bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential causal path between periodontitis stage diagnosis and vegetable consumption is mediated by loss of posterior functional tooth units and masticatory function
Authors: Wu Xinyu , Shen Jie , Zhang Xiao , Liu Beilei , Liu Min , Shi Junyu , Qian Shujiao , Zong Geng , Lai Hongchang , Yuan Changzheng , Tonetti Maurizio S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimEmerging evidence points to a two‐way relationship between periodontitis and dietary choices and, thus, nutrition. This study aimed to assess the potential cause–effect relationship between the periodontitis stage, loss of functional tooth units (FTUs), masticatory function, and intake of different food groups using path analysis.Materials and MethodsA single calibrated examiner determined the periodontitis stage of a consecutive sample of 241 Chinese subjects reporting for tooth replacement. Their masticatory function was quantified by the mixing ability of a two‐colour chewing gum. Validated food frequency questionnaires were used to calculate the intake of 33 food group items by an experienced calibrated rater. After verification of assumptions, visual structural equation modeling was performed with Amos 23. The consistency of results and the potential modifying effect of age were assessed in 9043 subjects from the NHANES database.ResultsHighly significant models were constructed using periodontitis stage and age as exogenous factors. Periodontitis stage diagnosis significantly affected the number of posterior FTUs and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL, path coefficient [PC] = –0.55 and −0.20, p < .05, respectively). In the model, FTUs also had an independent effect on OHRQoL (PC = 0.23, p < .05). FTUs determined the level of masticatory function (PC = –0.38, p < .05), which in turn affected vegetable intake but not fruit or meat intake (PC = –0.18, p < .0.5, PC = 0.06, NS and PC = 0.11, NS, respectively). The effect of age was significant for vegetable and meat intake and was also correlated with periodontitis stage diagnosis. Analysis of the NHANES database confirmed the negative impact of periodontitis on the number of occluding pairs and vegetable consumption for the 18–44, 45–60 and >60 age groups.ConclusionsPeriodontitis showed a potential cause–effect pathway affecting vegetable intake across cultures and age groups. The size of the effect is potentially of clinical and public health significance. Additional studies, including intervention trials, are required to test this potential mechanism linking oral health to nutrition.
Development of toothpaste formulations containing mineral clays as abrasive agents and their effects on the physical properties of dental enamel
Authors: Gonçalves Iana Maria Costa , da Silva Julliana Andrade , Aguiar Flávio Henrique Baggio , Lima Débora Alves Nunes Leite 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo assess the physical properties and topographical aspect of dental enamel's surface microhardness (KHN), surface roughness (Ra), and color parameters CIELAB (∆Eab*), CIEDE 2000 (∆E00), and whiteness index for dentistry (∆WID) after toothbrushing with experimental toothpaste formulations with the following mineral clay types: kaolin, Sparclay SGY, and Tersil CGY used as abrasive component. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed for topographical analyses purposes. A total of 96 bovine incisors were used in the experiment. They were divided into eight experimental groups (n = 12), namely: NC—negative control (no treatment), CT12—Colgate Total 12®, CMP—Colgate® Máxima Proteção Anticáries, K—kaolin experimental toothpaste, SGY—Sparclay SGY experimental toothpaste; CGY—Tersil CGY experimental toothpaste, SD—SiO2 experimental toothpaste, and CC—CaCO3 experimental toothpaste. All samples were subjected to mechanical brushing protocol with 5000 cycles and kept in artificial saliva with daily exchanges. KHN was analyzed through the mixed linear model for repeated measures over time. Ra was analyzed through nonparametric Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests to compare the groups. Paired Wilcoxon test was run to compare experimental times. ∆WID, ∆Eab*, and ∆E00 were analyzed through Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests. All analyses were performed in R* software, at 5% significance level. EXP_SGY recorded higher KHN than EXP_SiO2 and EXP_CaCO3, whereas EXP_K showed increased Ra in comparison to CMP (p = 0.0229). ∆Eab and ∆E00 were significantly higher in the CT12, EXP_SiO2, and EXP_CaCO3 groups than in the NC and EXP_K (p < 0.0001). There were no significant changes in ∆WID (p = 0.0852). According to SEM results, toothbrushing with experimental toothpastes added with mineral clay types did not have significant impact on enamel's polishing and smoothness.Clinical RelevanceMineral clays have a broad application in the cosmetic industry, and recently, they have been used in the formulation of vegan toothpaste.
