bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proximity extension assay‐based proteomics studies in neurodegenerative disorders and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Arioz Burak I. , Cotuk Aysen , Yaka Emiş Cansu , Genc Sermin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNeurodegenerative diseases impact the structure and operation of the nervous system, causing progressive and irreparable harm. Efforts for distinguishing neurodegenerative diseases in their early stages are continuing. Despite several biomarkers being identified, there is always search for more accurate and abundant ones. Additionally, it can be difficult to pinpoint the precise neurodegenerative disorder affecting a patient as the symptoms of these conditions frequently overlap. Numerous studies have shown that pathological changes occur years before clinical signs appear. Therefore, it is crucial to discover blood‐based biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases for easier and earlier diagnosis. Proximity extension assay is a unique proteomics method that uses antibodies linked to oligonucleotides for quantifying proteins with real‐time PCR. Proximity extension assay can identify even low‐quantity proteins using a small volume of specimens with increased sensitivity compared to conventional methods. In this article, we reviewed the employment of proximity extension assay technology to detect biomarkers or protein profiles for several neurodegenerative diseases.
A European stakeholder survey on soil science skills for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Veenstra Jennifer , Coquet Yves , Melot Romain , Walter Christian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe European Union's soil strategy for 2030 has set the objective of achieving ‘healthy soils’ in Europe by 2050. To achieve this ambitious goal, dedicated soil science skills will be needed in the future. This article presents the results of a survey on soil science skills for the future conducted within the framework of the European Joint Program—EJP SOIL. The survey was distributed online in the 24 countries participating in the EJP SOIL. The skills were expressed as having knowledge in particular topics related to soils, practical know‐hows or abilities or outcomes of knowledge and know‐hows put into action. No significant differences in the importance of soil‐science related skills were found between countries or stakeholder categories. The two groups of skills that ranked at the top of stakeholders' concern were ‘Having a scientific basis of knowledge on soils and their functioning’ and ‘Knowing how to mobilise agronomic drivers to manage and protect soils’. This means that there is a need for people with an in‐depth knowledge in soil science, but also soil scientists with integrated knowledge in agronomy and crop production. Three important findings relate to the knowledge of soil science itself: (i) there is a clear need to develop the knowledge of the biological and ecological functioning of soil; (ii) this should not happen at the expense of a strong general knowledge of the fundamentals of soil science; (iii) future soil scientists should be trained to have a more holistic appreciation of soil rather than be trained as a specialist of a specific aspect of soil science only. Being able to exchange knowledge with farmers, knowing how to assess soil fertility, quality or health and how to improve them are viewed as essential skills for the future. These findings offer a clear path for the evolution of soil science education curricula across Europe.
Viability and oxidative stress of dental pulp cells after indirect application of chemomechanical agents: An in vitro study
Authors: Lins‐Candeiro Caio Luiz , Paranhos Luiz Renato , de Oliveira Neto Nilson Ferreira , Ribeiro Rafael Antônio Oliveira , de‐Souza‐Costa Carlos Alberto , Guedes Fernanda Rodrigues , da Silva Washington Henrique Themoteo , Turrioni Ana Paula , Santos Filho Paulo César de Freitas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThis study evaluated the transdentinal cytotoxic effects of enzymatic agents (EA) for chemomechanical carious tissue removal on human dental pulp cells.MethodologyThe groups were based on the performed dentine treatments (n = 8): G1: Positive Control (PC ‐ no treatment); G2: Negative Control (NC ‐ 35% H2O2 for 2 min); G3: Brix 3000™ (BX) for 30 s; G4: BX for 2 min; G5: Papacarie Duo™ (PD) for 30 s; G6: PD for 2 min. The cells were evaluated for viability (VB; MTT assay) and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS; DCFH‐DA assay) and nitric oxide (NO; Griess reagent). A scanning electron microscope provided morphological chemical analyses and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The data were submitted to the one‐way anova statistical test complemented by Tukey (p < .05).ResultsCell viability decreased by 21.1% and 58.4% in G5 and G6, respectively. ROS production in G3 and G4 maintained basal levels but increased by 171.2% and 75.1% in G5 and G6, respectively.ConclusionsThe Brix3000™ enzymatic agent did not cause indirect cytotoxic effects on pulp cells, regardless of the application time. Conversely, Papacarie Duo™ reduced viability and increased ROS production by pulp cells.
A review on the application of UV‐C treatment on food and food surfaces: association with food microbiology, predictive microbiology and quantitative microbial risk assessment
Authors: Ramos Gustavo Luis P. A. , Esper Luciana Maria R. , Gonzalez Alice G. M. 
