bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields alleviate the condylar cartilage degeneration and synovitis at the early stage of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Ma Yuanjun , He Feng , Chen Xiaohua , Zhou Shuncheng , He Rui , Liu Qian , Yang Hongxu , Zhang Jing , Zhang Mian , Miao Hui , Yu Shibin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundTemporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is characterized by articular cartilage degeneration and progressive synovitis. How to effectively inhibit TMJOA in the early stage has been a hot topic in the biomedical field. As a non‐invasive physiotherapy, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment has shown great potential in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in extremity joints.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the biological effect of PEMF intervention on TMJ cartilage degeneration and synovium inflammation at the early stage of TMJOA.MethodsPEMF (2.0 mT, 15 Hz, 2 h/day) treatment was given to rats in which TMJOA was induced by applying the unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC). Histological and immunohistochemical staining, TUNEL assay, real‐time PCR and western blotting assay were performed to detect the changes of the morphology and the expression of pro‐inflammatory and degradative factors in condylar cartilage and synovium.ResultsObvious condylar cartilage degeneration, characterized by decreased cartilage thickness, degraded cartilage extracellular matrix, increased expression of pro‐inflammatory and degradative factors (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, MMP‐13, ADAMTS‐5, IL‐6, MMP‐3, MMP‐9 and COL‐X) and increased chondrocytes death, was observed in UAC group, accompanied by synovium hyperplasia and up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory and degradative factors in synovium. PEMF intervention reversed the decreased cartilage thickness at 3 weeks and degraded cartilage extracellular matrix at 6 weeks. Moreover, the up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory, degradative and hypertrophyic factors and chondrocytes death in condylar cartilage induced by UAC were inhibited to some extent. In addition, the synovium hyperplasia and the up‐regulation of pro‐inflammatory and degradative factors in synovium were inhibited at 3 weeks and 6 weeks.ConclusionsAppropriate PEMF stimulation can reverse the loss of cartilage extracellular matrix, the chondrocytes death, the increased expression of pro‐inflammatory and degradative factors in cartilage, the decreased cartilage thickness and synovium inflammation induced by UAC at the early stage of TMJOA to some extent. PEMF stimulation may be a promising method in clinical TMJOA treatment.
Evaluation of School Wellness Policies in Low‐Income California Districts After the 2016 USDA Final Rule
Authors: LoPresto Lynnea M. , Cassady Diana L. , Dove Melanie S. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDDistricts with federal nutrition programs must have an updated local school wellness policy (LSWP) to promote nutrition, physical activity, and student wellness. This study evaluates factors associated with LSWP quality among low‐income districts.METHODSIn 2018, we collected LSWPs from websites of 200 randomly selected, county‐stratified, low‐income‐serving California public districts. Multivariable linear regression assessed associations between district characteristics, model LSWP use (national, state, none), and adoption date on policy quality.RESULTSOn the WellSAT 3.0 scale of 0‐100, mean (95% CI) comprehensiveness was 65.0 (63.2‐66.7) and strength was 37.3 (35.3‐39.2). Nearly verbatim adoption of model LSWPs was high (68.5% state model, 13.0% a national model). Half were adopted before mandated updates. District size (≥1000 students) and national model LSWP adoption were associated with higher comprehensive scores. National model LSWP adoption was associated with higher strength scores in updated policies compared with those not updated.IMPLICATIONSLSWPs have improved school food and activity environments, but district engagement in LSWP is low. Integration into education frameworks that reduce learning barriers could provide synergy for re‐engagement.CONCLUSIONSHigh adoption of model policies and low update compliance indicate little district engagement in LSWP. Mixed methods studies of districts with high‐quality LSWP are needed.
Perception and acceptance of natural sweeteners in a plant‐based cocoa‐flavored ice cream: Difference between Danish and Brazilian consumers
Authors: Lacerda Risia C. C. , Andersen Glenn H. , Junge Jonas Yde , Kidmose Ulla , Bolini Helena M. A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis research investigated cross‐cultural differences in acceptance of a plant‐based cocoa‐flavored ice cream iso‐sweetened with different natural sweeteners among Danish and Brazilian consumers. Ideal sweetness, equi‐sweetness, quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), and consumer affective tests were carried out. Results were analyzed through ANOVA and Tukey's means test (p ≤ .05). For consumer tests, Danish consumers (n = 120) and Brazilian consumers (n = 120) evaluated seven samples of a plant‐based cocoa‐flavored ice cream iso‐sweetened with sucrose, blends of sucrose and xylitol (25%, 50%, and 75%, respectively), stevia 95% rebaudioside A, stevia 60% rebaudioside A, and a blend of stevia and xylitol (50%). No significant difference in overall liking was found between the blends of sucrose and xylitol. Samples sweetened with stevia rebaudioside A 95% and 60%, and a blend of stevia rebaudioside A 95% with xylitol 50% were rejected by Danish consumers, whereas Brazilian consumers liked them a little better (5.08, 4.63, and 4.92, respectively), even though there was no significant difference among them (p > .05).Practical ApplicationsThis study showed that it is possible to reduce sugar content and increase liking in this plant‐based ice cream matrix by replacing sucrose with xylitol. This emphasizes that the replacement will work in some places, but in others, it will not make a difference in acceptance; thus, it is a win for the food industry. The results obtained from specific groups require further studies on applying them to different consumers. The differences and similarities in acceptance between Danish and Brazilian consumers for natural sweeteners‐sweetened plant‐based ice cream emphasize the importance of performing a consumer acceptance study with consumers to whom the products under study are intended.
