bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐progressive mandibular changes in children with Type I and II craniofacial microsomia
Authors: Kaprio Laura , Grann Annemari , Leikola Junnu , Saarikko Anne , Kurimo Jukka , Kiukkonen Anu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the mandibular growth of craniofacial microsomia (CFM) patients during early childhood to adolescence with attention to symmetry.Materials and MethodsAltogether 61 CFM patients were studied at the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center, Helsinki University Hospital between 1986 and 2006. In this cohort study, we measured and analysed 293 radiographs (posteroanterior, panoramic and lateral); 165 radiographs of 40 patients met the final inclusion criteria. The vertical height of the ramus in anteroposterior and panoramic radiographs, the length of the mandible in anteroposterior radiographs and the maxillary protrusion and mandibular retrognathia in lateral cephalograms were measured in four different age groups.ResultsA statistical difference existed between the groups in the vertical height of the ramus and in the mandibular length. The vertical height of the ramus measured from the panoramic radiograph grew on both sides, and the ratios remained unchanged. In the sagittal dimension, the maxilla and mandible grew forward, but no significant differences emerged between the groups.ConclusionsResults suggest that mild‐type CFM is not progressive in nature. During growth, mandibular asymmetry measured in the horizontal, vertical and sagittal planes did not increase.
Using three‐dimensional modelling of the anterior sclera to investigate the scleral profile in myopic eyes
Authors: Yang Zhengfei , Yang KaiQi , Li Zhouyue , Hu Yin , Jiang Jinyun , Tang Xianghua , Zeng JunWen , Wang Mengyi , Yang Xiao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeThis study used three‐dimensional (3D) modelling to investigate scleral profiles in myopic eyes and compare them with emmetropic eyes.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, the eyes of 151 participants were analysed using the corneoscleral profile module (CSP) of the Pentacam HR. Non‐rotationally symmetrical ellipsoids were fitted to the anterior scleral sagittal height. Three radii were analysed, namely the nasal–temporal (Rx), superior–inferior (Ry) and anterior–posterior (Rz) orientations. Additionally, the area index (AI) and aspherical parameters (Qxy, Qxz and Qyz) of the anterior sclera‐fitted ellipsoid (ASFE) were quantified.ResultsThe findings showed an increase in Rx (−0.349 mm/D), Ry (−0.373 mm/D), Rz (−1.232 mm/D) and AI (−36.165 mm2/D) with increasing myopia. From emmetropia to high myopia, the vertical and horizontal planes of the anterior sclera became increasingly prolate (emmetropia, Qxz: 0.02, Qyz: 0.01; low myopia, Qxz: −0.28, Qyz: −0.28; high myopia, Qxz: −0.41, Qyz: −0.43). There were no significant differences in the coronal plane across the three groups (H = 2.65, p = 0.27). The anterior scleral shape of high myopes in the horizontal and vertical planes was more prolate than that of emmetropes and low myopes (Qxz, high myopes vs. low myopes: p = 0.03, high myopes vs. emmetropes: p < 0.001; Qyz, high myopes vs. low myopes: p = 0.04, high myopes vs. emmetropes: p < 0.001).ConclusionsAs the degree of myopia increased, non‐uniform anterior scleral enlargement was observed. These findings provide a better understanding of the anterior segment with varying degrees of myopia.
