bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolomic modelling and neuroprotective effects of carvacrol against acrylamide toxicity in rat's brain and sciatic nerve
Authors: Durmus Hatipoglu , Burak Ates M. , Goktug Senturk , Aysegul Bulut 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe study aimed to investigate the harmful effects of acrylamide (AA), which forms in carbohydrate‐rich foods at temperatures above 120°C, on the central and peripheral nervous systems and to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effects of carvacrol (CRV). Male Wistar Albino rats were subjected to AA (40 mg/kg/bw/day) and CRV (50 mg/kg/bw/day) for 15 days. Following the last administration, evaluations revealed disrupted gait, heightened thermal sensitivity and altered paw withdrawal thresholds in AA‐exposed rats. Notably, AA reduced glutathione (GSH) and raised malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in both brain and sciatic nerve tissues. AA raised nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), caspase 3 and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) gene expressions while decreasing NR4A2. CRV co‐administration mitigated gait abnormalities, elevated GSH levels and lowered MDA levels in both tissues. CRV also modulated gene expression, reducing Nrf2 and NF‐κB while increasing NR4A2. Histopathological signs of AA‐induced neurodegeneration and elevated glial fibrillary acidic protein levels observed in brain and sciatic nerve tissues were rectified with simultaneous administration of CRV, thereby demonstrating neuroprotective efficacy in both regions. This study is pioneering in demonstrating CRV's neuroprotective potential against AA‐induced neurotoxicity in both central and peripheral nervous systems, effectively addressing limitations in the literature. In conclusion, the study revealed AA‐induced neurodegeneration in the brain and sciatic nerve, with CRV significantly mitigating this neurotoxicity. This novel research underscores CRV's promise as a neuroprotective agent against AA‐induced adverse effects in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Party system institutionalization and the durability of competitive authoritarian regimes
Authors: KIM WOOSEOK , BERNHARD MICHAEL , HICKEN ALLEN 
Published: January 2024

AbstractParty system institutionalization (PSI) is regarded as a critical underpinning of democracies, but its role in non‐democratic systems has been understudied. In this paper, we evaluate whether the concept has meaningful and perhaps unique implications for the durability of competitive authoritarian regimes. We argue that a modified version of electoral volatility – the most common measure of PSI in democracies – conveys useful information about PSI in competitive authoritarian contexts by signalling the ability of the ruling party to manage the opposition. To this end, we construct an original data set that disaggregates electoral volatility into ruling party seat change and opposition party seat volatility and further divides opposition party volatility into Type‐A and Type‐B volatility. We find robust results that democratization becomes more likely when decreases in the ruling party's seat share coincide with an increase in opposition party Type‐B volatility. This paper demonstrates that the concept of PSI has utility for understanding regime dynamics in competitive authoritarian contexts.
Mental health care provision in community health centers and hospital emergency department utilization
Authors: Carey Kathleen , Cole Megan B. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo examine whether community health centers (CHCs) are effective in offsetting mental health emergency department (ED) visits.Data Sources and Study SettingThe HRSA Uniform Data System and the HCUP State ED Databases for Florida patients during 2012–2019.Study DesignWe identified CHC‐year‐specific service areas using patient origin zip codes. We then estimated panel data models for number of ED mental health visits per capita in a CHC's service area. Models measured CHC mental health utilization as number of visits, unique patients, and intensity (visits per patient).Principal FindingsCHC mental health utilization increased approximately 100% during 2012–2019. Increased CHC mental health provision was associated with small reductions in ED mental health utilization. An annual increase of 1000 CHC mental health care visits (5%) was associated with 0.44% fewer ED mental health care visits (p = 0.153), and an increase of 1000 CHC mental health care patients (15%) with 1.9% fewer ED mental health care visits (p = 0.123). An increase of 1 annual mental health visit per patient was associated with 16% fewer ED mental health care visits (p = 0.011).ConclusionsResults suggest that mental health provision in CHCs may reduce reliance on hospital EDs, albeit minimally. Policies that promote alignment of services between CHCs and local hospitals may accelerate this effect.
Financial inclusion, economic growth, and environmental quality in the MENA region: What role does institution quality play?