The impact of urbanisation on chipmunks, arboreal and flying squirrels: a global systematic review
Authors: Tranquillo Claudia , Bisi Francesco , Wauters Lucas A. , Preatoni Damiano , Martinoli Adriano , Santicchia Francesca 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The current, rapid urbanisation process impacts global biodiversity and can be a driver for phenotypic changes in mammals that persist in cities. Animals display different response strategies in urban environments compared to natural areas, but patterns may differ among species. To better comprehend this process, we focused on a limited number of species that are present in many urban green spaces around the globe.

The aim of this systematic review is to investigate which response strategies chipmunks, arboreal and flying squirrels use to cope with urban environments, exploring whether there are general response patterns, and to reveal potential adaptations to life in urban areas. We included studies that compared trait differences among conspecifics living in different areas along an urbanisation gradient (rural–urban) and studies comparing individuals or populations between urban areas with different environmental characteristics.

The effects of urbanisation on chipmunks, arboreal and flying squirrels, at the individual and at the population levels, were identified in nine topics. Included articles explored at least one of these topics and their key findings were described.

Effects of urbanisation are evident in all considered topics. However, we found contrasting patterns between species or even among individuals of the same species studied in different geographical areas. Overall, we reported two knowledge gaps: some phenotypic traits were considered in few studies, and many species, especially those living in the Global South, where urban growth rate is higher, have not been studied.

This systematic review suggests that urbanisation can be an important driver for adaptation in small mammals, underlining the complexity and differentiation of response patterns. Since target species have important ecological and social roles, additional comparative studies, increasing our understanding of processes that determine their presence in cities, are essential for urban green planning which aims to conserve biodiversity.
Defying the odds: Determinants of the antimicrobial response of Salmonella Typhi and their interplay
Authors: Chowdhury Atish Roy , Mukherjee Debapriya , Chatterjee Ritika , Chakravortty Dipshikha 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSalmonella Typhi, the invasive serovar of S. enterica subspecies enterica, causes typhoid fever in healthy human hosts. The emergence of antibiotic‐resistant strains has consistently challenged the successful treatment of typhoid fever with conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella is acquired either by mutations in the genomic DNA or by acquiring extrachromosomal DNA via horizontal gene transfer. In addition, Salmonella can form a subpopulation of antibiotic persistent (AP) cells that can survive at high concentrations of antibiotics. These have reduced the effectiveness of the first and second lines of antibiotics used to treat Salmonella infection. The recurrent and chronic carriage of S. Typhi in human hosts further complicates the treatment process, as a remarkable shift in the immune response from pro‐inflammatory Th1 to anti‐inflammatory Th2 is observed. Recent studies have also highlighted the overlap between AP, persistent infection (PI) and AMR. These incidents have revealed several areas of research. In this review, we have put forward a timeline for the evolution of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella and discussed the different mechanisms of the same availed by the pathogen at the genotypic and phenotypic levels. Further, we have presented a detailed discussion on Salmonella antibiotic persistence (AP), PI, the host and bacterial virulence factors that can influence PI, and how both AP and PI can lead to AMR.
Whole genome sequencing in families with oligodontia
Authors: Mitscherling Janna , Sczakiel Henrike L. , Kiskemper‐Nestorjuk Olga , Winterhalter Sibylle , Mundlos Stefan , Bartzela Theodosia , Mensah Martin A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesTooth agenesis (TA) is among the most common malformations in humans. Although several causative mutations have been described, the genetic cause often remains elusive. Here, we test whether whole genome sequencing (WGS) could bridge this diagnostic gap.MethodsIn four families with TA, we assessed the dental phenotype using the Tooth Agenesis Code after intraoral examination and radiographic and photographic documentation. We performed WGS of index patients and subsequent segregation analysis.ResultsWe identified two variants of uncertain significance (a potential splice variant in PTH1R, and a 2.1 kb deletion abrogating a non‐coding element in FGF7) and three pathogenic variants: a novel frameshift in the final exon of PITX2, a novel deletion in PAX9, and a known nonsense variant in WNT10A. Notably, the FGF7 variant was found in the patient, also featuring the WNT10A variant. While mutations in PITX2 are known to cause Axenfeld‐Rieger syndrome 1 (ARS1) predominantly featuring ocular findings, accompanied by dental malformations, we found the PITX2 frameshift in a family with predominantly dental and varying ocular findings.ConclusionSevere TA predicts a genetic cause identifiable by WGS. Final exon PITX2 frameshifts can cause a predominantly dental form of ARS1.
