bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Examining the link between tooth agenesis and papillary thyroid cancer: is there a risk factor?” Observational study
Authors: Matošić Željana , Šimunović Luka , Jukić Tomislav , Granić Roko , Meštrović Senka 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Mutations in one or multiple genes can lead to hypodontia and its characteristic features. Numerous studies have shown a strong genetic influence on the occurrence of hypodontia, and identified several genes, including AXIN2, EDA, FGF3, FGFR2, FGFR10, WNT10A, MSX1, and PAX9, that are directly associated with dental agenesis and carcinogenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence and pattern of tooth agenesis, microdontia, and palatally displaced canine (PDC) in women diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), compared to a control group of women without any malignancy or thyroid disease.

Materials and methods
This case–control study was carried at the Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine University of Zagreb, and Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre. The study involved a clinical examination and evaluation of dental status, panoramic X-ray analysis, and assessment of medical and family history of 116 female patients aged 20–40 with PTC, as well as 424 females in the control group who were of similar age.

Results
The prevalence of hypodontia, microdontia, and PDC was statistically higher in women with PTC than in the control group. The prevalence rate of hypodontia was 11.3% in the experimental group and 3.5% in the control group. The experimental group showed a higher occurrence of missing upper lateral incisors, lower left central incisors, and all the third molars (except the upper left) compared to the control group. Women with PTC showed the prevalence of PDC significantly higher than the control group (3.5%, 0.7%, p = 0.002). The probability of hypodontia as a clinical finding increases 2.6 times, and microdontia occurs 7.7 times more frequently in women with PTC.