Authors: Boussaidi Ramzi , Hakimi Abdelaziz 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper aims to check whether growth and the environment benefit from a more inclusive financial system. It also checks the moderating role of institutional quality (IQ) in the growth‐environment relationship. It uses a sample of 12 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries from 2004 to 2021 and performs the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) model. The findings indicate that financial inclusion (FI) significantly increases the level of CO2 emissions. Hence, a more inclusive financial system deteriorates the quality of the environment in the MENA region. However, FI does not exert any significant effect on the level of growth. Furthermore, we found that the interaction between FI and IQ increases growth and improves the quality of the environment. This interactional effect is more apparent when the dependent variable is environment quality rather than growth. The results of this paper have substantial implications. Policymakers of this region should improve their IQ to mitigate the negative effects of FI and to spur growth and preserve the environment. When FI is aligned with environmentally conscious policies and practices, it can promote economic development while also contributing to a healthier planet and a more equitable society.
Current applications and future potential of ChatGPT in radiology: A systematic review
Authors: Temperley Hugo C , O'Sullivan Niall J , Mac Curtain Benjamin M , Corr Alison , Meaney James F , Kelly Michael E , Brennan Ian 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThis study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the current utilization and future potential of ChatGPT, an AI‐based chat model, in the field of radiology. The primary focus is on its role in enhancing decision‐making processes, optimizing workflow efficiency, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and teaching within healthcare. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases. Key aspects, such as its impact on complex decision‐making, workflow enhancement and collaboration, were assessed. Limitations and challenges associated with ChatGPT implementation were also examined. Overall, six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. All studies were prospective in nature. A total of 551 chatGPT (version 3.0 to 4.0) assessment events were included in our analysis. Considering the generation of academic papers, ChatGPT was found to output data inaccuracies 80% of the time. When ChatGPT was asked questions regarding common interventional radiology procedures, it contained entirely incorrect information 45% of the time. ChatGPT was seen to better answer US board‐style questions when lower order thinking was required (P = 0.002). Improvements were seen between chatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 in regard to imaging questions with accuracy rates of 61 versus 85%(P = 0.009). ChatGPT was observed to have an average translational ability score of 4.27/5 on the Likert scale regarding CT and MRI findings. ChatGPT demonstrates substantial potential to augment decision‐making and optimizing workflow. While ChatGPT's promise is evident, thorough evaluation and validation are imperative before widespread adoption in the field of radiology.
Facilitating comparable research in seedling functional ecology
Authors: Winkler Daniel E. , Garbowski Magda , Kožić Kevin , Ladouceur Emma , Larson Julie , Martin Sarah , Rosche Christoph , Roscher Christiane , Slate Mandy L. , Korell Lotte 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Ecologists have worked to ascribe function to the variation found in plant populations, communities and ecosystems across environments for at least the past century. The vast body of research in functional ecology has drastically improved understanding of how individuals respond to their environment, communities are assembled and ecosystems function. However, with limited exceptions, few studies have quantified differences in plant function during the earliest stages of the plant life cycle, and fewer have tested how this early variability shapes populations, communities and ecosystems.

Drawing from the literature and our collective experience, we describe the current state of knowledge in seedling functional ecology and provide examples of how this subdiscipline can enrich our fundamental understanding of plant function across levels of organisation. To inspire progressive work in this area, we also outline key considerations involved in seedling functional research (who, what, when, where and how to measure seedling traits) and identify remaining challenges and gaps in understanding around methodological approaches.

Within this conceptual synthesis, we highlight three critical areas in seedling ecology for future research to target. First, given wide variation in the definition of a ‘seedling’, we provide a standard definition based on seed reserve dependence while emphasising the need to measure ontogenetic variation more clearly both within and following the seedling stage. Second, studies demonstrate that seedlings can be studied in multiple media (e.g. soil, agar, filter paper) and conditions (e.g. field, greenhouse, laboratory). We recommend that researchers select methods based on explicit goals, yet follow standard guidelines to reduce methodological noise across studies. Third, research is critically needed to assess the implications of different methodologies on trait measurement and compatibility across studies.

By highlighting the importance of seedling functional ecology and suggesting pathways to address key challenges, we aim to inspire future research that generates useful and comparable data on seedling functional ecology. This work is critical to explain variation within and among populations, communities and ecosystems and integrate this most vulnerable stage of plant life into ecological frameworks.
