bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral Hygiene, Dental Status, and Quality of Life in cancer patients with Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaws- A cross sectional study: Part 2.
Authors: Gurav Sandeep , Dholam Kanchan , Singh Gurkaran Preet , Sharma Madhura , Rane Pallavi , Jagtiani Kiran 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose. Oral health has been considered a critical component of MRONJ. However, there remains a gap in research concerning the role of oral health status and burden of dental disease on quality of life in patients with MRONJ. The objective of this article (part 2) is to evaluate the influence of oral hygiene, dental status and oral health related quality of life in cancer patients affected with MRONJ.
Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to November 2022 in the Department of Dental and Prosthetic Surgery at Tata Memorial Hospital. A total of 30 cancer patients diagnosed with MRONJ who provided written consent were included in the study. The Oral health impact-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire was employed to assess the patient's oral health related QoL and simplified oral health index scores (OHI-S), Decayed, missing, filled teeth score (DMFT), and pertinent dental history that triggered the necrosis were recorded.
Results.The mean age of the patients was 62 years. Our findings demonstrated significant correlation between poor oral health status and MRONJ.The mean total OHIP-14 was 20.7 (± 14). The highest mean was found for the psychological discomfort (4.0 ± 2.3). Higher total OHIP-14 score significantly correlated with a history of surgery for primary disease, presence of comorbidities, and bone metastasis. Poor dental status characterized by dental extractions and decayed teeth contributed to more psychological discomfort, whereas patients with DMFT score in the range of 15-28 had significantly more functional limitations.
Conclusion. Our findings underscore the importance of increased awareness of MRONJ risks, maintaining optimal oral hygiene, and adopting an interdisciplinary preventive approach for cancer patients receiving ARD’s and antiangiogenics ultimately contributing to an improved oral health related quality of life.
Synthesis of chitosan/carbon nanotubes composite films as potential removal of anionic and cationic dyes in aqueous solutions
Authors: Lessa Emanuele Ferreira , Gerhardt Rafael , Arabidian Viviane , Junior Tito Roberto Sant’Anna Cadaval , Pinto Luiz Antonio de Almeida 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Chitosan/carbon nanotubes (CS/CNTs) composite films were developed for potential application in the removal of anionic and cationic dyes present in aqueous solutions. Chitosan is a polymer that has wide applicability in the preparation of adsorbents, and it was extracted from shrimp waste in the region of the city of Rio Grande/RS/Brazil. To prepare the films, chitosan with a degree of deacetylation around 84% and a molar mass of 162 kDa was used as a polymeric matrix. Chitosan was combined with carbon nanotubes as a reinforcing material, to obtain composite films with optimized characteristics for adsorption. The films were prepared via the casting technique using the same amount of chitosan, but varying the proportions of CNTs (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5%w w− 1. The films were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetry (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), also the Point of Zero Charge (PCZ), and its properties as adsorbents were investigated, such as thickness, color, mechanical properties. Afterward, Adsorption tests were carried out on the films based on experiments to verify the pH effect of aqueous solutions containing cationic (Crystal Violet) and anionic (Tartrazine Yellow) dyes.
Temperature state of polymer dielectric layer, bounded by curvilinear surfaces, at constant voltage
Authors: Zarubin Vladimir , Kuvyrkin Georgy , Savelyeva Inga 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The solution of one-dimensional nonlinear problem of stationary heat conduction in a dielectric layer with volumetric energy release at a constant difference in electric potentials on the curvilinear heat transfer surfaces, bounding the layer, is presented in a closed analytical form. The analytical form of the solution, being a set of integral relations, allows to conduct a quantitative analysis of the influence of governing parameters on temperature state of the layer, including the one preceding the occurrence of thermal dielectric breakdown. Such form of solution can be used to test the results of numerical solution of this problem. An example of quantitative analysis of the presented integral relations is given. Approximate formulas that make it possible to find estimates of the parameters of temperature state of dielectric layer and the maximum difference in electrical potentials, preceding the thermal breakdown of the layer, are obtained.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 80A19; Secondary 97M50.
WITHDRAWN: Investigation of the Molecular Mechanisms of the Proliferative Effects of Irisin Combined with Gefitinib on the AML12 Cell Line and the Apoptotic Effects on the HepG2 Cell Line
Authors: ŞUMNULU Deniz , SANCAR Hilal , AYAZ Lokman 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim: This study aims to investigate the molecular and cytogenetic effects of irisin and gefitinib on HepG2 and AML12 cell lines.
