bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of audiovisual distraction on pediatric dental anxiety: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Padmanabhan Vivek , Raidullah Najma , Kamel Balsam 
Published: February 2024

Background: Children’s oral health and clinical management are significantly affected by dental fear and anxiety. Purpose: This study investigates the effectiveness of audiovisual distraction in reducing the anxiety levels of children visiting for dental treatment. Methods: Sixty pediatric patients ages 6–10 years were included in this cross-sectional study. They were divided into two groups—a study group and a control group—of 30 patients each. The study group was provided with a tablet and headphones that played their favorite shows, and the control group was not provided with any gadgets. For both groups, anxiety levels were scored using the Facial Image Scale. A two-way repeated-measure ANOVA test was used to compare the levels of dental anxiety among the study and control groups at three intervals: before treatment, during treatment, and after treatment. For the tests, the statistically significant difference was assumed at a p ≤ 0.05. Results: The children of both study and control groups had the same anxiety levels (p > 0.05) before the treatment. The study group had reduced anxiety levels compared to the children in the control group during and after the treatment, with p < 0.05. Conclusion: A child’s favorite show can be played using a tablet and headphones for the child, as it has been shown to be an effective and easy method to reduce anxiety in children visiting dentists for operative procedures. This technique of distraction also reduces post-operative stress on the pediatric dentist.
Dynamic Connectedness and Spillover Effects of CO2 Emissions Among EU Countries: Evidence from the TVP-VAR Connectedness Approach
Authors: Bucak Çağla , Catik Abdurrahman Nazif 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study explores spillover effects of carbon emissions among the 16 EU countries from 1980Q1 to 2023Q3, employing the TVP-VAR connectedness methodology introduced by Antonakakis et al. (2020). The findings reveal high connectedness, i.e. substantial spillover among the EU countries. Regarding net connectedness measures, the main transmitters of CO2 emissions are Germany and the UK whereas the main receivers are Greece and Bulgaria. This high connectedness underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among EU countries in formulating policies to mitigate environmental degradation. The findings also indicate a positive correlation between economic activity and pollution, with higher-income countries tending to contribute more to pollution spillover. Our results further suggest that EU member states should endeavor to increase the use of renewable energy sources while phasing out nonrenewable ones, in accordance with the overarching objective of environmental protection, which is to ensure effective environmental protection.
Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes alleviate liver fibrosis by targeting Hedgehog/SMO signaling
Authors: Ruobin Zong , Yan Zheng , Yufei Yan , Wenao Sun , Liangyi Kong , Yating Huang , Yujie Liu , Changyong Li 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Despite increasing knowledge regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis, there is currently no approved drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells representing an attractive therapeutic tool for tissue damage and inflammation. This study was designed to determine the protective effect and underlying mechanism of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis. We found that UC-MSCs and UC-MSCs-exosome (UC-MSCs-Exo) administration significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Intriguingly, UC-MSCs and UC-MSCs-Exo treatment down-regulated the expression of smoothened (SMO), a fundamental component of Hedgehog signaling which plays a critical role in fibrogenesis, and subsequently inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells, a central driver of fibrosis in experimental and human liver injury. In conclusion, our findings suggest that UC-MSCs exert therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis, at least in part, through inhibiting Hedgehog/SMO signaling pathway via a paracrine exosome mechanism.
“We are studying abroad and need to protect ourselves first”: A mixed-methods study of attitudes towards hepatitis B among university students in Australia of Chinese and Vietnamese background
Authors: Brener Loren , Horwitz Robyn , Cama Elena , Vu Hoang Minh Khoi , Jin Defeng , WU Eric , Rance Jake , Broady Timothy , Treloar Carla , Mao Limin , Okeke Sylvester , Bryant Joanne 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Hepatitis B is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of liver cancer across the world. In Australia, hepatitis B is largely endemic in migrant communities, particularly amongst the Chinese and Vietnamese communities. Negative attitudes towards hepatitis B can be a major barrier to hepatitis B testing and linkage to care. This mixed-methods research explores the attitudes and beliefs, including stigma, about hepatitis B among students of Vietnamese and Chinese background in Australia as students provide a point of entry to communities that otherwise may be hard to access.
Methods
Online surveys were distributed in Chinese, Vietnamese, and English via social media and completed by 112 students of Chinese and 95 students of Vietnamese backgrounds. Interviews were then conducted with 13 Vietnamese and 10 Chinese participants. In-depth interviews were also conducted to further explore the survey results in more details.