Dynamic social network analysis of a brief alcohol intervention trial in heavy‐drinking college students shows spillover effects
Authors: Barnett Nancy P. , Light John M. , Clark Melissa A. , Ott Miles Q. , DiGuiseppi Graham T. , Meisel Matthew K. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundHeavy‐drinking college students tend to have close social networks, and there is theoretical and empirical support for the idea that behavior change can spread through those networks via close ties. The objective of this research was to determine whether intervention‐induced behavior change in a subset of heavy drinkers in a sociometric (whole) college class‐year social network is transmitted to other heavy drinkers in the network, resulting in reduced behavioral risk and change in network ties.MethodsWe conducted a controlled trial in which most of a first‐year college class (N = 1236; 56.9% female) was enrolled, with alcohol use and social network ties measured early in each of three semesters. Following a baseline assessment, the network was divided into two groups, brief motivational intervention (BMI) and natural history control (NHC) according to dormitory residence location. A subset of heavy drinkers in each group was selected, and those in the BMI group received an in‐person intervention.ResultsUsing stochastic actor‐oriented modeling, we found a significant tendency for participants in the BMI group to shed ties with individuals with similar drinking behaviors between the first and second semesters, relative to the NHC group. Furthermore, heavy drinkers with reciprocal ties to intervention recipients in the BMI group showed a significant reduction in drinks per week.ConclusionsIndividual alcohol interventions appear to have effects both on behavior and network connections among individuals who did not receive the intervention. Continued research is needed to identify the optimal conditions for the diffusion of behavior change.
Mechanical properties evaluation of two resin‐based three‐dimensional printing materials and dentine for endodontic training model fabrication: In vitro study
Authors: Amornrattanavej Anond , Yanpiset Kallaya , Jantarat Jeeraphat 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe objective of the study was to compare 4 mechanical properties of two 3‐D printing resins with dentine. Four mechanical tests were performed on dentine specimens, VeroClear resin and Splint resin with 15 samples each. Vickers hardness test, samples were subjected to a 300‐g load for 10 s. Flexural strength test, 8‐millimetre, beam‐shaped specimens were tested using the three‐point bending method. Drilling force was measured on flat‐surface specimens. Intra‐canal torque was measured on specimens imitating root canals. The results were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests with adjusted Bonferroni's p‐value (p < 0.05). Dentine exhibited the highest mechanical properties in all the tests. VeroClear's flexural strength and drilling force were higher, while the surface hardness was lower than that of Splint resin. The intra‐canal torque of dentine and VeroClear resin were not significant and higher than that of Splint resin. VeroClear's mechanical properties were closer to dentine than Splint resin.
Can the addition of surfactants to NaOCl irrigation impact on the percentage of voids of root canal filling?
Authors: Monteiro Laise Pena Braga , Guerreiro Marcella Yasmin Reis , Belladonna Felipe Gonçalves , de Lima Carolina Oliveira , da Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal , da Silva Brandão Juliana Melo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study evaluated the impact of canal irrigation using surfactants associated to NaOCl on the percentage of voids of root canal filling through micro‐computed tomographic (micro‐CT) analysis. 27 mandibular mesial roots with Vertucci type II canal configuration with isthmus were selected and scanned in a micro‐CT device. The specimens were assigned to three groups (n = 9), according to the irrigation solution during instrumentation: 2.5% NaOCl without additives (control), 2.5% NaOCl with 0.1% Benzalkonium Chloride and 2.5% NaOCl with 0.1% Tween 80. After obturation, the specimens were rescanned, and the percentage of voids were calculated. Data were analysed using one‐way ANOVA with a significance level of 5%. The percentage of voids were similar among the groups (p > 0.05). None of the specimens showed completely voids‐free areas. The addition of surfactants to NaOCl irrigation did not improve the quality of root canal filling of mandibular mesial root canals.
