bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Five‐year changes in macular thickness in the elderly population: A cohort study
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Heydarian Samira , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Fotouhi Akbar 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study is to determine the 5‐year changes in macular thickness and related factors.MethodsData were from the second (2014) and third (2019) phases of the Shahroud Eye Cohort Study. Examinations included measurement of uncorrected and best‐corrected visual acuity, non‐cycloplegic autorefraction, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, and funduscopy. Participants underwent Cirrus HD‐OCT 4000 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). imaging.ResultsThe 5‐year changes (95% confidence interval) of central and overall macular thicknesses were − 3.48 ± 8.16 μ (−3.92, −3.03) and − 0.79 ± 4.06 μ (−1.03, −0.54), respectively.The median and IQR of 5‐year changes in the central subfield thickness were −3 and 10, although they were 0 and 5 in the overall macular thickness, respectively. Multiple regression model showed the central macular thickness (CMT) decreased with a U‐shape pattern with increasing age. The 5‐year changes in CMT were significantly lower in females compared to males β = −1.55; (−2.78, −0.32) and in smokers compared to non‐smokers β = −1.92; (−3.55, −0.28). Moreover, higher body mass index β = −0.12; (−0.22, −0.02) and CMT at baseline β = −0.08; (−0.10, −0.06) were significantly associated with lower CMT changes. The average 5‐year changes in overall macular thickness showed a non‐linear decrease with age and was significantly higher in females β = 0.93; (0.4, 1.43). These changes were directly related to the anterior chamber depth β = 0.87; (0.10, 1.64) in the baseline.ConclusionsThe macular thickness decreased slightly after 5 years; however, this change is not clinically significant. Demographic factors such as age and sex and refractive errors were significantly related to macular thickness changes.
Effect of valproic acid on the formation and migration of cranial neural crest cells at the early developmental stages in rat embryos
Authors: Suzuki Reiko , Imai Hajime 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCranial neural crest cells (NCCs) are critical for craniofacial development. The administration of valproic acid (VPA) to pregnant females causes craniofacial malformations in offspring. However, the in vivo influence of VPA on mammalian cranial NCCs remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the developmental stage‐specific effect of VPA on cranial NCCs through the administration of a single dose of VPA to pregnant rat females immediately prior to the formation of the cranial neural crest (NC). We performed whole‐mount immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization to examine localization changes of gene transcripts associated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transition of the cranial NC (i.e., cranial NCC formation) and cranial NCC migration. The results showed that Hoxa2 mRNA was abnormally detected and Sox9 mRNA expression was decreased in the midbrain–rhombomere (R) 1/2 NC, which forms cranial NCCs that migrate to the frontonasal mass (FNM) and branchial arch (BA) 1, through VPA administration, thus reducing the formation of SNAI2‐positive NCCs. Hoxa2‐positive NCCs were detected normally in BA2 and abnormally in FNM and BA1, which are normally Hox‐free, implying VPA‐induced abnormal cranial NCC migration. In vitro verification experiments using the whole embryo culture system revealed that midbrain–R4 NCC migration was abnormal. These results indicate that VPA reduces the formation/delamination of the midbrain–R1/2 NCCs in a developmental stage‐specific manner and subsequently causes the abnormal migration of R4 NCCs, which suggests that the abnormal formation and migration of cranial NCCs contribute to the inhibition of axonal elongation in the trigeminal nerve and a reduction in head size.