Methods and Results: This study explored the impact of combining irisin with gefitinib on HepG2 and AML12 cells. The MTT assay was used to measure the cytotoxicity caused by either irisin or gefitinib. Experiments involving fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were conducted to evaluate the effects of gefitinib/irisin on apoptosis. The expression of growth factor, oncogene, apoptosis, and multidrug resistance-related genes was determined by RT-PCR. Application dosses for this combination in HepG2 were identified as 48 hours with 3.125 μM irisin and 10.34 μM gefitinib. Results revealed a decrease in apoptotic/necrotic AML12 cells but an increase in HepG2 cells. Flow cytometry showed a 3.95% rise in apoptosis/necrosis for AML12 and a significant 50.14% increase for HepG2. Real-time PCR demonstrated altered expression of apoptotic/anti-apoptotic, growth, and multidrug resistance-related genes in both cell lines due to the irisin/gefitinib combination.
Conclusion: This study suggests that the combination of irisin and gefitinib could serve as a promising candidate for an active component against hepatocellular cancer types.
Relationship among cancer treatment, quality of life, and oral function in head and neck cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yokoi Aya , Maruyama Takayuki , Yamanaka Reiko , Takeuchi Noriko , Morita Manabu , Ekuni Daisuke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose Treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC), such as surgery and chemoradiotherapy, can reduce oral function and affect quality of life (QoL). However, whether HNC treatment affects QoL via the decline of oral function remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among cancer treatment, QoL, and actual oral function in HNC survivors.
Methods A total of 100 HNC survivors were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. QoL was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core 30 summary score. Oral diadochokinesis (ODK), tongue pressure, moisture level on the mucosal surface, and mouth aperture size were measured. Information on age, sex, tumor site, tumor stage, history of HNC treatment, height, body weight, and lifestyle were collected from medical records. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to analyze the indirect/direct associations among HNC treatment, QoL, and oral function.
Results In total, 100 HNC survivors (58 males and 42 females; age range, 30–81 years, median, 67 years) were analyzed. Overall, 63 patients (63.0%) contracted oral cancer, 66 (66.0%) developed advanced cancer (stage 3/4), and 58 underwent reconstruction surgery. The SEM results supported the hypothesized structural model (root mean square error of approximation = 0.044, comparative fit index = 0.990, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.986). Surgery with neck dissection and reconstruction for advanced cancer had indirect effects on lower QoL via ODK and mouth aperture size.
Conclusion HNC treatment is indirectly associated with QoL via oral function in HNC survivors.
A New Approximation for Central and Peripheral Umbral Dots Separation
Authors: Kilcik Ali , Calisir Muhammed Ali , Yurchyshyn Vasyl 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We present a comprehensive new approach for categorization of umbral dots (UDs) into two groups, namely, central umbral dots (CUDs) and peripheral umbral dots (PUDs). The approach was developed and tested by utilizing high-resolution data for 18 sunspots acquired with the Goode Solar Telescope at the Big Bear Solar Observatory. We explored the existence of a general criterion to discriminate between PUDs and CUDs in using manual and automatic approaches. Since the histogram of the average UD brightness shows a bimodal distribution, the automatic/manual approach included application of the Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering method to the sunspot brightness data. Expressions for the separation criterion based on UD brightness were derived for both manual and automatic approaches. The manual approach was based on the relationship between the mean umbral brightness and the mean UD brightness of the separation region, while the automatic approach uses the relationship between the mean UD brightness inside the umbra and the mean UD brightness of the separation region. Further comparison showed that the manual approach performed better than the automatic approach, and it was concluded that both methods could be used for the purpose of CUD-PUD separation.
Disclosure of HIV Status to Children on Antiretroviral Therapy: Perspectives and Experiences of Healthcare Providers in the Masaka Region, Uganda
Authors: Kairania Robert , Onyango-Ouma Washington , Ondicho Tom G. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Disclosure of HIV status to children living with HIV is one of the first steps towards the realization of managing HIV as a chronic disease. This study explored the perspectives and experiences of healthcare providers regarding HIV status disclosure to children taking daily ART in the Masaka region of Uganda.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional qualitative study that purposively selected healthcare providers offering HIV care and treatment to children aged 12-17 taking daily ART for at least 6 months from one of the HIV clinics in the Masaka region before the study. Data was collected from 18 key informant interviews (KIIs) with healthcare providers between October 2020 and July 2021 and analysed thematically guided by Braun & Clarke's basic thematic analysis steps.
Results
The findings revealed that providers offering social and psychological spaces for clients (both children and caregivers) to ventilate their issues and having HIV disclosure standards/guidelines at the health facility were key positive factors influencing HIV status disclosure to children. The study also revealed that prioritizing children with high viral loads for disclosure coupled with children being in boarding schools, disclosure role confusion by providers and the absence of disclosure standards at health facilities negatively influenced HIV status disclosure to children on ART in the Masaka region of Uganda.