Results
Survey findings suggest that students have mixed attitudes towards people living with hepatitis B. Around half of the participants reported they would behave negatively towards other people with hepatitis B and that they would expect to experience stigma or discrimination if they had hepatitis B. While over 70% in both samples reported that people who have hepatitis B should not be isolated by family and friends, 47.6% of the Chinese sample and 28.3% of the Vietnamese sample reported they would avoid close contact with someone with hepatitis B. Similarly, contradictory explanations around hepatitis B stigma were noted in the qualitative data which supports the quantitative findings that stigma is driven by fear of contagion and misinformation about the virus.
Conclusion
This research provides insights that could inform culturally sensitive health promotion programs to address negative attitudes towards hepatitis B among the broader Chinese and Vietnamese communities living in Australia.
Association Between Tissue Accumulation of Skin Autofluorescence, Disease, and Exercise Capacity in Older Korean Adults
Authors: Sung Jun-Young , Kim Jiyoun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
As a noninvasive marker of the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), skin autofluorescence (SAF) is a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. This study aimed to address existing gaps by exploring the associations of SAF levels with diseases, body composition, and physical function in older Korean adults.
This study included 565 older participants (129 men; 436 women) from Incheon, South Korea. Participants registered across 12 institutions participated in the study over 3 months. SAF, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body composition, and fitness factors were measured. ﻿Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05.
We confirmed that SAF levels were affected by age (> 3.4, p < 0.001), disease (> 3.4, p = 0.038), and fitness factors (> 3.4, p =0.035). Fitness factors, which also represent a major indicator of sarcopenia, were found to have a particularly pronounced effect.
This study demonstrated the relationship between SAF, disease, and fitness factors. We also confirmed that SAF could be involved in the expression and measurement of sarcopenia. However, further studies are warranted to validate these results in other populations and establish a clear baseline value for SAF in South Korea.
Photocatalytic ozonation using Fe doped TiO2 nanoparticles for decolorization of azo dye Optimization using RSM
Authors: Rekhate Chhaya 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The decolorization of azo dye was explored using Fe-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (FeT) UV radiation, and ozonation (UV/FeT/O3) process and process parameter are optimized using the most commonly used models of response surface methodology (RSM) viz. central composite design(CCD). The ozone concentration, initial pH, initial dye concentration, concentration of FeT catalyst, and decolorization efficiency as process response were investigated to develop a model using CCD. The developed regression model was statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The value of the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9778) confirmed that the developed CCD model was statistically significant. The optimum decolorization efficiency of 95.12% for UV/FeT/O3 was achieved at ozone concentration = 70 mgL− 1; pH = 08; initial dye concentration = 200 mgL− 1; catalyst concentration = 1gL− 1. The photocatalytic ozonation process has a synergy index value of 1.12 between ozonation and photocatalysis.
Application of Empirical Modeling to Predict the Spatial Distribution of Soil Thickness in a Mountainous Region with Deep Regolith
Authors: de Almeida Matheus Wanderley , Araújo João Paulo de Carvalho , Fernandes Nelson Ferreira , Melo Raquel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Predicting the spatial variation of soil thickness is essential to improve our understanding different hydrological and geomorphological processes, such as landslides, surface runoff generation, and, consequently, erosional processes. The variable “soil thickness” is also crucial for engineering with a focus on excavations and the construction of underground structures. Despite its importance, estimating the spatial distribution of soil thickness in the field is not an easy task, especially in tropical areas with thick soil mantles and highly undulating topography. This study focuses on estimating the spatial distribution of soil thickness based on empirical models that use topographic parameters, such as elevation, hillslope angle, curvature, topographic position index, and topographic wetness index. The four models used were tested in the Papagaio river basin, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Their parameterization and validation were implemented using data from 137 penetration tests carried out in the field with the usage of a light dynamic penetrometer (DPL), which indicates that the soil thickness may reach up to 15 m. The results provided information for a discussion concerning the strengths and limitations of each model. The best results were achieved by the model that considered the largest number of parameters to estimate soil thickness. The empirical models used here do not directly consider the erosional and depositional processes that occur in the landscape. Therefore, future studies should include more complex predictive models that are more adequate to the reality and complexity of this type of landscapes.