Conclusion
Our study suggests a possible link between odontogenesis and PTC. The absence of permanent teeth may increase the likelihood of PTC in women. Leveraging the age-7 orthopantomogram to identify women at high risk for PTC within a critical early detection window could significantly improve oral health outcomes and PTC prognosis through proactive interventions.
Regional event-based flood quantile estimation method for large climate projection ensembles
Authors: Chen Jiachao , Sayama Takahiro , Yamada Masafumi , Sugawara Yoshito 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEmerging large ensemble climate datasets produced by multiple general circulation models and their downscaling products challenge the limits of hydrodynamic models because of the immense data size. To overcome this new challenge and estimate the discharge quantiles corresponding to different return periods at all river sections in an entire region, this study proposes an event-based regional approach that uses a nationwide distributed rainfall–runoff model as well as large climate projection ensembles. This approach addresses the high computational burden associated with continuous simulations and solves the problem of conventional event-based simulations serving only a single outlet of a basin. For our analysis, we extracted 372 annual maximum 48 h rainfall events that cover the entirety of Shikoku Island and its eight major river basins. Peak discharges were estimated using a 150 m resolution rainfall–runoff–inundation model. These discharges were then screened using either the peak-over-threshold (POT) method or block maxima (BM) method, and frequency curves were subsequently constructed and evaluated. The primary reason for the necessity of POT or BM was to avoid interference from extraneous low discharges. The POT-based frequency curves showed good accuracy when using peak discharges in the range of the top 10–50%, and the results remain stable within this threshold range. The BM method, employing block sizes of 2–5 years, can generate relatively accurate frequency curves, but the choice of block size introduces significant variations in results among certain basins. Generally, the accuracy of results based on the POT method surpasses that of the BM method. Considering the accuracy, computational cost, and result stability, the POT method is preferred. The error introduced by the regional approach was acceptable with more than half of the relative root-mean-square errors remaining within 10% and basically all of the results are within 20%. The results of the regional approach exhibited good accuracy across climate scenarios and provided consistent information regarding future flood quantiles. This study serves as the foundation for high-resolution future flood risk assessment.
Optimal portfolio selection with volatility information for a high frequency rebalancing algorithm
Authors: Bağcı Mahmut , Soylu Pınar Kaya 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe propose a high-frequency rebalancing algorithm (HFRA) and compare its performance with periodic rebalancing (PR) and threshold rebalancing (TR) strategies. PR refers to the process of adjusting the relative weight of assets within portfolios at regular time intervals, whereas TR is a process of setting allocation limits for portfolios and rebalancing when portfolios exceed a specific percentage of deviation from the target allocation. The HFRA is constructed as an integration of pairs trading and a threshold-based rebalancing strategy, and the profitability of the HFRA is examined to determine the optimal portfolio size. The HFRA is applied to a dataset of real price series from cryptocurrency exchange markets across various trends and volatility regimes. Using cointegrated price data, it is shown that increasing the number of assets in a portfolio supports the profitability of the HFRA in an up-trend and reduces the potential loss of the HFRA in a down-trend in a high-volatility environment. For low-volatility regimes, although increasing portfolio size marginally enhances the HFRA’s profitability, the profits of portfolios of varied sizes do not significantly differ. It is demonstrated that when volatility is relatively high and the trend is upward, the HFRA can yield a substantial return via portfolios of large sizes. Moreover, the profitability of the HFRA is compared with that of the PR and TR strategies for long-term application. The HFRA is more profitable than the PR and TR strategies. This achievement of the HFRA is also validated statistically using the Fisher–Pitman permutation test.
Generative AI and the future of higher education: a threat to academic integrity or reformation? Evidence from multicultural perspectives
Authors: Yusuf Abdullahi , Pervin Nasrin , Román-González Marcos 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn recent years, higher education (HE) globally has witnessed extensive adoption of technology, particularly in teaching and research. The emergence of generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) further accelerates this trend. However, the increasing sophistication of GenAI tools has raised concerns about their potential to automate teaching and research processes. Despite widespread research on GenAI in various fields, there is a lack of multicultural perspectives on its impact and concerns in HE. This study addresses this gap by examining the usage, benefits, and concerns of GenAI in higher education from a multicultural standpoint. We employed an online survey that collected responses from 1217 participants across 76 countries, encompassing a broad range of gender categories, academic disciplines, geographical locations, and cultural orientations. Our findings revealed a high level of awareness and familiarity with GenAI tools among respondents. A significant portion had prior experience and expressed the intention to continue using these tools, primarily for information retrieval and text paraphrasing. The study emphasizes the importance of GenAI integration in higher education, highlighting both its potential benefits and concerns. Notably, there is a strong correlation between cultural dimensions and respondents’ views on the benefits and concerns related to GenAI, including its potential as academic dishonesty and the need for ethical guidelines. We, therefore, argued that responsible use of GenAI tools can enhance learning processes, but addressing concerns may require robust policies that are responsive to cultural expectations. We discussed the findings and offered recommendations for researchers, educators, and policymakers, aiming to promote the ethical and effective integration of GenAI tools in higher education.
Captopril pretreatment augments diabetogenic response to streptozotocin administration: experimental in vivo rat model
Authors: Ateyya Hayam , ShamsEldeen Asmaa Mohammed , Hosny Sara Adel , Kamar Samaa Samir , Rashed Laila Ahmed , Mostafa Abeer , Harb Inas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Streptozotocin (STZ) is a glucose analogue commonly used for inducing diabetes in experimental animals. This study is intended to investigate the ability of captopril (Cap) pretreatment to augment STZ-induced diabetogenic effect in an experimental rat model. If this hypothesis were proven, Cap administration to rats could reduce the dosage of STZ by augmenting its effect and resulting in a subsequent reduction in STZ cost. Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups: a control group that fed a normal diet, whereas the other six experimental groups were fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The six groups were then divided into STZ-30, STZ-30-Cap, STZ-40, STZ-40-Cap, STZ-50, and STZ-50-Cap. All Cap-received groups were supplemented with 50 mg/kg Cap orally one hour just before intraperitoneal (I.P.) injection of STZ. 30-STZ, 40-STZ, and 50-STZ-treated groups were injected once with STZ I.P. at doses of 30, 40, and 50 mg/kg, respectively. An intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was done. Pancreatic tissue was obtained to measure Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin one beta (IL-1β), and nitric oxide (NO) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) gene expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Pancreatic sections were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain, and immunohistochemical staining by anti-insulin and anti-TNF-α antibodies.

Results
Results indicated that administration of Cap before STZ in different doses significantly augmented the hyperglycemic state that was evident by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, and markedly increased pancreatic pro-inflammatory markers. Histological analysis of islets of Langerhans indicated degeneration with extensive vacuolations associated with a significant decrease in mean area % of insulin immunoreactivity and an increase in optical density of TNF-α immunoreactivity.