Conclusion
There is a need to standardize the HIV status disclosure process for children before, during and after the disclosure including specifying provider roles at every level of the disclosure process. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the school HIV management systems for children, specifically for children in boarding schools.
Reinvestigating the EKC Hypothesis: Does Renewable Energy in Power Generation Reduce Carbon Emissions and Ecological Footprint?
Authors: Mohamed Erna Farina , Abdullah Azlina , Jaaffar Amar Hisham , Osabohien Romanus 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study utilizes the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method to investigate the impact of electricity intensity (EINT), renewable energy in electricity generation (ERE), and gross domestic product (GDP) on Malaysia’s environmental quality, spanning from 1985 to 2020. The research employs carbon emissions (CO2 emissions) and ecological footprint (EF) as proxies for environmental degradation. The results indicate a significant impact of these variables on both CO2 emissions and EF over the long run. Notably, the study also identifies an inverted U-shaped relationship in both cases (CO2 emissions and EF) between GDP and environmental degradation, thereby validating the existence of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. The findings also imply that while electricity intensity is associated with increased emissions, the use of renewable energy (RE) sources for electricity generation may contribute to emission reduction. But the results for both variables show reversal signs on EF. By adopting the fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) method, the study also showed the same results, thus, justifying the cointegrating relationship between studied variables. Drawing from these outcomes, the study proposes policy recommendations to foster environmental sustainability and economic growth, emphasizing the need for strategic interventions in Malaysia’s electricity generation mix and energy policies.
Chiral MoS2 @BC fibrous membranes selectively promote peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Li Mengru , Li Xiao , Lv Yaowei , Yan Hede , Wang Xiang-Yang , He Jin , Zhou Chao , Ouyang Yuanming 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has excellent physical and chemical properties. Further, chiral MoS2 (CMS) exhibits excellent chiroptical and enantioselective effects, and the enantioselective properties of CMS have been studied for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Intriguingly, left- and right-handed materials have different effects on promoting the differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons. However, the effect of the enantioselectivity of chiral materials on peripheral nerve regeneration remains unclear.
Methods
In this study, CMS@bacterial-cellulose (BC) scaffolds were fabricated using a hydrothermal approach. The CMS@BC films synthesized with L-2-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol was defined as L-CMS. The CMS@BC films synthesized with D-2-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol was defined as D-CMS. The biocompatibility of CMS@BC scaffolds and their effect on Schwann cells (SCs) were validated by cellular experiments. In addition, we implanted these scaffolds in rat sciatic nerve defect sites for three months.
Results
These chiral scaffolds display high hydrophilicity, good mechanical properties, and low cytotoxicity. Further, we found that the L-CMS scaffold was superior to the D-CMS scaffold in promoting Schwann cell (SC) proliferation. After 3 months, the scaffold showed good biocompatibility in vivo, and the nerve conducting velocities of the L-CMS and D-CMS scaffolds were 51.2 and 26.8 m/s, respectively. However, the L-CMS scaffolds showed a better regenerative effect than the D-CMS scaffolds. Similarly, the sciatic nerve function index and effects on the motor and electrophysiological functions were higher for the L-CMS than the D-CMS scaffolds. Finally, the axon diameter and myelin sheath thickness of the regenerated nerves improved in the L-CMS group.
Conclusion
We found that CMS can promote peripheral nerve regeneration, and in general, the L-CMS group exhibited superior repair. Overall, the findings of this study reveal that CMS can be used as a chiral nanomaterial nerve scaffolds for peripheral nerve repair.
Soulhacker: An artist-medical collaboration to treat depression via artistic virtual reality.
Authors: Otte Georges , De Ridder Dirk , Joris Eric , Vandebroeck Isjtar , Williams Kristin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

"Soulhacker" is a pilot study that results from a collaboration between artists and health care providers and is aimed at exploring the potential benefits of an artistic implementation of virtual reality (V.R) to treat depression and anxiety. Soulhacker creates a V.R. environment that embeds a metaphorical engaging model of active patient agency inspired by the work of Milton Erickson. It creates a new level of V.R "presence" that can have therapeutic or transformative effects. Participants reported positive short-term effects on their mood (arousal, valence and control) and presented statistical significant changes in brain electrical activity in hubs belonging to sensi-motor and default mode brain network as measured by qEEG, that are consistent with previous research. These beneficial preliminary results warrant a further larger randomized controlled study to verify those promising effects and positioning of this new form of psychotherapy within existing modalities.
