bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecularly imprinted polymers as solid-phase and dispersive solid-phase extraction sorbents in the extraction of antiretroviral drugs in water: adsorption, selectivity and reusability studies
Authors: Xolo Thabiso , Mahlambi Precious 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe antiretroviral drugs (ARVDs) have been reported to be among the emerging water pollutants as a results attention is being paid on their analysis. This work therefore explored for the first time the multi-template MIP for the selective removal of selected ARVDs (abacavir, efavirenz and nevirapine) in wastewater, river water and tap water. The adsorption studies of a multi-template MIP were conducted by determining the effect of an increase in ARVDs concentration in solution and the effect of an increase in contact time between the sorbent and the ARVDs. High adsorption efficiencies were observed for abacavir, efavirenz and nevirapine analytes within 5 min and the maximum adsorption efficiency was observed at 60 min ranging from 94.76 to 96.93%. Adsorption kinetics showed that pseudo-second rate order was the best fitting model, while adsorption isotherms indicated that the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.94–0.98) best described the adsorption mechanism of ARVDs onto the MIPs. These results indicated that the electrostatic attractions influenced the multilayer coverage and chemisorption process. Selectivity studies conducted in the presence of competitors gave the recoveries between 92 and 98% for the target analytes, while they were 63–79% for competitors indicating good selectivity and strong affinity of the polymer towards the target analytes. Reusability studies showed that the MIP can be reused for up to 8 cycles with recoveries above 92% for all target ARVDs. The application of the MIP-DSPE method to wastewater, river and tap water samples gave concentrations of 28.75–178.02, 1.95–13.15 and 2.17–6.27 µg L−1, respectively. These results indicate the potential unplanned consumption of ARVDs upon drinking contaminated water which could result to their resistance by the human body. Therefore, their continuous monitoring as well as investigation of their removal strategies is of paramount importance.
Promoting STEM learning perseverance through recognizing communal goals: understanding the impact of empathy and citizenship
Authors: Nalipay Ma. Jenina N. , Huang Biyun , Jong Morris S. Y. , Chai Ching Sing , King Ronnel B. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous research has indicated that placing emphasis on communal goals within the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education can yield beneficial learning outcomes. However, there remains a relative dearth of investigation into the factors that contribute to the success of STEM education programs integrating communal goals. In the present study, we sought to explore the roles of two constructs that prioritize the interests of others, namely empathy and citizenship, in promoting STEM learning perseverance within the context of a STEM-based community service learning (CSL) program. Specifically, we proposed that empathy would be associated with STEM learning perseverance through its relationship with citizenship, within a sample of 275 secondary school students from Hong Kong who participated in the said program.

Results
Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the results revealed that empathy is significantly and positively associated with STEM learning perseverance, both directly and indirectly, through citizenship. The results held even after controlling for the demographic variables of school membership, gender, and age.

Conclusions
This research highlights the association between understanding the needs of the community (empathy) and students' desire for community involvement (citizenship), which subsequently influences their perseverance in STEM learning. This relationship is particularly pronounced in educational settings where communal goals are emphasized.
Deep learning for detection of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy from widefield specular microscopy imaging: a pilot
study
Authors: Foo Valencia Hui Xian , Lim Gilbert Y. S. , Liu Yu-Chi , Ong Hon Shing , Wong Evan , Chan Stacy , Wong Jipson , Mehta Jodhbir S. , Ting Daniel S. W. , Ang Marcus 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
To describe the diagnostic performance of a deep learning (DL) algorithm in detecting Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) based on specular microscopy (SM) and to reliably detect widefield peripheral SM images with an endothelial cell density (ECD) > 1000 cells/mm2.