Conclusion
These findings pointed to the ability of captopril pretreatment to augment the hyperglycemic state and the diabetogenic response that was induced secondary to STZ injection in an experimental rat model.
Interdisciplinary public engagement: untapped potential?
Authors: Stott Janet , Vicente Catarina C. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Public engagement projects developed by university-based academics tend to focus on specific academic topics. Yet, the problems and topics that our audiences want to engage with are broad, challenging, and can't be explained or solved by a single academic subject or expertise. In this article, we capitalise on our experience working with academics at the University of Oxford, and a workshop for public engagement professionals that we co-organised with the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement, to advocate for a novel approach: interdisciplinary public engagement (public engagement projects that bring together academics from several academic disciplines). We consider the potential benefits and the challenges of this approach and provide examples of how it is starting to be explored.
P2X7 regulates ependymo-radial glial cell proliferation in adult Danio rerio following spinal cord injury
Authors: Stefanova Eva E. , Dychiao Julian Vincent T. , Chinn Mavis C. , Borhani Matin , Scott Angela L. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
In contrast to mammals, zebrafish undergo successful neural regeneration following spinal cord injury. Spinal cord ependymo-radial glia (ERG) undergo injury-induced proliferation and neuronal differentiation to replace damaged cells and restore motor function. However, the molecular cues driving these processes remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the evolutionarily conserved P2X7 receptors are widely distributed on neurons and ERG within the zebrafish spinal cord. At the protein level, the P2X7 receptor expressed in zebrafish is a truncated splice variant of the full-length variant found in mammals. The protein expression of this 50 kDa isoform was significantly downregulated at 7 days post-injury (dpi) but returned to basal levels at 14 dpi when compared to naïve controls. Pharmacological activation of P2X7 following SCI resulted in a greater number of proliferating cells around the central canal by 7 dpi but did not affect neuronal differentiation at 14 dpi. Our findings suggest that unlike in mammals, P2X7 signaling may not play a maladaptive role following SCI in adult zebrafish and may also work to curb the proliferative response of ERG following injury.
Seed preference is only weakly linked to seed-type-specific feeding performance in a songbird
Authors: Andries Tim , Müller Wendt , Van Wassenbergh Sam 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
The dehusking of seeds by granivorous songbirds is a complex process that requires fast, coordinated and sensory-feedback-controlled movements of beak and tongue. Hence, efficient seed handling requires a high degree of sensorimotoric skill and behavioural flexibility, since seeds vary considerably in size, shape and husk structure. To deal with this variability, individuals might specialise on specific seed types, which could result in greater seed handling efficiency of the preferred seed type, but lower efficiency for other seed types. To test this, we assessed seed preferences of canaries (Serinus canaria) through food choice experiments and related these to data of feeding performance, seed-handling skills and beak kinematics during feeding on small, spindle-shaped canary seeds and larger, spheroid-shaped hemp seeds. We found great variety in seed preferences among individuals: some had no clear preference, while others almost exclusively fed on hemp seeds, or even prioritized novel seed types (millet seed). Surprisingly, we only observed few and weak effects of seed preference on feeding efficiency. This suggests either that the ability to handle seeds efficiently can be readily applied across various seed types, or alternatively, that achieving high levels of seed-specific handling skills does not require extensive practice.
Evaluation of the relationship between oral glucose tolerance test, blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in prediabetic individuals
Authors: Oduncu Esra Aksoy , Tural Egemen , Dayan Akin 
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in lipid levels between prediabetic individuals with one-hour post-Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) plasma glucose (PG) values > 155 mg/dl and those with one-hour PG values ≤ 155 mg/dl.
Methods: This retrospective cross sectional study was initiated on August 2020 and concluded on June 2021, and conducted with 229 prediabetic patients who presented to the Diabetes Clinic of the Research Hospital. A correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between OGTT values and serum lipid levels. Additionally, the patients were divided into two groups based on the one-hour post-OGTT PG value of 155 mg/dl, and the presence of any difference in serum lipid levels between the two groups was examined using the Mann-Whitney U test. The SPSS 20 software was used for statistical analysis, and a statistical significance level of P < 0.05 was considered.
Results: Out of the 229 prediabetic patients included in the study, 172 were female. The number of patients with one-hour post-OGTT PG ≤ 155 mg/dl was 86, while those with values > 155 mg/dl were 143. A statistically significant difference was found between the group with one-hour post-OGTT PG > 155 mg/dl and the group with ≤ 155 mg/dl in terms of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between one-hour PG and HDL-C.
Conclusion: The evaluation of HDL-C and TG levels is important in prediabetic patients with a one-hour OGTT PG level greater than 155 mg/dL.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8292
How to cite this: Oduncu EA, Tural E, Dayan A. Evaluation of the relationship between oral glucose tolerance test, blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in prediabetic individuals. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8292
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Outcome of the incarcerated abdominal wall hernias managed by open and laparoscopic approaches
Authors: AlWadaani Hamed A , MEMON ABDUL QADEER 
Published: March 2024