Published: December 2023

SummaryThe so‐called emerging technologies have gained prominence in the field of food processing, compared to conventional heat treatments, due to technological, sensorial and microbiological safety benefits. Ultraviolet radiation (UV), more specifically UV‐C radiation, is inexpensive and has been one of the most studied technologies. This work seeks to summarise the application of UV‐C treatment, contextualising its efficiency in the inactivation of microorganisms in different food matrices and surfaces associated with food handling and allowing the visualisation of trends in the combination of UV‐C radiation with other technologies. Still, the technology is related to quantitative tools associated with food microbiology. Factors related to processing parameters, characteristics of the microbial population and food properties have a direct influence on the effectiveness of UV‐C technology. The UV‐C treatment parameters must be rigorously defined, considering the particularities of each food matrix, so that undesirable identity or sensory changes do not occur. The application of mathematical tools, such as predictive microbiology and quantitative microbial risk assessment, is fundamental in the planning and definition of processing parameters for UV‐C radiation technology.
Platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and absolute monocyte count have prognostic potential in primary myelodysplastic neoplasms
Authors: Qu Huiting , Chu Jingxue , Wang Lu , Zhang Jie , Han Jingyin , Li Zhen , Hou Haifeng , Wang Yong , Liu Yigang , Wu Huanling 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), peripheral blood absolute monocyte count (AMC), and monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) are considered biomarkers of systemic immune and inflammation response. However, their prognostic potential in patients with myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the predictive impact of PLR, MLR, and AMC on MDS outcomes.MethodsIn total, 334 patients with primary MDS were included between January 2016 and December 2021 and were retrospectively followed up until December 31, 2022. The prognostic significance of PLR, MLR, and AMC was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses, and predictive models were generated to estimate MDS outcomes. The area under their receiver operating curves was computed to compare the predictive power of these models.ResultsFifty‐one patients had disease progression, and 103 patients died during follow‐up. In multivariate analyses, a higher PLR was an adverse independent factor for overall survival (OS) (p = 0.011), whereas a higher AMC indicated shorter progression‐free survival (p = 0.003). The prognostic model incorporating PLR, MLR, and AMC with the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS‐R) risk categorization showed higher performance in predicting OS than the model that only utilized the IPSS‐R category.ConclusionElevated PLR and increased AMC had independent prognostic value for adverse outcomes in patients with MDS. PLR, MLR, and AMC enhanced the IPSS‐R risk categorization for OS prediction in MDS.
Exploring the impact of audio self‐modelling on Chinese as a foreign language students' tone pronunciation skill, self‐efficacy, and motivation
Authors: Li Linghong , Valcke Martin , Badan Linda , Anderl Christoph 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground studyChinese tone pronunciation instruction gains increasingly attention and various instructional strategies have been studied to develop effective tones in students. Students usually listen to successful pronunciation stimuli provided by the teacher or peers, to be copied by themselves. However, individuals seem more sensitive to learn from their own voice to develop adequate tone pronunciation. Self‐Modelling is an instructional strategy that builds on learning from ones' own behaviour to develop target behaviours. Most available research builds on visual cues; hence the label Visual Self Modelling (VSM) that presents learners with videoclips of their own behaviour. VSM had been found to be successful to develop a range of skills. However, when focusing on language pronunciation, audio cues are to be preferred to direct the modelling process. This inspired the authors to the design of audio self‐modelling (ASM) that starts from recordings of students' pronunciation. These auditory recordings are hypothesized to be more appropriate as a base for self‐modelling.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of ASM when training Chinese as a foreign language students' tone pronunciation (focus on contour, pitch, duration. Additionally, the study explores the impact of ASM on students' self‐efficacy and motivation and the relationship between students' tone pronunciation skill, self‐efficacy, and motivation.MethodA quasi‐experimental design was adopted, involving 26 students in a six‐week intervention to study the improvement of their pronunciation of Chinese tones at word level. Seventeen students in the experimental condition were trained via ASM; the other nine students studied pronunciation as usual on the base of teacher provided pronunciation stimuli and corrective feedback. Students in the ASM were also individually interviewed about their learning experience.ResultsAnalysis of the quantitative pre‐ and post‐tests scores show that ASM results in a significantly higher posttest score for in each of the tone criteria as compared to the control group (contour, pitch and duration). Also, students' self‐efficacy and motivation improved to a significantly higher extent in the ASM research condition. No significant correlations were found between CFL students' tone pronunciation performance and their self‐efficacy and motivation. Analysis of the interview data further indicated that CFL students put forward positive attitudes and perceptions about ASM, next to some concerns.ConclusionThe significant findings present empirical evidence as to the efficacy of ASM as an instructional strategy to develop L2 skills, and push the idea to adopt self‐modelling on the base of person auditory recordings to direct L2 pronunciation instruction.
