J. , Onega Tracy , diFlorio-Alexander Roberta M. , Tosteson Anna N.A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Following a breast cancer diagnosis, it is uncertain whether women’s breast density knowledge influences their willingness to undergo pre-operative imaging to detect additional cancer in their breasts. We evaluated women’s breast density knowledge and their willingness to delay treatment for pre-operative testing.

Methods
We surveyed women identified in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium aged ≥ 18 years, with first breast cancer diagnosed within the prior 6–18 months, who had at least one breast density measurement within the 5 years prior to their diagnosis. We assessed women’s breast density knowledge and correlates of willingness to delay treatment for 6 or more weeks for pre-operative imaging via logistic regression.

Results
Survey participation was 28.3% (969/3,430). Seventy-two percent (469/647) of women with dense and 11% (34/322) with non-dense breasts correctly knew their density (p < 0.001); 69% (665/969) of all women knew dense breasts make it harder to detect cancers on a mammogram; and 29% (285/969) were willing to delay treatment ≥ 6 weeks to undergo pre-operative imaging. Willingness to delay treatment did not differ by self-reported density (OR:0.99 for non-dense vs. dense; 95%CI: 0.50–1.96). Treatment with chemotherapy was associated with less willingness to delay treatment (OR:0.67; 95%CI: 0.46–0.96). Having previously delayed breast cancer treatment more than 3 months was associated with an increased willingness to delay treatment for pre-operative imaging (OR:2.18; 95%CI: 1.26–3.77).

Conclusions
Understanding of personal breast density was not associated with willingness to delay treatment 6 or more weeks for pre-operative imaging, but aspects of a woman’s treatment experience were.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT02980848 registered December 2, 2016.