Methods
Five hundred and forty-seven subjects had SM imaging performed for the central cornea endothelium. One hundred and seventy-three images had FECD, while 602 images had other diagnoses. Using fivefold cross-validation on the dataset containing 775 central SM images combined with ECD, coefficient of variation (CV) and hexagonal endothelial cell ratio (HEX), the first DL model was trained to discriminate FECD from other images and was further tested on an external set of 180 images. In eyes with FECD, a separate DL model was trained with 753 central/paracentral SM images to detect SM with ECD > 1000 cells/mm2 and tested on 557 peripheral SM images. Area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were evaluated.

Results
The first model achieved an AUC of 0.96 with 0.91 sensitivity and 0.91 specificity in detecting FECD from other images. With an external validation set, the model achieved an AUC of 0.77, with a sensitivity of 0.69 and specificity of 0.68 in differentiating FECD from other diagnoses. The second model achieved an AUC of 0.88 with 0.79 sensitivity and 0.78 specificity in detecting peripheral SM images with ECD > 1000 cells/mm2.

Conclusions
Our pilot study developed a DL model that could reliably detect FECD from other SM images and identify widefield SM images with ECD > 1000 cells/mm2 in eyes with FECD. This could be the foundation for future DL models to track progression of eyes with FECD and identify candidates suitable for therapies such as Descemet stripping only.
Short-term gains versus long-term strains: productivist policies and family resilience in China
Authors: Zhong Xiaohui , Li Bingqin , Fang Qian , Deng Zihong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article studies the intricate dynamics of family resilience within the Chinese productivist regime over the course of seven decades, emphasizing the instrumental role of public policy in shaping this resilience. Drawing on a dynamic approach, the research demonstrates how, across distinct periods of central planning and economic reform, policies have persistently harnessed families to advance economic objectives. Showing that the productivist regime’s double-edged role on family resilience emerged while public policies bolstered short-term family resilience in times of sustained economic growth and favorable demographics, and signs of family sector downturn—declining fertility rates, family dysfunctions—became evident, the current article underscores the challenges of a model that primarily perceives families as economic instruments. Advocating for a policy paradigm shift that harmonizes economic ambitions with family well-being, this study offers valuable insights for policy-makers and lays the groundwork for future research in comparative welfare systems.
Cross-sectional analysis comparing prefabricated titanium to individualized hybrid zirconia abutments for cemented zirconia based fixed dental prostheses: a critical concept assessment
Authors: Neckel Norbert , Pohl Josephine , Preissner Saskia , Wagendorf Oliver , Sachse Claudia , Vach Kirstin , Heiland Max , Nahles Susanne 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Despite the differences in material properties and shapes among the different types of prefabricated titanium (pTiA) and individualized hybrid zirconia abutments (ihZiA), the biological and clinical relevance of materials and construction features remains vague. Yet, individualized ihZiA are increasingly implemented into daily routine aiming to satisfy rising expectations. The objective was to compare these two types of abutments in fixed dental prostheses (FDP).

Methods
This cross-sectional study examined 462 implants in 102 patients comparing pTiA (52 patients) to ihZiA (50 patients) for FDP. These different treatment regimens were evaluated in terms of peri-implant health, radiographic bone loss, and oral-health related quality of life (OH-QoL) with special consideration of abutment type and superstructure design.

Results
ihZiA showed significantly different design features than prefabricated pTiA, but the annual bone loss in both groups did not.
Visible titanium in the esthetic zone negatively impacted OHIP 14 scores. The combination of an emergence angle (EA) of < 30° and a concave emergence profile (EP) as well as gingiva thickness (p = 0.002) at the time of the prosthetic restoration significantly improved the annual peri-implant bone loss, independently of the abutment type.

Conclusion
ihZiA showed comparable results to pTiA. To optimize the long-term outcome, not just material alone but generating adequate soft tissue thickness, minimizing the EA, and applying a concave EP seem to be the most relevant factors. To improve OH-QoL, particular attention must be paid to the esthetic zone.