A study on hepatoprotective activity and antioxidant properties of Musa balbisianacolla Seeds
Authors: Sharma Daisy , Sarma Manash Pratim 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study aims to determine and characterize the antioxidant properties ofMusa balbasianacolla flower and seeds andMusa Paradisiaca. Hepatoprotective potential ofMusa balbisianacolla seeds was also assessed. The ethanolic extract of flower and seeds of the samples were evaluated for antioxidant assay using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrl-hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethlbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), Nitric oxide (NO) assays. The seed extract ofMusa balbisianaexhibited the highest scavenging activity. Also, the highest total phenolic content (195.62µg/mg) was obtained from the seed extract. Thus, having high antioxidant activity, the seed was further evaluated forin- vitrohepatoprotective effect in paracetamol- induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cell line. Dose dependent effect of MbS (25, 50, 100, 200 µM) were tested on HepG2 cell line. MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay was used for the determination of toxicity which resulted in 80% recovery with 200µg/ml concentration in a dose dependent manner. The result indicated that the high IC50 was the important factor ensuring to posses powerful radical scavenging activity. The research conducted contributes data to validate the hepatoprotective effect ofMusa balbisiana collaseeds on paracetamol -induced liver toxicity.
Tendency towards clonality: deviations of meiosis in parthenogenetic Caucasian rock lizards
Authors: Spangenberg Victor , Arakelyan Marine , Simanovsky Sergey , Dombrovskaya Yana , Khachatryan Emma , Kolomiets Oxana 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Cytogenetic mechanisms of unisexuality in diploid parthenogenetic species of the genusDarevskiahaveremained debatable until recently. The mechanism that allows the unisexual form to maintain heterozygosity in a number of generations is important for its long-term existence in nature. In this work, for the first time, for parthenogenetic species of the genus Darevskia, in addition to primary oocytes with the usual ploidy (18+ZW bivalents in meiotic prophase I), oocytes that underwent premeiotic genome endoduplication and carried a doubled number of bivalents (36+ZZ+WW) were found. Here, we present a detailed comparative analysis of the total preparation of synaptonemal complexes in oocyte nuclei without and with genome endoduplication and the behavior of sex Z and W chromosomes. We show the details of the assembly of bivalents in pachytene nuclei, where either homeologs or doubled identical copies of chromosomes compete for synapsis and form multivalents. For the first time, the WW sex pseudobivalent has been visualized in parthenogenetic reptiles. We show the reverse side of meiotic deviations in obligate parthenogenesis — cases of nonviable embryos with specific abnormalities.
Integrated care model for patients with functional somatic symptom disorder – a co-produced stakeholder exploration with recommendations for best practice
Authors: Röhricht Frank , Green Carole , Filippidou Maria , Lowe Simon , Power Nicola , Rassool Sara , Rothman Katherine , Shah Meera , Papadopoulos Nina 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Functional somatic symptoms and bodily distress disorders are highly prevalent across all medical settings. Services for these patients are dispersed across the health care system with minimal conceptual and operational integration and patients do not currently access therapeutic offers in significant numbers due to a mismatch between their and professionals’ understanding of the nature of the symptoms. New service models are urgently required to address patients’ needs and to align with advances in aetiological evidence and diagnostic classification systems to overcome the body-mind dichotomy. Method: A panel of clinical experts from different clinical services involved in providing aspects of health care for patients with functional symptoms reviewed the current care provision. This review and the results from a focus group exploration of patients with lived experience of functional symptoms were explored by the expert advisory group and conclusions summarised as recommendations for best practice. Conclusion: We propose a novel, integrated care pathway for patients with ‘functional somatic disorder’, which delivers care according to and working with patients’ explanatory beliefs. The therapeutic model should operate based upon an understanding of the embodied nature of patient’s complaints and provide flexible access points to the care pathway.
Using an acellular dermal matrix as an neuroprotective wrap-around for treating recurrent nerve entrapment syndromes: a proof of concept
Authors: Wagner Till , Ulrich Dietmar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Recurrent nerve entrapment is a well-known issue in peripheral nerve surgery with often multiple redo’s and increasing risk for unfavorable outcomes by scarring. We found two patients in our outpatient clinic with recurrent nerve entrapment syndrome with massive complaints, who were willing to undergo a re-exploration of their entrapped nerves and covered with a human acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a protective shield against recurrence. Both patients had complete reconstitution of their nerve entrapment syndrome with very satisfying clinical results. The use of a human ADM seems to be a promising tool in the daily practice of recurrent nerve entrapment surgery without extra morbidity caused by the procedure.
Role of germinal center and CD39 high CD73 + B cells in the age-related tonsillar involution
Authors: Pastor Rocío , Puyssegur Juliana , Guardia M. Paula De La , Varón Lindybeth Sarmiento , Beccaglia Gladys , Spada Nicolás , De Lima Andrea Paes , Collado M. Soledad , Blanco Andrés , Scetti Isabel Aspe , Arabolaza M. Elena , Paoli Bibiana , Chirdo Fernando , Arana Eloísa Irene 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background.