Effect of prefabricated immediate interim prosthesis design and insertion workflow on seating accuracy on implants placed via static computer‐assisted implant surgery: A cross‐sectional in vitro study
Authors: Abduo Jaafar , Lau Douglas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundImmediate implant restoration by prefabricated prosthesis has multiple benefits. However, the design and insertion workflow of the prosthesis may influence the seating.PurposeEvaluation of seating accuracy of prefabricated interim prosthesis of different designs and insertion workflows for immediate restoration of implants placed via static computer‐assisted implant surgery (sCAIS).Materials and MethodsA maxillary model without incisors was used to plan for two implants at the lateral incisor locations. According to the planned implants, sCAIS surgical template and a four‐unit interim prosthesis were designed. Four prostheses were fabricated based on the design and insertion workflow. The first prosthesis involved complete fabrication (CF) of the interim prosthesis, where the interim prosthesis is fabricated for laboratory attachment to abutments. The other three prostheses were produced by partial fabrication (PF), where the interim prosthesis shell was produced with internal spacing between the fitting surface and the abutments. The PF prostheses were cemented on abutments attached to the inserted implants. Three different PF prosthesis designs were included with different levels of internal spacing: 100 μm (PF.1), 200 μm (PF.2), and 300 μm (PF.3). A total of 15 surgical models received implants on which each prosthesis was seated and scanned by a laboratory scanner. The vertical, horizontal, and proximal contact errors were measured.ResultsAlthough all prostheses were seated on every model, the CF prostheses had greater vertical error, followed by PF.1, PF.2, and PF.3 prostheses, respectively. A similar pattern was observed for proximal contact error, where PF.3 was most superior. PF.3 prostheses had the least horizontal error than the other prostheses.ConclusionsAll interim prostheses experienced errors at the vertical, horizontal, and proximal surfaces, which can be attributed to deviations of the inserted implants. The PF of interim prosthesis with increased internal spacing for intraoral insertion appeared to reduce seating errors.
Board gender reforms and voluntary disclosure: International evidence from management earnings forecasts
Authors: Wang Yujie , Nadeem Muhammad , Malik Ihtisham , Xiong Ling 
Published: February 2024

AbstractResearch Question/IssueThis study examines the relationship between boardroom gender diversity reforms (BGDRs) and corporate voluntary disclosure in the form of management earnings forecasts (MEFs) in a sample of 43 countries over the period 2000 to 2020.Research Findings/InsightsTaking advantage of the staggered adoption of the gender diversity reforms that aim to improve women's representation on boards, we find that firms exhibit a greater propensity for and frequency of issuing MEFs. These findings hold for both governance‐based and legislation‐based reforms but are stronger for the latter. Furthermore, we find stronger results (a) when female directors possess higher financial expertise and serve on board sub‐committees, (b) when board activity (meetings and attendance) improved following BGDRs, (c) for firms that had all‐male boards before the reforms and where gender diversity increased shortly after the reforms, and (d) for countries with greater legal enforcement and gender equality. Our findings are robust using the stacked difference‐in‐differences approach and alternative samples, models, and fixed effects. In addition, we find that, after the reforms, there is an increase in the forecast horizon, forecast width, bad news disclosure, accuracy, and the number of disaggregated forecast items.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsOur study provides the first international and comprehensive evidence of the positive role of board gender reforms in the corporate information environment and offers vital policy implications.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsOur study informs the ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of and business case for gender diversity reforms. By documenting a causal link between BGDRs and voluntary disclosure, our study provides important implications for policymakers, regulators, investors, and top management teams.
Health utility among people who regularly use opioids in Australia
Authors: Tran Anh Dam , Grebely Jason , Chambers Mark , Degenhardt Louisa , Farrell Michael , Bajis Sahar , Larance Briony 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionStudies of health utilities among people who use opioids have mostly been based on in‐treatment populations. We aim to report utility‐based quality of life by participants' socio‐demographic, drug and treatment characteristics, and to examine the determinants of health utility among people who use opioids regularly.MethodsCross‐sectional study of participants who used opioids regularly, recruited across New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania in 2018–2019. Differences in European Quality of Life (EQ‐5D‐5L) heath utility scores between socio‐demographic and clinical subgroups were assessed using non‐parametric Kruskal–Wallis test by rank. To address the unique distribution of EQ‐5D‐5L health utility scores in the current sample, a two‐part model was applied to assess factors associated with health utility.ResultsAmong 402 participants enrolled in the study, 385 (96%) completed the EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire. The mean health utility of the total sample was 0.63 (SD 0.29). Participants who previously received opioid agonist treatment [OAT] (adj marginal effect (ME) −0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.20 to −0.02) and those currently in OAT (adj ME −0.13; 95% CI −0.22 to −0.06) reported lower health utility than those who had never received OAT. Participants who used both pharmaceutical opioids and benzodiazepines had lower health utility compared to no pharmaceutical opioids and no benzodiazepines use (adj ME −0.17; 95% CI −0.28 to −0.07).Discussion and ConclusionsFindings provide important health utility data for economic evaluations, useful for guiding allocation of resources for treatment strategies among people who use opioids. Lower health utilities among those using benzodiazepines and pharmaceutical opioids suggests interventions targeting these subgroups may be beneficial.