Graphical Abstract
Latin American immigration and refugee policies: a critical literature review
Authors: Fernández-Rodríguez Nieves , Freier Luisa Feline 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAgainst the background of remarkable policy liberalization and the subsequent steep increase of forced displacement in Latin America, the literature on immigration and refugee policy in the region has gained momentum. Although largely overlooked, this literature has the potential to provide a corrective to political migration theory from the Global South. In this article we carry out a systematic, critical review of the regional literature along three thematic axes: legal analyses, normative and explanatory studies. Based on the review of 108 journal articles, we describe the characteristics, main contributions and research gaps of each thematic area. By analyzing legal norms and policy implementation gaps, existing studies on Latin America provide an understanding of migration policy over time and offer important empirical evidence for the advancement of political migration theory, challenging some of the main assumptions attributed to policies in the Global South. However, the lack of engagement with the broader literature and the absence of systematic analyses of its determinants and effects significantly limit the potential of this body of work. We close by making concrete suggestions of how future studies could fill existing gaps both in theoretical and empirical terms, and which methodological approach should be employed.
Inequality in opportunity of access to antenatal care in Cameroon: multilevel modelling, spatial analysis and decomposition methods
Authors: Youmbi Anne Darline , Nono Betrand Fesuh , Akono Christian Zamo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn Cameroon, major inequalities exist in women’s access to antenatal care (ANC), yet underlying circumstance drivers remain understudied. Using recently available Demographic and Health Survey data, we conducted multilevel model and spatial analyses to identify circumstance factors driving ANC disparities across the country's diverse regions. Drawing on a novel integration of theoretical frameworks, we evaluated how circumstances like geographic, economic and educational barriers combined to shape inequities. Both Shapley and Fields decomposition techniques apportioned contributors to ongoing inequality. Results from our study provide the first direct comparison of these approaches in Cameroon, finding a strong positive correlation between methods. Our findings show that ANC utilization overall was suboptimal, varying substantially between urban and rural areas. Key circumstance factors which disproportionately constrained disadvantaged groups’ opportunities for care included household wealth, level of education of the woman and spouse, and place of residence. Policy-relevant insights emerge from disentangling multifaceted opportunity gaps. Targeted interventions should address modifiable barriers facing underserved populations to promote more equal maternal health nationwide. Our multidisciplinary analytical approach offers lessons for analysing complex health disparities in diverse low-resource settings.
Graphical abstract
Improving the underwater navigation performance of an IMU with acoustic long baseline calibration
Authors: Wu Paipai , Nie Wenfeng , Liu Yangfan , Xu Tianhe 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderwater acoustic Long-Baseline System (LBL) is an important technique for submarine positioning and navigation. However, the high cost of the seafloor equipment and complex construction of a seafloor network restrict the distribution of the LBL within a small area, making an underwater vehicle difficult for long-distance and high-precision acoustic-based or inertial-based navigation. We therefore propose an acoustic LBL-based Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) calibration algorithm. When the underwater vehicle can receive the acoustic signal from a seafloor beacon, the IMU is precisely calibrated to reduce the cumulative error of Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (SINS). In this way, the IMU is expected to maintain a certain degree of accuracy by relying solely on SINS when the vehicle reaches out the range of the LBL network and cannot receive the acoustic signal. We present the acoustic LBL-based IMU online calibration model and analyze the factors that affect the accuracy of IMU calibration. The results fulfill the expectation that the gyroscope bias and accelerometer bias are the main error sources that affect the divergence of SINS position errors, and the track line of the underwater vehicle directly affects the accuracy of the calibration results. In addition, we deduce that an optimal calibration trajectory needs to consider the effects of the three-dimensional observability and position dilution of precision. In the experiment, we compare the effects of seven calibration trajectories: straight and diamond-shaped with and without the change of depth, and three sets of curves with the change of depth: circular, S-shaped, and figure-eight. Among them, we find that the figure-eight is the optimal trajectory for acoustic LBL-based IMU online calibration. We take the maintenance period during which the accumulated SINS Three Dimensional (3D) position errors are below 1 km to evaluate the calibration performance. The filed experimental results show that for the Micro-electromechanical Systems-grade IMU sensor, the maintenance period for the IMU calibrated with the proposed algorithm can be increased by 121% and 38.9% compared to the IMU without calibration and with the laboratory default parameter calibration, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed calibration algorithm.
CircMCTP2 enhances the progression of bladder cancer by regulating the miR-99a-5p/FZD8 axis
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Kexin , Yang Xianxu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
CircRNAs and miRNAs are involved in the progression of tumor. CircMCTP2 is considered as a novel tumor promoter. However, the exact functions of circMCTP2 in bladder cancer are still unclear. This study was designed to explore the underlying mechanisms of circMCTP2-modulated tumor development in bladder cancer.

