bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Gutta-percha points derived from the Latex of Manilkara zapota for Obturation treatment in root canal therapy
Authors: Madan Shivam , Geetha R. V. , Gopal Rajesh Kanna 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Gutta-percha (GP) points are filling material used in the obturation treatments in endodontic root canal therapy. The GP points are manufactured from the latex of a Malaysian tree called a Percha Tree (Palaquium gutta, family: Sapotaceae). However, in this study, an attempt has been made to fabricate an alternative GP points from the latex of a tree Manilkara zapota from the same plant family Sapotaceae. The latex was obtained by wounding the tree trunk using a sterile blade and collected in a sterile container. Then the latex was vigorously mixed with a 3.5:6.5 ratio of latex and zinc oxide respectively. The MZ-GP points were made by hand-rolling method and characterized for their radiopacity, and tensile strength. Simultaneously, the latex was tested for its antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The hand-rolled MZ-GP points have a similar structure to a commercial GP point, are white and also have good filling capability during obturation with natural radioopaque properties. The average tensile stress at the break for the control was 1.59 MPa, whereas, the same was 0.09 MPa for the MZ-GP points. However, the displacement was 3 mm for the control and 0.6 mm for the MZ-GP points. The latex of M. zapota has limited antibacterial activity showing very little zone of inhibitions (< 8 mm) on all the bacterial strains tested. The latex of M. zapota is an alternative to the latex of P. gutta for the manufacturing of GP points for Obturation treatments. However, the formulation may be modified to improve the properties of the MZ-GP points.
An improved method to study Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands zoospores interactions with host
Authors: Lucía Lucía Del Castillo-González , Serine Serine Soudani , Noelia Noelia de la Cruz-Gómez , Antonio José Antonio Manzanera José , Marta Marta Berrocal-Lobo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands (Pc) is one of the ten most widespread phytopathogens in the world causing crown rot, canker and root rot in multi-functional land plants. Pc has a disastrous impact on the surrounding environment and biodiversity of flora, fauna and soil. Pc infects more than 5,000 species, including Quercus suber, Quercus ilex, Castanea sativa, Eucalyptus globulus, Persea americana (avocado), Zea mays (maize) and Solanum lycopersicon (tomato). The efficient spread of Pc depends on the short survival of asexually motile zoospores (Zs), which move through water currents until they penetrate the host roots. Due to the complexity of the life cycle, the management of Zs in the laboratory has remained quite complex for decades. The production of Zs requires mimicking nature by following a complex protocol of circular steps of growth, drought and flooding. Similar to other pathogens, the artificial growth conditions induce a rapid loss of virulence, making it necessary to add additional steps of plant infection in between these other steps. In this work, the study of the survival of Zs under different conditions has allowed us to obtain a "ready-to-use" stable stock of Zs with a high capacity to infect the host by direct freezing in liquid nitrogen. Obtaining this stock prevents the loss of virulence of Pc between cultures, thus greatly simplifying the process of inoculating plants and studying Pc with their host.
A justice-based framework to determine countries’ fair warming contributions to Paris Agreement
Authors: Rogelj Joeri , Li Mingyu , Pelz Setu , Lamboll Robin , Wang Can 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Equity is a cornerstone of global climate policy, yet no international agreement has managed to agree on how to allocate mitigation efforts across countries. While a rich literature informs these deliberations, there remains a gap in approaches that appropriately consider non-CO2 emissions and their warming contributions. In this study, we define a global warming budget applicable to all anthropogenic greenhouse gases and allocate it to countries based on equity principles drawn from international environmental law. We find that by 2021 up to 85 countries, including all major developed countries, exhausted their budget compatible with keeping warming to 1.5°C under all allocation approaches considered in this study. A similar picture emerges for 2°C. A large group of countries will hence exceed their fair shares even if their updated pledges under the Paris Agreement represent the deepest possible reductions. Considerations of fairness should therefore start to include aspects beyond domestic emissions reductions only.
Overdiagnosis of atypical lipomatous tumors/well-differentiated liposarcomas by morphological diagnosis using only HE stained specimens: A case-control study with MDM2/CDK4 immunostaining and MDM2/CDK4 fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Nomura kentaro , Tomita Masato , Kuroda Kishio , Souda Masakazu , Chiba Ko , Yonekura Akihiko , Osaki Makoto 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Lipomatous tumors represent the most common type of soft tissue neoplasms. Mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2)/cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) immunostaining is considered effective in differentiating between benign lipomas and intermediate malignant atypical lipomatous tumors/well-differentiated liposarcomas (ALT/WDLPSs). However, these tumors have traditionally been diagnosed histopathologically using hematoxylin and eosin-stained specimens, which is referred to here as morphological diagnosis. In this study, the accuracy of morphological diagnoses that had been made before MDM2/CDK4 immunostaining became available for distinguishing between lipoma and ALT/WDLPS was examined.