Implementation of a Specific Set of Intraoperative C‐Arm Fluoroscopy Terminologies in Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
Authors: Xie Yanchun , Gu Hongwen , Wei Yongcun , Xua Anwu , Yu Hailong 
Published: October 2023

ObjectivePercutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is currently the primary minimally invasive surgical approach for treating vertebral compression fractures caused by senile osteoporosis. The current existing problem is the lack of research on the application of a specific set of intraoperative C‐arm fluoroscopy terminologies in PVP. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the use of a specific set of intraoperative C‐arm fluoroscopic terminologies in PVP in order to increase fluoroscopy accuracy, decrease fluoroscopy frequencies and ray protection, and minimize operation times through rapid preoperative training of surgeons and radiographers.MethodsSpine surgeons and radiographers with at least 5 years of experience from nine different hospitals were randomly selected for a series of specialized intraoperative C‐arm fluoroscopy terminology training between October 2018 and December 2021. Before and after the training, they were surveyed using a five‐point Likert scale to statistically compare their knowledge of the terminology. Simultaneously, 190 PVP cases completed by these surgeons and radiographers before and after the training were chosen for comparison and analysis of fluoroscopy times, effective fluoroscopy rate, fluoroscopy time, repeated puncture rate, and other indicators before and after receiving specialized terminology training. Two‐sample tests were mainly used to investigate differences in answers between surgeons and radiographers.ResultsAfter the training, there was a notable improvement in the fluency of intraoperative communication between professional spine surgeons and radiographers. By comparing the indicators of pre‐training with post‐training, the effective anteroposterior fluoroscopy rate increased from 46.5% to 75.7%; the effective lateral fluoroscopy rate increased from 59.8% to 76.9%. Moreover, a notable decrease in communication barriers, fluoroscopy frequencies, fluoroscopy time, and the rate of repeated punctures, and a notable increase in the effective fluoroscopy rate was observed.ConclusionSmooth intraoperative communication between professional spine surgeons and radiographers can significantly lower the communication barrier, reduce the fluoroscopy frequencies and time, the rate of repeated puncture, and increase the effective fluoroscopy rate, all of which are important in improving the fluoroscopy in PVP.
Minimally Invasive Treatment of Inversion Shortening Calcaneal Fractures in the “Out‐In” Position
Authors: Li Xu‐Song , Ye Lin , Wu Jun‐Le , Huang Li‐Ben , Huang Jie‐Feng 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveHeel fractures need extensive surgical incisions and are challenging to successfully reposition using traditional prying. The goal of this study is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of using a Kirschner pin‐guided distractor to treat inversion shortening calcaneal fractures in the “out‐in” position.MethodsA total of 40 data from 37 patients with inversion shortened calcaneal fractures from January 2018 to March 2020 were reviewed. Preoperative lateral and axial X‐rays and 3D CT were taken to assess the fracture type, and minimally invasive internal fixation was performed in the “out‐in” position with distractor repositioning, and intraoperative and postoperative images were taken to assess fracture repositioning and fixation. During the follow‐up period, the postoperative functional recovery status was assessed using the VAS score, AOFAS score, and FAOS score. Paired‐samples t‐test was used for all data comparisons.ResultsAll cases received a mean follow‐up of 28.49 ± 3.25 months, and the mean fracture healing time was 7.84 ± 0.71 weeks. The postoperative images showed well‐fixed fracture repositioning, and calcaneal height, length, width, and inversion angles were significantly improved. At the final follow‐up, the calcaneal height, length, and width recovered from 39.35 ± 4.44mm, 79.35 ± 2.7mm, and 45.75 ± 2.87mm preoperatively to 50.93 ± 3.18mm, 82.23 ± 1.90mm, and 39.67 ± 1.58mm postoperatively (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The calcaneus inversion angle restored from 7.73° ± 2.26° to 3.80° ± 1.80° (p < 0.001). Böhler's angle and Gissane's angle improved from 13.13° ± 3.02° and 105.15° ± 8.94° to 27.95° ± 3.41° and 122.85° ± 5.54° (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). No non‐healing fractures, osteomyelitis, or traumatic arthritis were observed.ConclusionMinimally invasive internal fixation with distractor repositioning in the “out‐in” position is effective in the treatment of inversion shortening calcaneal fractures while restoring the anatomy and protecting the soft tissue.
Outcomes of left bundle branch area pacing compared to His bundle pacing as a primary pacing strategy: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abdin Amr , Werner Christian , Burri Haran , Merino José L. , Vukadinović Davor , Sawan Noureddin , Gajek Jacek , Böhm Michael , Ukena Christian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundNovel pacing technologies, such as His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBaP), have emerged to maintain physiological ventricular activation. We investigated the outcomes of LBBP with HBP for patients requiring a de novo permanent pacing.Methods and ResultsSystematic review of randomized clinical trials and observational studies comparing LBBaP with HBP until March 01, 2023 was performed. Random and fixed effects meta‐analyses of the effect of pacing technology on outcomes were performed. Study outcomes included pacing metrics, QRS duration, lead revision, procedure parameters, all‐cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization (HFH). Overall, 10 studies with 1596 patients were included. Implant success rate was higher in LBBaP compared with HBP (RR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.42, p = .002). LBBaP was associated with lower capture threshold at implantation (mean difference (MD) −0.62 V, 95% CI: −0.74 to −0.51 V, p < .0001) and at follow‐up (MD −0.74 V, 95% CI: −0.96 to −0.53, p < .0001), shorter procedure duration (MD −14.66 min, 95% CI: −23.54 to −5.78, p = .001) and shorter fluoroscopy time (MD −4.2 min, 95% CI: −8.4 to −0.0, p = .05). Compared with HBP, LBBaP was associated with a decreased risk of all‐cause mortality (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.77, p = .002) and HFH (RR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.00, p = .05). No statistical differences were found in lead revisions and QRS duration before and after pacing.ConclusionThis meta‐analysis found that LBBaP was superior to HBP regarding pacing metrics and implant success rate as an initial pacing strategy, although absence of head‐to‐head randomized comparison warrants caution in interpretation of the results.