Background & Objective: Laparoscopic surgery is generally considered as better than open surgery in terms of less complications, minimal hospital stays and quick healing of the wounds. Our objective was to compare the immediate and early outcome of the different incarcerated hernias of anterior abdominal wall operated on as emergency cases by open and laparoscopic approach.
Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study which was conducted at two hospitals of AlAhsa city of the Eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from July, 2017 to June, 2022. The data were retrieved from the medical records of the hospitals. All male and female patients having different types of incarcerated hernias of anterior abdominal wall presenting to the emergency room were included in the study. The patients were divided in two groups; those who were operated on by open approach (Group-I) and those who were operated on by laparoscopic approach (Group-II).
Results: Out of total 70 male and female patients, 42 were in Group-I and 28 in Group-II. The variety of the incarcerated hernias in both groups overall was para-umbilical 26(37.14%), incisional 18(25.71%), inguinal (right & left) 17(24.28%) and epigastric 9(12.86%). The mean operative time taken by Group I and II was 126.07 (±9.728) and 98.57 (±10.079) minutes respectively with a difference of 27.50 minutes (p=0.807). The mean hospital stay of the patients in Group I and II was 1.36(±0.719) and 1.57(±0.997) days respectively (p=0.482). The post-operative complications rate in Group-I was 6(14.28%) and in Group-II, 6(21.43%) (p=0.658). Overall, 12(17.14%) patients developed the complications in both groups. When the number of the complications is compared, it shows that there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.583).
Conclusion: Laparoscopic approach is not superior to the open approach in the terms of the immediate and early outcome/complications of the incarcerated hernias of the anterior abdominal wall operated as emergency cases in this study.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8899
How to cite this: AlWadaani HA, Memon AQ. Outcome of the incarcerated abdominal wall hernias managed by open and laparoscopic approaches. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8899
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Critical thinking about treatment effects in Eastern Africa: development and Rasch analysis of an assessment tool
Authors: Dahlgren Astrid , Semakula Daniel , Chesire Faith , Mugisha Michael , Nakyejwe Esther , Nsangi Allen , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia , Ochieng Marlyn A. , Oxman Andrew David , Ssenyonga Ronald , Simbi Clarisse Marie Claudine 
Published: March 2024

Background: Every day we are faced with different treatment claims, in the news, in social media, and by our family and friends. Some of these claims are true, but many are unsubstantiated. Without being supported by reliable evidence such guidance can lead to waste and harmful health choices. The Informed Health Choices (IHC) Network facilitates development of interventions for teaching children and adults the ability to assess treatment claims (informedhealthchoices.org). Our objective was to develop and evaluate a new assessment tool developed from the item bank for use in an upcoming trial of lower secondary school resources in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluating a questionnaire including two item-sets was used. The first evaluated ability using multiple-choice questions (scored dichotomously) and the other evaluated intended behaviour and self-efficacy (measured using Likert scales). This study was conducted in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda in 2021. We recruited children (over 12 years old) and adults through schools and our networks. We entered 1,671 responses into our analysis. Summary and individual fit to the Rasch model (including Cronbach’s Alpha) were assessed using the RUMM2030 software. Results: Both item-sets were found to have good fit to the Rasch model and were acceptable to our target audience. The reliability was good (Cronbach’s alpha >0.7). Observations of the individual item and person fit provided us with guidance on how we could improve the design, scoring, and administration of the two item-sets. There was no local dependency in either of the item-sets, and both item-sets were found to have acceptable unidimensionality. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first instrument validated for measuring ability to assess treatment claims in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. Overall, the two item-sets were found to have satisfactory measurement properties.
Outcome-Driven Dynamic Refugee Assignment with Allocation Balancing
Authors: Bansak Kirk , Paulson Elisabeth 
Published: March 2024

Dynamic Assignment Algorithms to Boost Refugee Outcomes Amid record-breaking forced displacement in recent years, researchers and policymakers alike have become increasingly interested in the idea of algorithmically matching refugees to geographic localities in order to optimize their employment or other integration outcomes. In “Outcome-Driven Dynamic Refugee Assignment with Allocation Balancing,” Bansak and Paulson propose new dynamic assignment algorithms for this context designed to maximize a given outcome while meeting the operational needs of refugee resettlement and asylum agencies. Using resettlement data from both the United States and Switzerland, they demonstrate how one algorithm (currently being piloted in Switzerland) can achieve near-optimal results compared with a hindsight-optimal matching. They also show that, because of nonstationarities in the arrival process, outcome maximization (even when subject to location capacity constraints) can result in an imbalanced allocation to localities over time, putting periodic strains on limited local resettlement resources. They account for this problem in a second algorithm that achieves near-perfect balance over time with only a small loss in average outcomes compared with the first algorithm.