Cilostazol improves the prognosis after hepatectomy in rats with sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
Authors: Sugita Hiroaki , Nakanuma Shinichi , Munesue Seiichi , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Tokoro Tomokazu , Takei Ryohei , Okazaki Mitsuyoshi , Kato Kaichiro , Takada Satoshi , Makino Isamu , Ozaki Noriyuki , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Yagi Shintaro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and AimSafe radical hepatectomy is important for patients with colorectal liver metastases complicated by sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) after oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of preoperative administration of cilostazol (CZ), an oral selective phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, on hepatectomy in rat SOS model.Material and MethodsRats were divided into NL (normal liver), SOS (monocrotaline [MCT]‐treated), and SOS + CZ (MCT + CZ‐treated) groups. MCT or CZ was administered orally, and a 30% partial hepatectomy was performed 48 h after MCT administration. Postoperative survival rates were evaluated (n = 9, for each). Other rats were sacrificed on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 3 and evaluated histologically, immunohistochemically, biochemically, and using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), focusing particularly on SOS findings, liver damage, and liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) injury.ResultsThe cumulative 10‐day postoperative survival rate was significantly higher in the SOS + CZ group than in the SOS group (88.9% vs 33.3%, P = 0.001). Total SOS scores were significantly lower in the SOS + CZ group than in the SOS group on both POD 1 and 3. Serum biochemistry and immunohistochemistry showed that CZ reduced liver damage after hepatectomy. TEM revealed that LSECs were significantly preserved morphologically in the SOS + CZ group than in the SOS group on POD 1 (86.1 ± 8.2% vs 63.8 ± 9.3%, P = 0.003).ConclusionPreoperative CZ administration reduced liver injury by protecting LSECs and improved the prognosis after hepatectomy in rats with SOS.
On the pixel selection criterion for the calculation of the Pearson's correlation coefficient in fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Lopez Sergio G. , Samwald Sebastian , Jones Sally , Faulkner Christine 
Published: February 2024

AbstractColocalisation microscopy analysis provides an intuitive and straightforward way of determining if two biomolecules occupy the same diffraction‐limited volume. A popular colocalisation coefficient, the Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC), can be calculated using different pixel selection criteria: PCCALL includes all image pixels, PCCOR only pixels exceeding the intensity thresholds for either one of the detection channels, and PCCAND only pixels exceeding the intensity thresholds for both detection channels. Our results show that PCCALL depends on the foreground to background ratio, producing values influenced by factors unrelated to biomolecular association. PCCAND focuses on areas with the highest intensities in both channels, which allows it to detect low levels of colocalisation, but makes it inappropriate for evaluating spatial cooccurrence between the signals. PCCOR produces values influenced both by signal proportionality and spatial cooccurrence but can sometimes overemphasise the lack of the latter. Overall, PCCAND excels at detecting low levels of colocalisation, PCCOR provides a balanced quantification of signal proportionality and spatial coincidence, and PCCALL risks misinterpretation yet avoids segmentation challenges. Awareness of their distinct properties should inform their appropriate application with the aim of accurately representing the underlying biology.