Methods
The study participants were 109 patients with a morphological diagnosis of lipoma (68 patients) or ALT/WDLPS (41 patients) who had undergone surgical resection of the tumor in our hospital between 2009 and 2012. Tissue samples from all patients were used for MDM2/CDK4 immunostaining and the confirmation of MDM2/CDK4 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
Results
Of the 41 patients with a morphological diagnosis of ALT/WDLPS, only 17 were positive for MDM2 FISH. In addition, one of the 68 patients with a morphological diagnosis of lipoma showed MDM2 amplification by FISH. When the definitive diagnosis of ALT/WDLPS was made by the positive results of MDM2 FISH, the sensitivity and specificity of morphological diagnosis were 41.5% and 98.5%, respectively. The sensitivity of MDM2 and CDK4 immunostaining was 55.6% and 40.0%, respectively, and their specificity was 87.0% and 84.6%, respectively. This indicates that the diagnostic accuracy of these immunostaining assays was not particularly high. The clinical features suggesting ALT/WDLPS were: patient age (older), maximum tumor diameter (large, cut-off value of 125 mm), tumor location (lower limb), and tumor depth (deep-seated).
Conclusions
Morphological diagnosis alone can accurately diagnose lipomas. However, it has a propensity to overdiagnose ALT/WDLPS. Thus, MDM2 FISH should be used more proactively, not only for lesions with obvious morphological abnormalities, but also for lipomatous tumors that are clinically suggestive of ALT/WDLPS.
Atmospheric Microplastic Particulate in Urban Roadside: Case of Bandar Lampung City, Indonesia
Authors: Sari Novi Kartika , Mawaddah Nurul , Shiddiq Muhammad Daffa , Alam Firdha Cahya , Fajar Mutiara 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Atmospheric microplastics (AMPs) have been a growing concern in the past decade, yet still research remains limited and at an early stage. The research aids in presenting the current level of AMPs in Bandar Lampung City, Indonesia. A study was conducted to investigate roadside microplastics in urban areas using a High Volume Air Sampler (HVAS) over eight hours. The sampling locations were purposely chosen in representative areas of industrial zones, residential areas, busy roads, and city centers. Visual observations combined with needle tests, were employed to assess the abundance and morphology of microplastics. Additionally, some samples were identified its polymer by Raman. The Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) concentrations ranged from 16.96 to 427.8 μg/m3, with industrial areas showing the highest concentrations. Microplastic abundance varied between 0.0021 and 0.0199 particles/m3, with fibrous microplastics being the predominant type and only few fragment found. Among the observed colors, blue and grey (faded black) were the most prevalent across all sampling sites. Microplastic size distribution showed a range of 500-1000 µm as the foremost category (42%), followed by 100-500 µm (29%). Raman analysis presented PET (Polyethylene terephthalate). In S4 (city center), 3,388±270 vehicles/day were identified as the highest, whereas in S2 (residential area), the lowest number of vehicles/day was 1166±99. There is no significant relationship between TSP-MPs and MPs-vehicle numbers. The Northwest and Northeast directions were identified as common sources for almost all sites, suggesting that microparticles may originate from these directions.
Datawiz-IN: Summer Research Experience for Health Data Science Training
Authors: Afreen Sadia , Krohannon Alexander , Purkayastha Saptarshi , Janga Sarath Chandra 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background:
Good science necessitates diverse perspectives to guide its progress. This study introduces Datawiz-IN, an educational initiative that fosters diversity and inclusion in AI skills training and research. Supported by a National Institutes of Health R25 grant from the National Library of Medicine, Datawiz-IN provided a comprehensive data science and machine learning research experience to students from underrepresented minority groups in medicine and computing.
Methods:
The program evaluation triangulated quantitative and qualitative data to measure representation, innovation, and experience. Diversity gains were quantified using demographic data analysis. Computational projects were systematically reviewed for research productivity. A mixed-methods survey gauged participant perspectives on skills gained, support quality, challenges faced, and overall sentiments.
Results:
The first cohort of 14 students in Summer 2023 demonstrated quantifiable increases in representation, with greater participation of women and minorities, evidencing the efficacy of proactive efforts to engage talent typically excluded from these fields. The student interns conducted innovative projects that elucidated disease mechanisms, enhanced clinical decision support systems, and analyzed health disparities.