Behavioral Equilibrium and Evolutionary Dynamics in Asset Markets: Survival of the Fittest for Portfolio Rules
Authors: Evstigneev I. V. , Hens T. , Vanaei M. J. , Zhitlukhin M. V. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This paper analyzes a dynamic stochastic equilibrium model of an asset market based on behavioral and evolutionary principles. The core of the model is a non-traditional game-theoretic framework combining elements of stochastic dynamic games and evolutionary game theory. Its key characteristic feature is that it relies only on objectively observable market data and does not use hidden individual agents’ characteristics (such as their utilities and beliefs). A central goal of the study is to identify an investment strategy that allows an investor to survive in the market selection process, i.e., to keep with probability one a strictly positive, bounded away from zero share of market wealth over an infinite time horizon, irrespective of the strategies used by the other players. The main results show that under very general assumptions, such a strategy exists, is asymptotically unique and easily computable. Most of the related models currently considered in this field assume that asset payo¤s are exogenous and depend only on the underlying stochastic process of states of the world. The present work develops a modeling framework where the payo¤s are endogenous: they depend on the total market wealth invested in the asset.
JEL Classification: C73, D53, D58, G11, G02
Modeling human cognition and polarization using reinforcement Learning
Authors: Pavankumar P. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Some people polarize due to heated arguments but in reality and research studies says that they even polarize with similar information also. People think irrationally and confirms their pre-existing beliefs and strive to look into that information only. With these they avoid such data that contradicts them. Polarization occurs through the bias contribute to the reinforcement of existing beliefs. The people manipulate the new evidence based on the previous beliefs and bias confirmation suggestions. In order to form beliefs, people depend on least samples rather than gathering huge data and processing is also costly. A hypothesis is generated based on the least samples collected and then belief polarization model is used to test our hypothesis. A new belief formation model is developed based on reinforcement learning. In accordance to this a new evaluation metrics is used for polarization and simulations are learned how least size affects polarization. In this work basic assumptions are done with the generated hypothesis results, such that with these least samples polarization may increase. Practical suggestions are done for obtaining polarization based on our findings.
Investigation of Damage Detection in Bridge Piers using modal strain energy and modal flexibility methods: A Case Study
Authors: Zamanian Reza 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Piers provide vertical support to the bridge deck and transfer loads to the foundation and ground. Ensuring their stability and structural integrity is critical to the overall safety of the bridge. The most common existing methods for damage detection, mainly used in bridge decks due to easier access and simpler modeling, are modal methods. The primary focus of this study is to explore the feasibility of utilizing these methods to detect damage in bridge piers, assuming that accurate mode shapes can be obtained. Therefore, one of the piers of Shahid Bakri Bridge in Tehran was selected as a case study. This pier was accurately modeled in Opensees. For sensitivity measurement, it was divided once into 10 parts and once into 100 parts, according to the number of sensor points. Also, 13 different scenarios with varying degrees of damage in concrete cover, rebar, and concrete core were investigated. In the two stages before and after the damage, mode shapes were extracted, and two methods, modal strain energy and modal flexibility, were used to detect the damage. The results demonstrated the good performance of both methods in detecting the presence of damage. Regarding locating the damage, the modal strain energy method was more successful. However, if there was damage in a small area of the cross-section, finding the exact location required additional sensor placements. These methods did not provide a suitable index to determine the extent of the damage.
Anatomical evaluation of P1 segment of posterior cerebral artery and posterior communicanting artery in 340 human hemispheres: a proposal for morphological classification
Authors: Nas Emine , Chatzioglou Gkionoul Nteli , Gayretli Özcan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of our study is to examine the morphometry of the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (P1) and the posterior communicating artery (PcomA) and to present a descriptive classification according to morphometric findings.
Methods
340 hemispheres from 170 cadavers were included. The outer diameters of P1 and PcomA were measured with ImageJ software. Then, the configurations of the posterior cerebral artery were revealed as fetal, adult and transitional. The findings were correlated with the demographic information of the cadavers such as gender, body mass index (BMI), age.
Results
According to the morphometric findings, 83.75%, 13.85% and 2.40% of the posterior cerebral arteries were found to be adult, fetal and transitional, respectively. The fetal type was more common in cadavers aged 60 years and older (13.73%) compared to the 18–39 and 40–59 age groups. In addition, P1 and PcomA diameters also increased with age. Fetal and transtional types showed a similar low distribution in people with low (< 18.5), normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25-29.9) and obese (> 30) BMI, whereas adult type was found in cadavers with a normal BMI of 140/303.
Conclusion
We believe that the findings of our study will contribute to the planning of neurointerventional procedures, the development of endovascular devices, the success of invasive procedures and the reduction of complications.