Asthma medication and risk of dental diseases in children – A prospective cohort study
Authors: Nørrisgaard Pia Elisabeth , Haubek Dorte , Schoos Ann‐Marie Malby , Kühnisch Jan , Chawes Bo L. , Stokholm Jakob , Bisgaard Hans , Bønnelykke Klaus 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundDental caries and enamel defects are the main causes of poor dental health in children, with a substantial impact on their well‐being. Use of inhaled asthma medication is a suspected risk factor, but there is a lack of prospective studies investigating this and other prenatal and early life risk factors.MethodsCopenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 mother–child cohort (COPSAC2010) consists of 700 women who were recruited at 24 weeks of pregnancy. 588 of their children participated in a dental examination at 6 years of age (84%) at the COPSAC2010 research unit. Caries was defined as decayed, missing, or filled surfaces. Enamel defect was defined as demarcated opacity, post‐eruptive enamel breakdown, and/or atypical restoration on at least one molar. Caries and enamel defects were assessed in both deciduous and permanent dentitions.ResultsWe found no associations between inhaled corticosteroids or β2‐agonists or asthma symptoms in early childhood and the risk of caries or enamel defects by 6 years of age. Furthermore, we found no strong pre‐, peri‐, or postnatal risk factors for dental diseases at 6 years, except from nominally significant associations between antibiotic use in pregnancy (OR = 1.25, [1.01–1.54]), maternal education level (OR = 1.57, [1.01–2.45]), having a dog at home (OR = 0.50, [0.27–0.93]), and risk of enamel defects.ConclusionsUse of inhaled corticosteroids, β2‐agonists, or asthma symptoms in the first 6 years of life were not associated with the development of caries or enamel defects. This finding is reassuring for parents and physicians prescribing asthma medication for young children.
Epigenetic‐based control of flowering and seed development in plants: A review
Authors: Ibrar Danish , Ahmad Rafiq , Hasnain Zuhair , Gul Safia , Rais Afroz , Khan Shahbaz 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPlants grown at different latitudes perceive and interpret seasonal variations in day length (photoperiod) and exposure to cold winter temperatures (vernalization). These factors control the expression of various genes involved in flowering, depending on the variations in photoperiod and vernalization. Epigenetic regulatory systems have evolved in plants to process environmental signals. Gene expression is modified through chromatin remodelling and small RNAs in response to seasonal changes in both annual and perennial plants. Key regulators of flowering, such as FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) and FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), interact with other floral regulatory factors and undergo chromatin remodelling in response to seasonal cues. The Polycomb repressive complex (PRC) controls the expression of flowering‐related genes in photoperiodic flowering regulation. FLC acts as a potent suppressor by down‐regulating the expression of genes that promote flowering. Methylation, particularly in the context of CHG, CG and CHH, plays a critical role in embryogenesis. This review briefly explores and describes the regulation of flowering mechanisms in response to day‐length variations, cold exposure (vernalization) and seed development in plants.