Design and content validation of a checklist about infection‐prevention performance of intensive care nurses in simulation‐based scenarios
Authors: Raurell‐Torredà Marta , Arrogante Oscar , Aliberch‐Raurell Anna María , Sánchez‐Chillón Francisco Javier , Torralba‐Melero Martín , Rojo‐Rojo Andrés , Gomez‐Ibañez Rebeca , Lamoglia‐Puig Montserrat , Farrés‐Tarafa Mariona , Zaragoza‐García Ignacio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo design, develop and validate a new tool, called NEUMOBACT, to evaluate critical care nurses' knowledge and skills in ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) and catheter‐related bacteraemia (CRB) prevention through simulation scenarios involving central venous catheter (CVC), endotracheal suctioning (ETS) and mechanically ventilated patient care (PC) stations.BackgroundSimulation‐based training is an excellent way for nurses to learn prevention measures in VAP and CRB.DesignDescriptive metric study to develop NEUMOBACT and analyse its content and face validity that followed the COSMIN Study Design checklist for patient‐reported outcome measurement instruments.MethodsThe first version was developed with the content of training modules in use at the time (NEUMOBACT‐1). Delphi rounds were used to assess item relevance with experts in VAP and CRB prevention measures, resulting in NEUMOBACT‐2. Experts in simulation methods then assessed feasibility, resulting in NEUMOBACT‐3. Finally, a pilot test was conducted among 30 intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to assess the applicability of the evaluation tool in clinical practice.ResultsSeven national experts in VAP and CRB prevention and seven national simulation experts participated in the analysis to assess the relevance and feasibility of each item, respectively. After two Delphi rounds with infection experts, four Delphi rounds with simulation experts, and pilot testing with 30 ICU nurses, the NEUMOBACT‐FINAL tool consisted of 17, 26 and 21 items, respectively, for CVC, ETS and PC.ConclusionNEUMOBACT‐FINAL is useful and valid for assessing ICU nurses' knowledge and skills in VAP and CRB prevention, acquired through simulation.Relevance for Clinical PracticeOur validated and clinically tested tool could facilitate the transfer of ICU nurses' knowledge and skills learning in VAP and CRB prevention to critically ill patients, decreasing infection rates and, therefore, improving patient safety.Patient or Public ContributionExperts participated in the Delphi rounds and nurses in the pilot test.
Still worried? Parental control and academic competence as antecedents of middle school students' post‐transition worries
Authors: Țepordei Ana‐Maria , Zancu Alexandra S. , Diaconu‐Gherasim Loredana R. , Brumariu Laura E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study examined whether parental psychological control reported by children before the transition to middle school, in the second semester of the fourth grade, is associated with children's worries after the transition to middle school, in the first semester of the fifth grade. We also evaluated the mediating role of children's post‐transition perceived academic competence and the moderating role of physical transition (changing schools) on these relations. 370 Romanian early adolescents participated at both time points, with 30% of them having changed schools. Path analysis showed that the relation between children's perceptions of dependency‐oriented psychological control and post‐transition worries was mediated by academic competence and moderated by physical transition. Educational and counseling implications are discussed.
Deciphering temporal growth patterns in maize: integrative modeling of phenotype dynamics and underlying genomic variations
Authors: Adak Alper , Murray Seth C. , Washburn Jacob D. 
Published: February 2024

Summary
Quantifying the temporal or longitudinal growth dynamics of crops in diverse environmental conditions is crucial for understanding plant development, requiring further modeling techniques.
In this study, we analyzed the growth patterns of two different maize (Zea mays L.) populations using high‐throughput phenotyping with a maize population consisting of 515 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) grown in Texas and a hybrid population containing 1090 hybrids grown in Missouri.
Two models, Gaussian peak and functional principal component analysis (FPCA), were employed to study the Normalized Green–Red Difference Index (NGRDI) scores. The Gaussian peak model showed strong correlations (c. 0.94 for RILs and c. 0.97 for hybrids) between modeled and non‐modeled temporal trajectories. Functional principal component analysis differentiated NGRDI trajectories in RILs under different conditions, capturing substantial variability (75%, 20%, and 5% for RILs; 88% and 12% for hybrids).
By comparing these models with conventional BLUP values, common quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified, containing candidate genes of brd1, pin11, zcn8 and rap2. The harmony between these loci's additive effects and growing degree days, as well as the differentiation of RIL haplotypes across growth stages, underscores the significant interplay of these loci in driving plant development. These findings contribute to advancing understanding of plant–environment interactions and have implications for crop improvement strategies.