Estimated small dense low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in nonobese populations
Authors: Huang Hangkai , Xie Jiarong , Hou Linxiao , Miao Min , Xu Lei , Xu Chengfu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo explore the association between estimated small dense low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL‐C) and the risk of incident nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in nonobese populations.Materials and MethodsThis study included participants who underwent health checkups in 2014 and were followed up until 2019. We carried out Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to evaluate the association of estimated sdLDL‐C with NAFLD. Discordance analyses were carried out to estimate the relative NAFLD risk in estimated sdLDL‐C versus low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) discordant/concordant groups. Estimated sdLDL‐C was calculated by equations based on LDL‐C and triglycerides. The diagnosis of NAFLD was based on the presence of abdominal ultrasonography after excluding other causes of chronic liver disease.ResultsOver a mean follow‐up period of 26,694 person‐years, 844 incident NAFLD cases were recorded. Compared with the first quartile of estimated sdLDL‐C, the fourth quartile was associated with a 2.933‐fold increased risk of NAFLD (95% confidence interval 2.095–4.107). With the increase in estimated sdLDL‐C, the risk of NAFLD gradually increased both in participants within the normal range of LDL‐C (hazard ratio 2.854, 95% confidence interval 1.650–5.617) and beyond the normal range of LDL‐C (hazard ratio 2.636, 95% confidence interval 1.263–5.502). In addition, the inconsistent high estimated sdLDL‐C/low LDL‐C group was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD, but not the low estimated sdLDL‐C/high LDL‐C group.ConclusionsEstimated sdLDL‐C was positively associated with the risk of incident NAFLD in a nonobese population, independent of LDL‐C.
Reporting, handling, and interpretation of time‐varying drug treatments in observational studies using routinely collected healthcare data
Authors: Wang Wen , He Qiao , Xu Jiayue , Liu Mei , Wang Mingqi , Li Qianrui , Zhang Xia , Huang Yunxiang , Zhang Yuanjin , Li Ling , Zou Kang , Li Guowei , Lu Kevin , Gao Pei , Chen Feng , Guo Jeff Jianfei , Yang Min , Sun Xin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundTime‐varying drug treatments are common in studies using routinely collected health data (RCD) for assessing treatment effects. This study aimed to examine how these studies reported, handled, and interpreted time‐varying drug treatments.MethodsA systematic search was conducted on PubMed from 2018 to 2020. Eligible studies were those used RCD to explore drug treatment effects. We summarized the reporting characteristics and methods employed for handling time‐varying treatments. Logistic regressions were performed to investigate the association between study characteristics and the reporting of time‐varying treatments.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty‐six studies were included, and 225 (87.9%) studies involved time‐varying treatments. Of these, 24 (10.7%) reported the proportion of time‐varying treatments and 105 (46.7%) reported methods used to handle time‐varying treatments. Multivariable logistic regression showed that medical studies, prespecified protocol, and involvement of methodologists were associated with a higher likelihood of reporting the methods applied to handle time‐varying treatments. Among the 105 studies that reported methods, as‐treated analyses were the most commonly used analysis sets, which were employed in 73.9%, 75.3% and 88.2% of studies that reported approaches for treatment discontinuation, treatment switching and treatment add‐on. Among the 225 studies involved time‐varying treatments, 27 (12.0%) acknowledged the potential bias introduced by treatment change, of which 14 (51.9%) suggested that potential biases may impact acceptance or rejection of the null hypothesis.ConclusionsAmong observational studies using RCD, the underreporting about the presence and methods for handling time‐varying treatments was largely common. The potential biases due to time‐varying treatments have frequently been disregarded. Collaborative endeavors are strongly needed to enhance the prevailing practices.
A cross‐sectional study quantifies the independent contribution of nurses and midwives in child health outcomes
Authors: You Wenpeng , Donnelly Frank 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionAs the largest profession within the healthcare industry, nursing and midwifery workforce (NMW) provides comprehensive healthcare to children and their families. This study quantified the independent role of NMW in reducing under‐5 mortality rate (U5MR) worldwide.DesignA retrospective, observational and correlational study to examine the independent role of NMW in protecting against U5MR.MethodsWithin 266 “countries”, the cross‐sectional correlations between NMW and U5MR were examined with scatter plots, Pearson's r, nonparametric, partial correlation and multiple regression. The affluence, education and urban advantages were considered as the potential competing factors for the NMW–U5MR relationship. The NMW–U5MR correlations in both developing and developed countries were explored and compared.ResultsBivariate correlations revealed that NMW negatively and significantly correlated to U5MR worldwide. When the contributing effects of economic affluence, urbanization and education were removed, the independent NMW role in reducing U5MR remained significant. NMW independently explained 9.36% U5MR variance. Multilinear regression selected NMW as a significant factor contributing an extra 3% of explanation to U5MR variance when NMW, affluence, education and urban advantage were incorporated as the predicting variables. NMW correlated with U5MR significantly more strongly in developing countries than in developed countries.ConclusionNMW, indexing nursing and midwifery service, was a significant factor for reducing U5MR worldwide. This beneficial effect explained 9.36% of U5MR variance which was independent of economic affluence, urbanization and education. The NMW may be a more significant risk factor for protecting children from dying under 5 years old in developing countries. As a strategic response to the advocacy of the United Nations to reduce child mortality, it is worthy for health authorities to consider a further extension of nurses and midwives' practice scope to enable communities to have more access to NMW healthcare services.