Methods
The present study is an original research. The levels of circMCTP2 in a total of 39 bladder cancer specimens and cell lines were determined by RT-qPCR. The expression of FZD8 in T24 and RT-4 cells treated with miR-99a-5p mimics were examined using western blotting. In addition, the proliferative, migrative and invasive abilities of transfected cells were determined by CCK8 and Transwell assays. Furthermore, the apoptosis of transfected cells was evaluated using flow cytometry. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to elucidate the relationship between miR-99a-5p and circMCTP2/FZD8.

Results
The levels of circMCTP2 were elevated in bladder cancer samples and cells, and this was related to worse survival rate. Downregulation of circMCTP2 suppressed growth and metastasis of cells, whereas the apoptotic rate of cells was enhanced. The levels of miR-99a-5rp was elevated after the downregulation of circMCTP2. Moreover, reverse correlation between the expression of miR-99a-5p and circMCTP2 was revealed in bladder cancer specimens. Additionally, FZD8 was the putative target of miR-99a-5p and the mimics of miR-99a-5p inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells via the FZD8/Wnt-b-catenin axis. Moreover, circMCTP2 regulated the growth and metastasis of bladder cancer cells potentially through regulating the miR-99a-5p/FZD8/Wnt-b-catenin axis. In summary, circMCTP2 was considered as an oncogenic factor through regulating the miR-99a-5p/FZD8/Wnt-b-catenin axis.

Conclusions
This novel signaling could regulate the biological behaviours of bladder cancer cells, and these findings highlighted circMCTP2 as a critical target for treating bladder cancer.
The relationship between dental caries, dietary intake and body composition in school-age children
Authors: Özel İrem Çağla , Erbaş Ünverdi Gizem , Serdar Eymirli Pınar , Yabancı Ayhan Nurcan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between dental caries, food intake, and body composition in school-age children.

Methods
The study was conducted on 210 children, 105 boys and 105 girls, aged 6–12 years, without mental and/or physical disorders. Oral examinations of the children were performed by paediatric dentists and DMFT–DMFS and dmft–dmfs values were recorded. A detailed food frequency questionnaire was applied to determine the consumption frequency of dairy products and sugar‐added foods. Children’s height, waist and hip circumference measurements were taken by the researcher; body weight and body composition were evaluated with a Tanita body analyzer.

Results
The DMFS value of children who consumed white cheese daily is lower than children who did not (p < 0.05). The DMFT and DMFS values were found to be higher in children who consumed sweets, biscuits, and spreadable chocolate daily compared to children who did not (p < 0.05). Body weight and waist circumference are positively correlated with DMFT and negatively correlated with dmft. BMI is positively correlated with DMFT and negatively correlated with dmft (p < 0.05). In binary logistic regression, it was found that maternal education level, frequency of added sugar intake and body fat ratio were predictors of the presence of caries.