Randomized controlled trials comparing gastric bypass, gastric band, and sleeve gastrectomy: A systematic review examining validity and applicability to wider clinical practice
Authors: Chalmers Katy A. , Cousins Sian E. , Blazeby Jane M. ,   the By‐Band‐Sleeve Trial Management Group
Published: February 2024

SummaryConsideration of how applicable the results of surgical trials are to clinical practice is important to inform decision‐making. Randomized controlled trials comparing at least two surgical interventions (of gastric bypass, gastric band, and sleeve gastrectomy) for severe and complex obesity were examined using the PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary‐2 tool, to consider how applicable the trial results are to clinical practice, and the Risk of Bias 2 tool, to examine validity. MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched for studies published between November 2013 and June 2021, and 15 were identified. Using the PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary‐2 tool, three were classified as pragmatic, with good applicability to clinical practice. Ten had more explanatory domains but did include some pragmatic characteristics, and two were predominantly explanatory. This was due to some trial design features that would not be considered applicable to the wider clinical setting, including being single‐centered, having prescribed intervention delivery methods, and intensive follow‐up regimens. Only two trials had low risk of bias, of which one was considered pragmatic. Three had high risk of bias. Overall, few trials in bariatric surgery are pragmatic with low risk of bias. Well‐designed pragmatic trials are needed to inform practice and reduce research waste.
Phenotypical characterization of exteroceptive sensation and pain symptoms on diabetic patients
Authors: de Paula Oliveira Inaeh , da Silva Oliveira Victória Regina , Alonso‐Matielo Heloísa , Eng Beatriz Magalhães , de Andrade Daniel Ciampi , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Calsaverini Milena Cristina Dias , de Quadros Ribeiro Fernando , Araújo José Deney Alves , Nakaya Helder Takashi Imoto , Otoch José Pinhata , Dale Camila Squarzoni 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroudDiabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, affecting about half of individuals with the disease. Among the various symptoms of DN, the development of chronic pain stands out and manifests as exacerbated responses to sensorial stimuli. The conventional clinical treatments used for general neuropathy and associated painful symptoms, still brings uncomplete and unsatisfactory pain relief. Patients with neuropathic pain syndromes are heterogeneous. They present with a variety of sensory symptoms and pain qualities which difficult the correct diagnosis of sensory comorbidities and consequently, the appropriate chronic pain management.AimsHerein, we aimed to demonstrate the existence of different sensory profiles on diabetic patients by investigating epidemiological and clinical data on the symptomatology of a group of patients with DN.MethodsThis is a longitudinal and observational study, with a sample of 57 volunteers diagnosed with diabetes from outpatient day clinic of Hospital Universitário of the University of São Paulo—Brazil. After being invited and signed the Informed Consent Form (ICF), patients were submitted to clinical evaluation and filled out pain and quality of life questionnaires. They also performed quantitative sensory test (QST) and underwent skin biopsy for correlation with cutaneous neuropathology.ResultsData demonstrate that 70% of the studied sample presented some type of pain, manifesting in a neuropathic or nociceptive way, what has a negative impact on the life of patients with DM. We also demonstrated a positive association between pain and anxiety and depression, in addition to pain catastrophic thoughts. Three distinct profiles were identified in the sample, separated according to the symptoms of pain: (i) subjects without pain; (ii) with mild or moderate pain; (iii) subjects with severe pain. We also identified through skin biopsy that diabetic patients presented advanced sensory impairment, as a consequence of the degeneration of the myelinated and unmyelinated peripheral fibers. This study characterized the painful symptoms and exteroceptive sensation profile in these diabetic patients, associated to a considerable level of sensory degeneration, indicating, and reinforcing the importance of the long‐term clinical monitoring of individuals diagnosed with DM, regarding their symptom profiles and exteroceptive sensitivity.
Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and the risk of frailty and falling: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Yong , Zhu Jiayi , Huang Yunying , Ma Yingxu , Liu Yaozhong , Wu Keke , Lin Qiuzhen , Zhou Jiabao , Tu Tao , Liu Qiming 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundDue to inconclusive evidence from observational studies regarding the impact of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior on frailty and falling risk, we conducted a two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the causal associations between PA, sedentary behavior, and frailty and falls.MethodsWe extracted summary data from genome‐wide association studies conducted among individuals of European ancestry, encompassing PA (n = 90 667–608 595), sedentary behavior (n = 372 609‐526 725), frailty index (n = 175 226), and falling risk (n = 451 179). Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with accelerometer assessed fraction >425 milligravities, self‐reported vigorous activity, moderate to vigorous physical acticity (MVPA), leisure screen time (LST), and sedentary behavior at work were taken as instrumental variables. The causal effects were primarily estimated using inverse variance weighted methods, complemented by several sensitivity and validation analyses.ResultsGenetically predicted higher levels of PA were significantly associated with a reduction in the frailty index (accelerometer assessed fraction >425 milligravities: β = −0.25, 95% CI = −0.36 to −0.14, p = 1.27 × 10−5; self‐reported vigorous activity: β = −0.13, 95% CI = −0.20 to −0.05, p = 7.9 × 10−4; MVPA: β = −0.28, 95% CI = −0.40 to −0.16, p = 9.9 × 10−6). Besides, LST was significantly associated with higher frailty index (β = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.14–0.22, p = 5.2 × 10−20) and higher odds of falling (OR = 1.13, CI = 1.07–1.19, p = 6.9 × 10−6). These findings remained consistent throughout sensitivity and validation analyses.ConclusionsOur study offers evidence supporting a causal relationship between PA and a reduced risk of frailty. Furthermore, it underscores the association between prolonged LST and an elevated risk of frailty and falls. Therefore, promoting PA and reducing sedentary behavior may be an effective strategy in primary frailty and falls prevention.
Evidence for the gut‐skin axis: Common genetic structures in inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis
Authors: Guo Jinyan , Luo Qinghua , Li Chunsheng , Liang Hong , Cao Qiurui , Li Zihao , Chen Guanghua , Yu Xuchao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis (Ps) are common immune‐mediated diseases that exhibit clinical comorbidity, possibly due to a common genetic structure. However, the exact mechanism remains unknown.MethodsThe study population consisted of IBD and Ps genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data. Genetic correlations were first evaluated. Then, the overall evaluation employed LD score regression (LDSC), while the local assessment utilized heritability estimation from summary statistics (HESS). Causality assessment was conducted through two‐sample Mendelian randomization (2SMR), and genetic overlap analysis utilized the conditional false discovery rate/conjunctional FDR (cond/conjFDR) method. Finally, LDSC applied to specifically expressed genes (LDSC‐SEG) was performed at the tissue level. For IBD and Ps‐specific expressed genes, genetic correlation, causality, shared genetics, and trait‐specific associated tissues were methodically examined.ResultsAt the genomic level, both overall and local genetic correlations were found between IBD and Ps. MR analysis indicated a positive causal relationship between Ps and IBD. The conjFDR analysis with a threshold of < 0.01 identified 43 loci shared between IBD and Ps. Subsequent investigations into disease‐associated tissues indicated a close association of IBD and Ps with whole blood, lung, spleen, and EBV‐transformed lymphocytes.ConclusionThe current research offers a novel perspective on the association between IBD and Ps. It contributes to an enhanced comprehension of the genetic structure and mechanisms of comorbidities in both diseases.
Balancing disciplinary and integrated learning: How exemplary STEM teachers negotiate tensions of practice
Authors: Dubek Michelle , Rickey Nathan , DeLuca Christopher 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntegrated STEM education within North America has become a popular pedagogy; however, teachers identify challenges that arise when planning for and implementing integrated STEM education. These challenges may threaten STEM teachers' capacity to balance disciplinary and integrated learning, a core feature of effective STEM education. The purpose of this study was to investigate how exemplary STEM teachers navigate tensions of practice to balance disciplinary and integrated learning. Through an in‐depth qualitative methodology, drawing on interview and artifact data from 14 purposefully selected exemplary secondary and elementary integrated STEM teachers, this study identified tensions that teachers faced as they navigated planning for and implementing integrated STEM education: (a) curriculum content versus skills; (b) guided instruction versus inquiry and play; (c) process versus task completion; and (d) collaboration versus individual needs. In line with a Worldly Perspective (Rennie et al., 2020), balancing these tensions leads to enhanced integration.