Retrospective evaluation of Guillain‐Barre syndrome in children: A single‐center experience
Authors: Güzin Yiğithan , Yılmaz Unsal , Pekuz Serdar , Karaoğlu Pakize , Parlak İbiş İpek Burcu , Kırkgöz Hatice Hilal , Yavuz Merve , Ünalp Aycan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlthough Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is now the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in children, information on the long‐term follow‐up of GBS is still limited. Identification of prognostic factors can play an important role in treatment strategies and the follow‐up of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of monitoring the GBS disability score (DS) in predicting morbidity and mortality.MethodsThe patients were separated into two groups those with DS≥ or <3 on admission. These groups were compared in respect of demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, and the DS recorded on admission and at first, third, sixth, 12th, and 24th months.ResultsThe study included 44 patients (54.5% male, 45.5% female) with a median age of 5 years. The most common involvements during the disease were weakness, ataxia, neuropathic pain, cranial neuropathy, respiratory distress, autonomic dysfunction, and psychiatric symptoms, respectively. In patients with a DS of ≥3, the time from onset of symptoms to hospital admission was shorter, and the length of hospital stay was longer. Children with back pain and autonomic dysfunction had a DS of ≥3. A high 3‐month DS was found to be a significant predictor for the development of sequelae.ConclusionsAlthough progressive muscle weakness and inability to walk are the most common symptoms of GBS, it should be kept in mind that atypical manifestations such as hemiplegia and ophthalmoplegia may also occur. For an objective assessment of clinical improvement during follow‐up, the DS for motor functions can be used.
Personal Beauty and Personal Agency
Authors: Martin‐Seaver Madeline 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe make choices about our own appearance and evaluate others' choices – every day. These choices are meaningful for us as individuals and as members of communities. But many features of personal appearance are due to luck, and many cultural beauty standards make some groups and individuals worse off (this is called “lookism”). So, how are we to square these two facets of personal appearance? And how are we to evaluate agency in the context of personal beauty? I identify three ways of responding to these questions: beauty advocacy, beauty skepticism, and beauty revisionism. Advocates connect an honorific sense of beauty with personal character. Skeptics focus on beauty standards, and primarily offer a social critique of beauty standards. Some skeptics suggest embracing other aesthetic ideals – even ugliness. Revisionists critique beauty standards, but retain an honorific sense of beauty. Each position offers tools to evaluate personal agency as aesthetic agency, whether first‐personally or through our appreciation of others' appearance.
Interleukin 17 expression in periapical lesions from elderly patients
Authors: Júnior Rodolfo de Souza Rocha , Bergamin Bruno de Oliveira , Bastos Adriana Gomes Rocha , Silva Alexandre Marques Paes da , Pires Fábio Ramôa , Ferreira Dennis de Carvalho , Armada Luciana 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the expression of IL‐17 in periapical lesions (cysts and granulomas) among elderly individuals and adults. We selected 20 periapical lesions of the elderly (12 granulomas and eight cysts) and 20 periapical lesions of adults (12 granulomas and eight cysts).Materials and MethodsImmunohistochemistry was performed using a specific antibody for IL‐17. The slides were subdivided into five high magnification fields and then the images were observed through an optical microscope. According to the number of positive markings for the antibody, grades were given, ranging from 0 to 2.ResultsThe results demonstrate that there was no statistical difference when comparing the expression of IL‐17 between cysts and granulomas of both groups (study group: cysts 0.7 ± 0.21 × granulomas 0.96 ± 0.58, p = .61; control group: cysts 0.37 ± 0.16 × granulomas 0.31 ± 0.23, p = .27). The comparison between adult (control group) and elderly patients (study group) showed a statistical difference both in cysts (study group: 0.7 ± 0.21 × control group: 0.37 ± 0.16, p = .007) and in granulomas (study group: 0.96 ± 0.58 × control group: 0.31 ± 0.23, p = .0009), in which elderly patients had a higher expression of interleukin 17, in relation to adult patients.ConclusionWe concluded that elderly patients have a higher expression of IL‐17 in both cysts and granulomas, when compared to adult patients.
Civil disobedience and lawfare: Protest movement and contentious politics in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Authors: Fazil Shivan , Connelly Megan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAfter the US‐led invasion of Iraq, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) appeared to be on a path toward consolidation of liberal democracy. While the rest of Iraq drifted into chaos and civil war, the KRI remained quiescent and was for many years hailed by outsiders as: “a beacon of hope”, “an oasis of stability and democracy”. The region adopted the principles of press freedoms, religious tolerance, and good governance to conform with United States (US) and western incentives. The adoption of procedural democracy, however, concealed an underlying system of rigid social regulation based on a two‐party power sharing agreement that resisted democratization while appropriating its parlance and institutional structures. The government's resistance to liberalization along with its lack of resilience to political and economic shocks promoted popular disillusionment with the Kurdish nation‐building project with the region's dominant political parties at the center. In response, the ruling parties have sought to exert influence through alternatives to the democratic process that reinforce partisan rule. This article argues that economic crisis and austerity have precipitated the expansion in the scope of dissent and hastened the demise of the power sharing arrangement in the KRI. The ruling political parties have since employed a variety of undemocratic means to manage popular grievances. However, these responses do not address significant public concerns regarding freedom of expression, unemployment, and governance issues.