Conclusion:
By illustrating how purposeful inclusion catalyzes innovation, Datawiz-IN offers a model for developing AI systems and research that reflect true diversity. Realizing the full societal benefits of AI requires sustaining pathways for historically excluded voices to help shape the field.
The relationship between maternal anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic and children's anxiety following school reopening in the post-pandemic era: an analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghasemi Fatemeh , Valizadeh Fatemeh , Mohammadi Rasool , Goodarzi Hanieh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Although infection rates and mortality have decreased, COVID-19-related anxiety persists in families, especially among mothers, even in the post-pandemic period. Maternal mental health issues may jeopardize various aspects of children's development. This study aims to explore the correlation between maternal COVID-related anxiety and their children's anxiety following the reopening of primary schools in the post-pandemic era.
Methods
This analytical cross-sectional study involved the selection of 305 pairs of mothers and children. Data collection instruments comprised demographic questionnaires as well as assessments for COVID-related anxiety and manifest anxiety. Statistical analyses encompassed independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multivariate regression.
Results
Children's manifest anxiety was predicted by maternal anxiety related to COVID-19 (B = 0.907, P < 0.001). Moreover, significant associations were observed between the mean difference in mothers' COVID anxiety scores and their educational attainment and occupation, as well as their children's education and age, residential area, and their husbands' education and occupation (P < 0.001). Conversely, no significant differences were detected in maternal COVID anxiety scores concerning maternal age, spouse's age, and child's gender (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
Given the study's findings, it is recommended that nurses and psychologists provide educational interventions for mothers who need psychological support.
A genotype-phenotype approach to discriminate Central European spelt landraces from modern wheat-spelt intercrosses in the Swiss context
Authors: Stefan Laura , Sanchez-Martin Javier , Kurth Thomas , Keller Beat , Herren Gerhard , Krattinger Simon , Strebel Silvan , Kragten Silvia Ampuero , Camp Karl-Heinz , Häner Lilia Levy 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Marketed as a healthier alternative to soft wheat, spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) is in increasing demand from consumers and bakers in Switzerland. The Swiss spelt landscape is currently dominated by two varieties – Ostro and Oberkulmer Rotkorn – considered as references for Swiss “typical” spelt. However, these two varieties are rather old and deliver low yields; the market therefore needs improved spelt varieties with higher agronomic potential while keeping the essential attributes of typical spelt. As spelt and winter wheat can be interbred, modern spelt varieties often result from crosses between the two. It has therefore become increasingly difficult to distinguish between typical spelt and modern wheat-spelt intercrosses. This project aims to clarify the phenotypic distinction between typical spelt and modern wheat-spelt intercrosses in the Swiss context. To do this, we performed field trials with 50 spelt varieties, including typical and modern cultivars from Switzerland and Central Europe. We measured agronomic, rheological and nutritional parameters of each variety. In addition, these cultivars were genotyped using a 25K Illumina Wheat SNP array. This allowed us to identify which phenotypic parameters were associated with genetic proximity to typical spelt. Swiss typical spelt varieties were characterized by highly extensible doughs, later phenology, low harvest index, high thousand kernel weights, and lower Zeleny/protein ratio. By linking phenotypic characteristics, easily measurable in fields, to the underlying genetic information of each variety, these results will help to better classify spelt varieties in Switzerland and pave the way for more clarity and transparency on the Swiss spelt market.
Video Game Play and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Meta-Analysis of Global Findings
Authors: Kaczmarek Łukasz , Chwiłkowska Patrycja , Behnke Maciej , Drążkowski Dariusz 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, video gaming was often suggested as a way to help maintain physical distancing by encouraging people to stay indoors and play games instead of seeking social activities. However, there was concern about whether the increased time spent on video gaming could negatively affect players' mental health. In our meta-analysis, we synthesized studies to quantify changes in gaming time during the pandemic and examine its association with positive and negative mental health metrics. We searched databases for studies published from March 2020 to December 2021 reporting gaming time and mental health positive (e.g., happiness, positive affect, relaxation) or negative (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, anger) indicators during the pandemic. We employed random effects meta-analyses with robust variance estimates. We accounted for potential moderators (e.g., world region). In 17 studies (26 effects, n = 18026), we found a small increase in time spent gaming during the pandemic versus pre-pandemic, d = 0.26, 95% CI [0.14, 0.37], p = .0004). In 22 studies (100 effects, n = 19752), gaming time was not associated with mental health (r = -0.03, 95% CI [-0.08, 0.02], p = .22), regardless of whether it was for well-being or ill-being measures. Moderator analyses indicated negligible differences across study characteristics (d< 0.20). These findings challenge the simplistic view that more gaming time automatically leads to worse (or better) mental health during pandemics. They provide important insights for researchers, policymakers, educators, and caregivers about the role of digital technologies in easing the impact of pandemics and lockdowns. This research is vital for developing evidence-based public health policies and recommendations regarding video gaming in the event of future pandemics and lockdowns.