Ametropia detection using a novel, compact wavefront autorefractor
Authors: Hernández Carlos S. , Gil Andrea , Zaytouny Amal , Casares Ignacio , Poderoso Jesús , de Lara Alfonso , Wehse Alec , Dave Shivang R. , Lim Daryl , Lage Eduardo , Alejandre‐Alba Nicolas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionDespite the well‐known reproducibility issues of subjective refraction, most studies evaluating autorefractors compared differences between the device and subjective refraction. This work evaluated the performance of a novel handheld Hartmann–Shack‐based autorefractor using an alternative protocol, which considered the inherent variability of subjective refraction.MethodsParticipants underwent an initial measurement with a desktop autorefractor, two subjective refractions (SR1 and SR2) and a final measurement with the QuickSee Free (QSFree) portable autorefractor. Autorefractor performance was evaluated by comparing the differences between the QSFree and each of the subjective refractions with the difference between the subjective refractions (SR1 vs. SR2) using Bland–Altman analysis and percentage of agreement.ResultsA total of 75 subjects (53 ± 14 years) were enrolled in the study. The average difference in the absolute spherical equivalent (M) between the QSFree and the SR1 and SR2 was ±0.24 and ±0.02 D, respectively, that is, very similar or smaller than the SR1 versus SR2 difference (±0.26 D). Average differences in astigmatic components were found to be negligible. The results demonstrate that differences between QSFree and both subjective refractions in J0 and J45 were within ±0.50 D for at least 96% of the measurements. The limits of agreement (LOAs) of the differences between QSFree and SR1, as well as QSFree and SR2, were higher than those observed between SR1 and SR2 for M, J0 and J45.ConclusionsA protocol was designed and validated for the evaluation of a refractive device to account for the variability of subjective refraction. This protocol was used to evaluate a novel portable autorefractor and observed a smaller difference between the device and subjective refractions than the difference between the two subjective refraction measurements in terms of mean bias error, although the standard deviation was higher.
Atrial fibrillation ablation in heart failure patients: Where do we stand in 2023? – State of the art review
Authors: Deering Thomas F. , Goyal Sandeep K. , Bhimani Ashish A. , Hoosien Michael , Karimianpour Ahmadreza , Krishnasamy Kavita P. , Nilsson Kent R. , Omar Abdullah , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Gopinathannair Rakesh , Katapadi Aashish , Sohns Christian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure are common overlapping cardiovascular disorders. Despite important therapeutic advances over the past several decades, controversy persists about whether a rate control or rhythm control approach constitutes the best option in this population. There is also considerable debate about whether antiarrhythmic drug therapy or ablation is the best approach when rhythm control is pursued. A brief historical examination of the literature addressing this issue will be performed. An analysis of several important clinical outcomes observed in the prospective, randomized studies, which have compared AF ablation to non‐ablation treatment options, will be discussed. This review will conclude with recommendations to guide clinicians on the status of AF ablation as a treatment option when considering management options in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation.