Eccentric cycling involves greater mental demand and cortical activation of the frontoparietal network
Authors: Borot Lénaic , Pageaux Benjamin , Laroche Davy , Vergotte Grégoire , Lepers Romuald , Perrey Stéphane 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEccentric, compared to concentric exercise, is proposed to involve different neuro‐motor processing strategies and a higher level of mental demand. This study compared eccentric and concentric cycling at matched perceived effort and torque for the mental demand and related‐cortical activation patterns. Nineteen men (30 ± 6 years) performed four different 5‐min cycling conditions at 30 RPM on a semi‐recumbent isokinetic cycle ergometer: (1) concentric at a moderate perceived effort (23 on the CR100® scale) without torque feedback; (2) concentric and (3) eccentric at the same average torque produced in the first condition; and (4) eccentric at the same moderate perceived effort than the first concentric condition. The conditions two to four were randomized. After each condition, mental demand was monitored using the NASA Task Load Index scale. Changes in oxy‐(O2Hb) and deoxy‐(HHb) hemoglobin during exercise were measured over both prefrontal cortices and the right parietal lobe from a 15‐probe layout using a continuous‐wave NIRS system. Mental demand was significantly higher during eccentric compared to concentric cycling (+52%, p = 0.012) and when the exercise intensity was fixed by the torque rather than the perceived effort (+70%, p < 0.001). For both torque‐ or perceived effort‐matched exercises, O2Hb increased significantly (p < 0.001) in the left and right prefrontal cortices, and right parietal lobe, and HHb decreased in the left, and right, prefrontal cortices during eccentric compared to concentric cycling. This study supports that acute eccentric cycling, compared to concentric cycling, involves a higher mental demand, and frontoparietal network activation.
Physical exercise improves memory in sedentary middle‐aged adults: Are these exercise‐induced benefits associated with S‐Klotho and 1,25‐dihydroxivitamin D? The FIT‐AGEING randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vázquez‐Lorente Héctor , De‐la‐O Alejandro , Carneiro‐Barrera Almudena , Molina‐Hidalgo Cristina , Castillo Manuel J. , Amaro‐Gahete Francisco J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the effect of three types of exercise interventions on memory (i.e., immediate memory (IM), long‐term memory (LTM), and recognition). We also investigated whether exercise‐induced changes in circulating S‐Klotho and 1,25‐dihydroxivitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) levels were related to those observed in memory in healthy middle‐aged sedentary adults. A 12‐week randomized controlled trial was performed with a parallel‐group design. Seventy‐four participants (45–65 years old: 53% women) were randomly assigned to (1) no exercise (control) group, (2) concurrent training based on the international physical activity recommendations (PAR) group, (3) high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) group, or (4) HIIT plus whole‐body electromyostimulation (HIIT‐EMS) group. Memory outcomes were assessed using the Wechsler Memory Scale‐third edition. S‐Klotho plasma levels were determined according to a solid‐phase sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit while 1,25(OH)2D plasma levels were measured using a DiaSorin‐Liaison immunochemiluminometric analyzer. IM‐Verbal Paired Associates (IM‐VPA) and IM‐Logical Memory (IM‐LM) were improved in both the HIIT and HIIT‐EMS groups compared with the control group (all p ≤ 0.045). Exercise‐induced changes in S‐Klotho plasma levels were positively associated with those observed in IM, LTM, and recognition (all p ≤ 0.007), whereas exercise‐induced changes in 1,25(OH)2D plasma levels were directly related to changes in IM and LTM (all p ≤ 0.048). In conclusion, a 12‐week HIIT intervention with or without WB‐EMS seems to be the most effective exercise program to improve IM. The significant and positive associations between exercise‐induced changes in S‐Klotho and 1,25(OH)2D levels with those observed in memory outcomes suggest that these factors may be potentially related to exercise‐induced improvements of memory in middle‐aged adults.