Acupuncture for vitiligo: An overview of systematic reviews and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Jisen , Gong Xueqing , Hou RuiRui , Guo Dong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundVitiligo is a kind of refractory, autoimmune locally, or systemically generalized depigmentation spots caused by the disappearance of melanocyte function in the skin. Acupuncture and related therapies are extensively utilized for treating vitiligo in China. The objective of this study is to succinctly encapsulate and meticulously assess the methodological and reporting caliber of systematic reviews (SRs) pertaining to acupuncture and associated therapeutic approaches, while concurrently offering an all‐encompassing body of evidence elucidating their efficacy and safety in the treatment of vitiligo.MethodsWe performed an electronic literature search in eight databases to identify SRs that evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for vitiligo. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) tool was used to evaluate the methodological and reporting quality of these SRs. The preferred reporting items for SRs and meta‐analyses were followed according to PRISMA (2020) guidelines. Additionally, the risk of bias in systematic reviews (ROBIS) was assessed to evaluate potential bias. The quality of evidence for outcome measures was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.ResultsThis study included 10 SRs and assessed a total of 13 outcome measures, all of which were published before June 2023. Acupuncture therapy was more effective than control conditions for the treatment of Vitiligo. The AMSTAR‐2 results indicated a critical deficiency in the methodological quality of all SRs, with items 7 and 16 demonstrating notably low quality. The reporting quality of the included SRs according to PRISMA was deemed unsatisfactory, with significant reporting flaws identified in the areas of Protocol and registration, Risk of bias across studies, Study selection, and Limitations. According to the ROBIS assessment, 5 out of the total number of SRs (50.00%) were found to have a high risk of bias. Out of the total of 62 outcomes evaluated using the GRADE framework, 9 outcomes (14.51%) exhibited high‐quality evidence, 20 outcomes (32.26%) demonstrated moderate‐quality evidence, 19 outcomes (30.65%) presented low‐quality evidence, while 14 outcomes (22.58%) indicated very low‐quality evidence.ConclusionsThis overview shows that Acupuncture therapy was more effective than the control treatment for Vitiligo. Nevertheless, given the subpar methodological quality of the reviews, we recommend conducting studies with stricter designs, larger sample sizes, and improved methodological and reporting quality to yield more robust evidence.
An independent comparison of the Novolytix salivary melatonin radioimmunoassay with the new Novolytix salivary melatonin enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Burgess Helen J. , Kagan David , Rizvydeen Muneer , Swanson Leslie M. , Kim Hyungjin M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) is the current gold standard biomarker of the timing of the central circadian clock in humans and is often assessed from saliva samples. To date, only one commercially available salivary melatonin assay is considered accurate at the low daytime levels required to accurately detect the DLMO (Novolytix RIA RK‐DSM2). The aim of this study was to conduct the first independent evaluation of a newly improved enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Novolytix MLTN‐96) and compare it with the recommended radioimmunoassay (RIA)—both in terms of melatonin concentrations and derived DLMOs. Twenty participants (15 females, 18–59 years old) provided saliva samples every 30 min in dim light starting 6 h before their habitual bedtime, yielding a total of 260 saliva samples. Both the RIA and ELISA yielded daytime melatonin concentrations <2 pg/mL, indicating adequate accuracy to detect the DLMO. The melatonin concentrations from the two assays were highly correlated (r = .94, p < .001), although the RIA yielded lower levels of melatonin concentration than the ELISA, on average by 0.70 pg/mL (p = .006). Seventeen DLMOs were calculated from the melatonin profiles and the DLMOs from both assays were not statistically different (p = .36) and were highly correlated (r = .97, p < .001). Two DLMOs derived from the RIA occurred more than 30 min earlier than the DLMO derived from the ELISA. These results indicate that the new Novolytix ELISA is an appropriate assay to use if the Novolytix RIA is not feasible or available.