Randomized controlled trial of remimazolam compared with placebo in Japanese patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: Phase III investigator‐initiated clinical trial
Authors: Ichijima Ryoji , Ikehara Hisatomo , Yamaguchi Daisuke , Nagata Yasuhiko , Ogura Kanako , Esaki Mitsuru , Minoda Yosuke , Ono Hiroyuki , Maeda Yuki , Kiriyama Shinsuke , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Kanmura Yuichi , Gotoda Takuji 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of remimazolam against normal saline (placebo) as a sedative agent for endoscopy in a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, investigator‐initiated phase III controlled trial.MethodsWe included 48 Japanese patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. For the procedure, an initial remimazolam dose of 3 mg and additional doses of 1 mg were administered, as determined in the phase II clinical study. The primary study end‐point was the successful sedation rate during gastrointestinal endoscopy, determined as a Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score ≤4 before the start of endoscopy, the completion of gastrointestinal endoscopy, and two or fewer additional doses per 6 min.ResultsThe successful endoscopy sedation rates were 91.9% and 9.1% in the remimazolam and placebo groups, respectively (P < 0.01). The time from the end of endoscopy to arousal was 0.0 (0.0–0.0) min for both groups. The number of additional doses required to achieve sedation was lower in the remimazolam group than that in the placebo group (P < 0.01).ConclusionsRemimazolam demonstrated a significantly higher sedation effect during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Japanese patients with safe and fast recovery compared with placebo.
Biomedical research on autism in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Considerations from the South African context
Authors: de Lange Siobhan , Muller Dee , Dafkin Chloe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social/communicative difficulties and perseverative behaviours. While research on autism has flourished recently, few studies have been conducted on the disorder in non‐Western contexts. In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), biomedical research on autism is required to better understand the needs of the population and to develop contextually appropriate interventions. However, autistic individuals are a vulnerable study population and LMICs present with various considerations. While the presentation of autism is heterogeneous, stigma is a common social consequence affecting research. Drawing specifically on the South African context, the ethical intersections of these issues are discussed, along with the limitations of the current informed consent process. Community engagement is recommended as an adjunct to informed consent to ensure that biomedical research is conducted in a more inclusive way. Practical pointers are provided for implementing systematic support for conducting community engagement alongside biomedical research.
Chemical composition and thermal stability of topsoil organic carbon: Influence of cropping system and tillage practices
Authors: Mesgar M. , Voroney R. P. , Lo A. , Ardakani O. H. , Gillespie A. W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAgricultural management practices play a significant role in regulating the potential for soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of cropping systems and tillage practices on the chemistry and thermal stability of topsoil SOC in a long‐term field study in Ontario, Canada. The cropping system is based on rotations including corn, alfalfa, cereals, soybeans and a red clover cover crop. Tillage practices of conventional (moldboard plow, CT) and conservation (no‐till, NT) were applied to each cropping system. A 130‐day laboratory incubation was conducted to measure the potentially mineralizable SOC. The thermal stability and molecular structure of SOC were investigated using thermal analysis‐programmed pyrolysis (PP) and solid‐state 13C cross polarization/total sideband suppression magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/TOSS MAS NMR) spectroscopy, respectively. The SOC stocks were larger under NT practices and the crop rotations incorporating alfalfa and cover crops. Under NT practices, an abundance of aromatic‐C components was observed, however, soil under CT showed an abundance of aliphatic‐C compounds (p < 0.001), with a higher alkyl/O‐alkyl‐C ratio, indicating a higher degree of SOC decomposition. Soil under rotations that included soybeans demonstrated a significant increase in aliphatic‐C components, whereas those with cover cropping exhibited an enrichment in O‐alkyl‐C groups (p < 0.05), representing the presence of more resistant and easily decomposable SOC constituents, respectively. The results demonstrated that the thermal stability of SOC in CT systems was higher than that of NT practices (p < 0.05), while NT practices and crop rotations including cover crops are better capable of conserving the labile pool of SOC. Our findings confirmed the correlations among the parameters that characterize both the labile and stable pools of SOC as determined by the methods employed in this study. These results demonstrated that agricultural management practices significantly influence the chemical composition and thermal stability of soil organic matter (SOM), which can have significant impacts on soil health and C sequestration potential.