Conclusion
In this study, dental caries was associated with food consumption and body mass index. In children, consumption of sugary foods should be reduced and consumption of dairy products should be increased.
Auditory working memory measures in children with hearing impairment: a systematic review
Authors: Chandran Monisha , Neelamegarajan Devi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAuditory working memory (AWM) is the process by which information is held in the brain for a brief duration of time until either it is employed to complete a task, deleted after a short period, or transferred to long-term memory. AWM deficits have been noticed even in children with milder hearing impairments. It is essential to incorporate AWM assessment as a part of the standard audiological battery to minimize the detrimental effects of working memory deficits. The present study systematically reviews the articles published between 2011–2021 regarding test tools available to assess AWM in children with hearing impairment and the efficiency of the same. An overview of the auditory working measures such as the forward and backward digit span test; digit span subtests of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III; non-word repetition; Illinois test of Psycholinguistic Skills-Forward Digit Span; Numbers reversed subtest from Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities; and Word and non-word recall subtests of Working Memory Test Battery-Children; Number recall, and Word order task from Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children II are provided in detail. The present systematic review also provides an overview of the efficiency of the assessment tools by discussing the correlation between the findings obtained in memory tasks with other auditory, verbal, and visual measures. The working memory performance in children with hearing impairment using a hearing aid or cochlear implant has been found to be affected but varies in nature depending on the degree of hearing loss.
Comparison of Normocalcemic vs Hypercalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism in a Hypercalciuric Renal Stone Population
Authors: Halimi Caroline , Bor Clemence , Chieze Remi , Saint-Jacques Camille , Périé Sophie , Wagner Isabelle , Talbot Jean-Noel , Montravers Françoise , Letavernier Emmanuel , Buob David , Daudon Michel , Frochot Vincent , Haymann Jean-Philippe 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Context
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is commonly diagnosed in the setting of hypercalcemia, whereas normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NHPT) may be misdiagnosed.

Objective
Our objective was to compare patients with hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism (HPHPT) vs patients with NHPT hypercalciuric renal stones.

Methods
We took advantage of a routine calcium load test performed in patients with hypercalciuric renal stones to assess retrospectively among patients with PHPT the prevalence and characteristics of NHPT and HPHPT under a calcium-restricted diet

Results
Among 1671 patients with hypercalciuria, 91 patients had a final diagnosis of PHPT (postload ionized calcium [iCa] &gt; 1.31 mmol/L and parathyroid hormone [PTH] &gt; 30 pg/mL). Prevalence of NHPT is 40% of all PHPT; however, according to total serum calcium, 4/35 NHPT and 7/56 HPHPT cases would have been misclassified in the other group. Eighteen of 35 NHPT and 40/56 HPHPT cases underwent parathyroidectomy. No significant characteristics relating to parathyroid weight, stone composition, or bone remodeling biomarkers were detected between groups. Although iCa is higher in HPHPT in the fasting state and after calcium load, we found no difference for calcium diet, 24-hour calciuria, or calcitriol. Renal calcium excretion postload increased by 303% in NHPT but only 176% in HPHPT (P = .01) likely explained by a lesser PTH decrease (P = .02). However, a strong negative association (P &lt; .0001) detected between pooled preload and postload iCa and PTH only in the NHPT group suggests a persistent efficient PTH-CaSR control within the parathyroid glands in this group.

Conclusion
Our data show the relevance of dynamic tests to unmask NHPT in patients with hypercalciuric renal stones.
40 years of the homeobox: either it is wrong or it is quite interesting
Authors: Scott Matthew P. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Many genes that regulate development share a 180 bp DNA sequence, called the homeobox, encoding a 60 amino acid DNA-binding domain ( McGinnis et al., 1984c; Scott and Weiner, 1984). Because the homeobox is long enough to hybridize to related, but different, genes, it has been a powerful tool for discovering developmental regulators. This year is the 40th anniversary of the first homeobox report. Here, I describe work carried out at Indiana University that led to the discovery of the homeobox. The accompanying Perspective from McGinnis and Levine describes the independent discovery made at the Biozentrum in Basel ( McGinnis and Levine, 2024). At the time, the competition was lively but, as we all met each other – and realized that no one cares more about your work than competitors – we fortunately became friends and have enjoyed many years of following and respecting each other's work.