The tonsils operate as a protection ring of mucosa at the gates of the upper aero-digestive tract. They show similarities with lymph nodes and participate as inductive organs of systemic and mucosal immunity. Based on the reduction of their size since puberty, they are thought to experience involution in adulthood. In this context, we have used tonsillar mononuclear cells (TMC) isolated from patients at different stages of life, to study the effect of ageing and the concomitant persistent inflammation on these immune cells.
Results.
We found an age-dependent reduction in the proportion of germinal center B cell population (BGC) and its T cell counterpart (T follicular helper germinal center cells, TfhGC). Also, we demonstrated an increment in the percentage of local memory B cells and mantle zone T follicular helper cells (mTfh). Furthermore, younger tonsils rendered higher proportion of proliferative immune cells within the freshly isolated TMC fraction than those from older ones. We demonstrated the accumulation of a B cell subset (CD20+CD39highCD73+ cells) metabolically adapted to catabolize adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as patients get older. To finish, tonsillar B cells from patients at different ages did not show differences in their proliferative response to stimulation ex vivo.
Conclusions.
This paper shed light on the changing aspects of the immune cellular landscape, over the course of time and constant exposure, at the entrance of the respiratory and digestive systems. Our findings support the notion that there is a re-modelling of the immune functionality of the excised tonsils over time. They are indicative of a transition from an effector type of immune response, typically oriented to reduce pathogen burden early in life, to the development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment at later stages, when tissue damage control gets critical provided the time passed under immune attack. Noteworthy, when isolated from such microenvironment, older tonsillar B cells seem to level their proliferation capacity with the younger ones. Understanding these features will not only contribute to comprehend the differences in susceptibility to pathogens among children and adults but would also impact on vaccine developments intended to target these relevant mucosal sites.
The packing fraction of the oxygen sublattice: Its impact on the heat of mixing
Authors: Benisek Artur , Dachs Edgar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The heat of mixing of some petrological relevant substitutions (i.e., Mg-Al, Si-Al, Mg-Ti, Mg-Ca, and Mg-Fe) was investigated systematically in silicates, titanates, tungstates, carbonates, oxides, hydroxides, and sulphates by density functional theory calculations (e.g., melilite, chlorite, biotite, brucite, cordierite, amphibole, talc, pseudobrookite, pyroxene, olivine, wadsleyite, ilmenite, MgWO4, ringwoodite (spinel), perovskite, pyrope-grossular, magnesite-calcite, MgO-CaO, anhydrous and different hydrated MgSO4). A specific substitution is characterised by different microscopic interaction energies in different minerals, e.g., the octahedral Mg-Al exchange on a single crystallographic site in pyroxene has a microscopic interaction energy that is more than twice compared to that in biotite. A comparative investigation of the heat of mixing using microscopic interaction energies on a single crystallographic site has the advantage that they are not influenced by cation ordering. They could be successfully correlated with the stiffnesses of the minerals, which in turn were scaled to the oxygen packing fraction, a parameter that is easily available for poorly investigated minerals. With this information, the interaction energies of a certain substitution can be transferred from minerals where they are well-known to mineral groups where they are less- or unknown. Using the cross-site terms and the microscopic interaction energies, the macroscopic interaction energies of the coupled substitution, e.g., Mg+Si = Al+Al, of biotite and pyroxene were calculated, which are, however, affected by cation ordering and different degrees of local charge balance, for which appropriate models are necessary.
Mechanism and performances of methyl orange and Congo red adsorption by MnO2–PVP composite
Authors: Khan Afsar , Arif Muhammad , Han Zhengwei , Xie Yu , Ni Chenquan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Azo dyes are commonly used in textile industries; however, when these dyes cross the permissible limit set by the World Health Organization, they produce many health issues related to the brain, liver, kidneys, respiration, and sexual system. Herein, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)-supported manganese oxide (MnO2) was studied for azo dye removal from an aqueous medium. The adsorption mechanism study demonstrated that the dye adsorption by MnO2–PVP composite was not only due to the electrostatic force of attraction but also involved the ion exchange amid the hydroxide group and dye molecules. The surface area of the composite (120 m2 g−1) was larger than that of metal oxide (102 m2 g−1). The point of zero charge and surface area were improved from 5.2 and 102 to 5.6 and 120 m2 g−1, respectively. The dye removal capacity of MnO2–PVP composite was significantly higher than that of plain MnO2. The film diffusion control adsorption kinetic mechanism and the kinetic data were well fitted to the pseudo-second-order equation. Experiments were conducted as a function of initial dye concentration (5–200 mg L−1), pH (3–10), temperature (298–328 K), and adsorbent dosage (0.05–0.4 g) in batch adsorption systems. The thermodynamic investigations confirm that the dye adsorption process was endothermic in nature.