Exploring the molecular mechanisms of increased intensity of pyrethroid resistance in Central African population of a major malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii
Authors: Fadel Amen N. , Ibrahim Sulaiman S. , Sandeu Maurice M. , Tatsinkou Claudine Grâce Maffo , Menze Benjamin D. , Irving Helen , Hearn Jack , Nagi Sanjay C. , Weedall Gareth D. , Terence Ebai , Tchapga Williams , Wanji Samuel , Wondji Charles S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMolecular mechanisms driving the escalation of pyrethroid resistance in the major malaria mosquitoes of Central Africa remain largely uncharacterized, hindering effective management strategies. Here, resistance intensity and the molecular mechanisms driving it were investigated in a population of Anopheles coluzzii from northern Cameroon. High levels of pyrethroid and organochloride resistance were observed in An. coluzzii population, with no mortality for 1× permethrin; only 11% and 33% mortalities for 5× and 10× permethrin diagnostic concentrations, and <2% mortalities for deltamethrin and DDT, respectively. Moderate bendiocarb resistance (88% mortality) and full susceptibility to malathion were observed. Synergist bioassays with piperonyl butoxide recovered permethrin susceptibility, with mortalities increasing to 53.39%, and 87.30% for 5× and 10× permethrin, respectively, implicating P450 monooxygenases. Synergist bioassays with diethyl maleate (DEM) recovered permethrin and DDT susceptibilities (mortalities increasing to 34.75% and 14.88%, respectively), implicating glutathione S‐transferases. RNA‐seq‐based genome‐wide transcriptional analyses supported by quantitative PCR identified glutathione S‐transferase, GSTe2 (RNA‐seqFC = 2.93 and qRT‐PCRFC = 8.4, p < 0.0043) and CYP450, CYP6Z2 (RNA‐seqFC = 2.39 and qRT‐PCRFC = 11.7, p < 0.0177) as the most overexpressed detoxification genes in the pyrethroid‐resistant mosquitoes, compared to mosquitoes of the susceptible Ngousso colony. Other overexpressed genes include P450s, CYP6M2 (FC = 1.68, p < 0.0114), CYP4G16 (FC = 2.02, p < 0.0005), and CYP4G17 (FC = 1.86, p < 0.0276). While high frequency of the 1014F kdr mutation (50%) and low frequencies of 1014S (6.61%) and 1575Y (10.29%) were observed, no ace‐1 mutation was detected in bendiocarb‐resistant populations, suggesting the preeminent role of metabolic mechanism. Overexpression of metabolic resistance genes (including GSTe2 and CYP6Z2 known to confer resistance to multiple insecticides) in An. coluzzii from the Sudan Savannah of Cameroon highlights the need for alternative management strategies to reduce malaria burden in northern Cameroon.