De novo transcriptome assembly of the oak processionary moth Thaumetopoea processionea
Authors: Zicola Johan , Dasari Prasad , Hahn Katharina Klara , Ziese-Kubon Katharina , Meurer Armin , Buhl Timo , Scholten Stefan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The oak processionary moth (OPM) (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a species of moth (order: Lepidoptera) native to parts of central Europe. However, in recent years, it has become an invasive species in various countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The larvae of the OPM are covered with urticating barbed hairs (setae) causing irritating and allergic reactions at the three last larval stages (L3-L5). The aim of our study was to generate a de novo transcriptomic assembly for OPM larvae by including one non-allergenic stage (L2) and two allergenic stages (L4 and L5). A transcriptomic assembly will help identify potential allergenic peptides produced by OPM larvae, providing valuable information for developing novel therapeutic strategies and allergic immunodiagnostic assays.
Data
Transcriptomes of three larval stages of the OPM were de novo assembled and annotated using Trinity and Trinotate, respectively. A total of 145,251 transcripts from 99,868 genes were identified. Bench-marking universal single-copy orthologues analysis indicated high completeness of the assembly. About 19,600 genes are differentially expressed between the non-allergenic and allergenic larval stages. The data provided here contribute to the characterization of OPM, which is both an invasive species and a health hazard.
A coastal karstic aquifer response to contamination. Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Authors: Cepeda Mario Humberto Cortazar , Herrera Roger Amilcar Gonzalez 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A contaminant transport model for a coastal karstic aquifer of Puerto Morelos, in Mexico was developed in this study. The aquifer is under constant environmental stress due to intensive discharge of domestic wastewater by means of poorly constructed septic systems and the leachate from unregulated open dumpsites within and nearby Puerto Morelos town. Based on the results of a previously implemented groundwater flow model in the local aquifer, a subsequent contaminant transport model and particle tracking was developed. The presence of arsenic on groundwater samples lead to the assumption of the dumpsites being the main source but particle tracking did not back up this claim, mainly due to the presence of a groundwater dome in the urban area that influences the flows and gradients in the immediate area; the possible existence of very local arsenic contamination in the aquifer are likely the cause of the concentrations found. From contaminant plume simulation it was evidenced the high dilution capacity of the aquifer as chlorine concentrations greatly reduced to background concentration levels at a distance no greater than 300 meters away from the pollution sources (dumpsites and septic systems); this dilution is likely the consequence of high hydraulic conductivities in the regional aquifer and the presence of the groundwater dome. The use of septic tanks represents the main pollution risk for the aquifer and jeopardizes the well-being of the community of Puerto Morelos who consume water from local shallow wells.
Burden of Portal Hypertension Complications is Greater in Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis and Type 2 Diabetes Short title: Impact of Diabetes on Outcomes In Cirrhosis
Authors: Yakubu Idris , Flynn Sean , Khan Hiba , Nguyen Madison , Razzaq Rehan , Patel Vaishali , Kumaran Vinay , Sharma Amit , Siddiqui Mohammad Shadab 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background and aims:Impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation (LT) remains poorly defined. The current study hypothesizes, that the presence of T2DM will be associated with worse LT waitlist outcomes that include greater burden of portal hypertension related complications, hospitalizations, and mortality.
Methods: In this retrospective study, 593 patients evaluated for LT between 1/2010 to 1/2017 were included in the analysis. The impact of T2DM on portal hypertension, survival, and likelihood of receiving LT were evaluated.
Results: The baseline prevalence of T2DM was 32% (n=191). At baseline, patients with T2DM were more likely to have esophageal varices (61% vs. 47%, p=0.002) and history of variceal hemorrhage (23% vs. 16%, p=0.03). T2DM was associated with increase risk of incident ascites (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.11, 3.28, p=0.019). Patients with T2DM were more likely to require hospitalizations (56% vs. 49%) over 12 months of follow up, however, this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.06). Patients with diabetes were more likely to be hospitalized with portal hypertension related complications (22% vs. 14%; p=0.026) and require renal replacement therapy during their hospitalization. Patients with T2DM were less likely to receive a LT (37% vs. 45%; p=0.03) and had significantly lower bilirubin at each follow up. No differences in INR and creatinine were noted.
Conclusion:
Patients with T2DM are at increased risk of portal hypertension complications. This risk is not captured in MELD score, which may potentially negatively affect their likelihood of receiving LT.