The association between urine ketone and new‐onset atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients
Authors: Zhang Meijuan , Zhang Nan , Tse Gary , Li Guangping , Liu Tong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsNew‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a common manifestation in critically ill patients. There is a paucity of evidence indicating a relationship between urinary ketones and NOAF.MethodsCritically ill patients with urinary ketone measurements from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC‐IV) database were included. The primary outcome was NOAF Propensity score matching was performed following by multivariable logistic regression.ResultsA total of 24,688 patients with available data of urine ketone were included in this study. The urine ketone of 4014 patients was tested positive. The average age of the included participants was 63.8 years old, and 54.5% of them were male. Result of the fully‐adjusted binary logistic regression model showed that patients with positive urinary ketone was associated with a significantly lower risk of NOAF (Odds ratio, 0.79, 95% CI 0.7–0.9), compared with those with negative urinary ketone. In the subgroup analysis according to diabetic status, compared with nondiabetics, patients with diabetes had lower risk of NOAF (p‐values for interaction < 0.05). Results of other subgroup analyses according to gender, age, infection, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure were consistent with the primary analysis.ConclusionsPositive urinary ketone body may be associated with reduced risk of NOAF in critically ill patients during intensive care unit hospitalization. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Comparison of microvascular decompression, percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy, and stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: A long term quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Altamirano Juan M. , Jimenez‐Olvera Miguel , Moreno‐Jimenez Sergio , Gutierrez‐Aceves Guillermo A. , Velasco‐Campos Francisco , Navarro‐Olvera José L. , Carrillo‐Ruiz José D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundMicrovascular decompression (MVD), radiofrequency rhizotomy (RFR), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are surgical techniques frequently used in the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN), although the results reported for each of these are diverse.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare long‐term pain control obtained by MVD, SRS, and RFR in patients with idiopathic TN.MethodsTo compare the results obtained by MVD, SRS, and RFR we chose a quasi‐experimental, ambispective design with control groups but no pretest. A total of 52 participants (MVD n = 33, RFR n = 10, SRS n = 9) were included. Using standardized outcome measures, pain intensity, pain relief, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment were assessed by an independent investigator. The TREND statement for reporting non‐randomized evaluations was applied. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at the initial postoperative period and at 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years postoperatively.ResultsMVD has shown better results in pain scales compared to ablative procedures. Significant differences between groups were found regarding pain intensity and pain relief at the initial postoperative period (p < 0.001) and 6 months (p = 0.022), 1 year (p < 0.001), 2 years (p = 0.002), and 3 years (p = 0.004) after the intervention. Those differences exceeded the thresholds of the minimal clinically important difference. A higher percentage of patients free of pain was observed in the group of patients treated by MVD, with significant differences at the initial postoperative period (p < 0.001) and 6 months (p = 0.02), 1 year (p = 0.001), and 2 years (p = 0.04) after the procedure. Also, a higher risk of pain recurrence was observed in the RFR and SRS groups (HR 3.15, 95% CI 1.33–7.46; p = 0.009; and HR 4.26, 95% CI 1.77–10.2; p = 0.001, respectively) compared to the MVD group. No significant differences were found in terms of quality of life and satisfaction with treatment. A higher incidence of complications was observed in the MVD group.ConclusionConcerning pain control and risk of pain recurrence, MVD is superior to RFR and SRS, but not in terms of quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, and safety profile.
The power of personal control: Task choice attenuates the effect of implicit sadness on sympathetically mediated cardiac response
Authors: Framorando David , Falk Johanna R. , Gollwitzer Peter M. , Oettingen Gabriele , Gendolla Guido H. E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractImplicitly processed pictures of facial expressions of emotions have been found to systematically influence sympathetically mediated cardiovascular reactivity during task performance. According to the Implicit‐Affect‐Primes‐Effort model, this happens because different affect primes activate the concepts of performance ease versus performance difficulty. Grounded in a recent action shielding model, our laboratory experiment (N = 129 university students) tested whether engaging in action by personal choice can immunize against those implicit affective influences on effort. Participants worked on an objectively difficult cognitive task, which was either externally assigned or ostensibly personally chosen. As predicted, participants in the assigned task condition showed weaker cardiac pre‐ejection period reactivity during task performance, reflecting disengagement, when they were primed with sadness than when they were exposed to anger primes. Most relevant, this affect prime effect disappeared when participants could ostensibly choose their task themselves. These findings replicate previous research on implicit affect's impact on sympathetically mediated cardiac response and extend the literature on action shielding by personal choice effects to implicit affective influences on action execution.
European artificial intelligence “trusted throughout the world”: Risk‐based regulation and the fashioning of a competitive common AI market
Authors: Paul Regine 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe European Commission has pioneered the coercive regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), including a proposal of banning some applications altogether on moral grounds. Core to its regulatory strategy is a nominally “risk‐based” approach with interventions that are proportionate to risk levels. Yet, neither standard accounts of risk‐based regulation as rational problem‐solving endeavor nor theories of organizational legitimacy‐seeking, both prominently discussed in Regulation & Governance, fully explain the Commission's attraction to the risk heuristic. This article responds to this impasse with three contributions. First, it enrichens risk‐based regulation scholarship—beyond AI—with a firm foundation in constructivist and critical political economy accounts of emerging tech regulation to capture the performative politics of defining and enacting risk vis‐à‐vis global economic competitiveness. Second, it conceptualizes the role of risk analysis within a Cultural Political Economy framework: as a powerful epistemic tool for the discursive and regulatory differentiation of an uncertain regulatory terrain (semiosis and structuration) which the Commission wields in its pursuit of a future common European AI market. Thirdly, the paper offers an in‐depth empirical reconstruction of the Commission's risk‐based semiosis and structuration in AI regulation through qualitative analysis of a substantive sample of documents and expert interviews. This finds that the Commission's use of risk analysis, outlawing some AI uses as matters of deep value conflicts and tightly controlling (at least discursively) so‐called high‐risk AI systems, enables Brussels to fashion its desired trademark of European “cutting‐edge AI … trusted throughout the world” in the first place.