Quantitative analysis of reducing sugars in solid‐state fermentation based on NIR combined with GA‐AdaBoost
Authors: Zhao Meng , Sun An , He Siying , Yu Luoshui , Wang Rongxiang , Fu Wenjie , Mu Yang 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThis study focuses primarily on the real‐time monitoring of reducing sugar levels throughout solid‐state ethanol fermentation. A predictive model for accurate quantification of reducing sugar levels will be formulated through a comprehensive analysis of near‐infrared spectra across different fermentation stages. Building a predictive model using Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), The spectral data was pre‐processed using the Standard Normal Variate (SNV) method, followed by feature band selection using the Genetic Algorithm (GA), resulting in the identification of 181 characteristic wavelengths. The resulting GA‐AdaBoost model has excellent performance metrics: of 0.989, RMSEC of 0.393, of 0.978, RMSEP of 0.640, RPD of 6.651 and RER of 0.142. Comparative evaluations against Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS), Successive Projection Algorithm (SPA), Uninformative Variable Elimination (UVE) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) consistently underscore the superior efficacy of the GA‐AdaBoost model. These results robustly confirm its reliability in accurately quantifying reducing sugars in solid‐state fermentation processes.
Enhancing functional features of pectin‐based coating by incorporating cellulose nanofibre/peppermint oil
Authors: Marcellino Vincensius , Kusuma Gracella , Wardana Ata Aditya , Wigati Laras Putri , Liza Chandra , Wulandari Retno , Setiarto R. Haryo Bimo , Tanaka Fumina , Tanaka Fumihiko 
Published: February 2024

SummaryFruit loss frequently occurs due to physical and microbial deterioration. This study aimed to develop an emulsified coating formulation based on pectin (BP)/cellulose nanofibre (CNF)/(peppermint essential oil) PEO using the Pickering technique with an appropriate level of CNF as a stabiliser and to study its effect on grape quality during storage. The incorporation of 0.4% PEO‐stabilised with various 0.1%–0.325% CNF into 0.5% BP edible coatings was developed. A 0.175% concentration of CNF was found to be appropriate for stabilising the emulsion system. This technique improved the functional performance of BP coatings, including their antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum by 64.94% on the 7th day of incubation. Moreover, light transmission at UV and visible wavelengths and elongation improved by 23.17% and 71.26% respectively compared to the pure BP‐based coating. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterise the biocompatibility of each coating formulation. The PEO‐CNF emulsion coating may be an alternative for the active coating of fresh fruit commodities.
Access all areas: multisensory science exhibitions tailored toward blind, low‐vision and diverse‐needs communities
Authors: Tandori Erica , Ciacchi Laura , Ciacchi Lisa , Ly‐Huynh Jennifer D , Favilla Stuart , Rossjohn Jamie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMonash Sensory Science is a scientific outreach initiative specifically tailored to members of the community who are blind, have low vision and have diverse needs. The purpose of this initiative is to showcase Australian science and encourage greater participation in science from these often‐overlooked communities. This article presents our experience in establishing Monash Sensory Science at Monash University and inspiring other institutions to launch similar outreach events.
Fracture strength of preformed zirconia crown and CAD–CAM zirconia, ceramic, and hybrid composite crowns for the restoration of primary molars: An in vitro study
Authors: El Hayek Joy Elian , Tohme Hani , Nasr Lara , El Hachem Roula , Kabbani Nathalie , Mchayleh Nada Farhat 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPaediatric‐preformed zirconia crowns have been associated with several issues, primarily their inability to be crimped and the need for extensive tooth preparation. Additionally, the capacity to adjust the size, shape, and fit of these crowns is very limited.AimTo evaluate and compare the fracture strength of four different types of dental crowns intended for paediatric patients.DesignThe fracture resistance of four types of paediatric crowns was evaluated using the universal testing machine; freshly extracted primary molars received one of the following: preformed zirconia crowns, custom‐made computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD–CAM) zirconia crowns, custom‐made CAD–CAM ceramic crowns, and custom‐made CAD–CAM hybrid composite crowns. Data were statistically compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Bonferroni test, and the level of significance was set at 5%.ResultsResults showed that there was a statistically significant difference among the four groups (p < .001). The highest value of fracture force was observed for the milled zirconia crown and the lowest for the prefabricated zirconia.ConclusionThe implementation of the CAD–CAM digital crown fabrication technique has the potential to address issues associated with preformed crowns in paediatric patients, particularly in terms of fracture resistance.