Acute exercise‐induced release of innate immune proteins via small extracellular vesicles changes with aerobic fitness and age
Authors: Chong Mee Chee , Shah Anup D. , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Silva Anabel , James Patrick F. , Wu Sam Shi Xuan , Howitt Jason 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimPhysical exercise triggers the secretion of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) into the circulation in humans, enabling signalling crosstalk between tissues. Exercise‐derived EVs and their cargo have been proposed to mediate adaptations to exercise; however, our understanding of how exercise‐derived EV protein cargo is modulated by factors such as aerobic fitness and age of an individual is currently unknown. Here, we examined the circulating sEV proteome following aerobic exercise in healthy males of different ages and aerobic fitness to understand exercise‐induced EV response during the aging process.MethodsTwenty‐eight healthy men completed a bout of 20‐min cycling exercise at 70% estimated VO2peak. Small EVs were isolated from blood samples collected before and immediately after exercise, and then quantified using particle analysis and Western blotting. Small EV proteome was examined using quantitative proteomic analysis.ResultsWe identified a significant increase in 13 proteins in small plasma EVs following moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity exercise. We observed distinct changes in sEV proteome after exercise in young, mature, unfit, and fit individuals, highlighting the impact of aerobic fitness and age on sEV protein secretion. Functional enrichment and pathway analysis identified that the majority of the significantly altered sEV proteins are associated with the innate immune system, including proteins known to be damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).ConclusionTogether, our findings suggest that exercise‐evoked acute stress can positively challenge the innate immune system through the release of signalling molecules such as DAMPs in sEVs, proposing a novel EV‐based mechanism for moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity exercise in immune surveillance pathways.
The potential of Future Event Specificity Training (FEST) to decrease anhedonia and dampening of positive emotions: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bogaert Liesbeth , Hallford David J. , Loyen Eline , D'Argembeau Arnaud , Raes Filip 
Published: January 2024

AbstractImpaired episodic future thinking (EFT), as reflected in reduced specificity, low levels of detail and less use of mental imagery, has been associated with depressive symptomatology. The beneficial impact of Future Event Specificity Training (FEST) on impaired EFT has recently been demonstrated, as well as on anhedonia, the core symptom of depression reflecting low positive affect. The current study aimed to replicate these previous findings. In addition, this study is the first to examine the potential of FEST to reduce engagement in dampening, a maladaptive response style characterised by reducing the intensity and/or frequency of positive emotional states, which is linked to depressive symptoms and anhedonia. An RCT (FEST vs. waitlist control) was conducted in a large sample of Dutch‐speaking undergraduate students (N = 155). In line with prior research, FEST resulted in significant improvements in EFT features. However, likely related to limited room for change detection, no significant changes were found in anhedonia and dampening. In the light of the positive impact of FEST on several EFT features, future studies should address methodological issues to create optimal conditions for potential change detection. Finally, further examination of the proposed theoretical change mechanisms aimed to reduce anhedonia and dampening is warranted.
Managing Trade‐Offs Between Environmental, Social, Governance and Financial Sustainability in State‐Owned Enterprises: Insights from an Emerging Market
Authors: Adebayo Adeyemi , Ackers Barry 
Published: January 2024

AbstractConcerns remain about how companies will reconcile environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues with their core mandates. This is one reason why many organisations did not initially subscribe to sustainable investing, reporting and accounting, especially where it is not mandatory, despite growing stakeholder pressure to do so. This paper examines how state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) with social and commercial mandates in South Africa, where sustainability reporting is mandatory, balance ESG practices and financial sustainability to fulfil their mandates. This article proposes and evaluates propositions about SOEs adopting and reporting ESG components using a survey questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews with important SOE stakeholders to show that its sustainability accounting approach benefits policy and non‐policy observers. More than half of the studied SOEs have embraced and disclosed their ESG practices, yet there appears to be no systematic way in which they balance ESG practices and financial sustainability, resulting in conflict. This paper appears to be the first SOE study on this topic. In this regard, this study offers novel insights into how sustainability practices may be incorporated into the social and commercial objectives of SOEs, which in most cases are conflicting, while still allowing SOEs to be financially sustainable and depend less on state bailouts, which is often the case, especially in Africa and in countries that face a high level of corruption. Considering the characteristics and mandates of SOEs, part of being socially responsible is utilising public resources in the form of taxpayers’ money in an efficient, effective and accountable manner. The discussion in this paper indicates that paying attention to ESG issues is part of a broader accountability mechanism expected from SOEs. Also, the choice of South Africa and of SOEs in South Africa has implications for theory and practice since SOEs in South Africa have social and commercial objectives such that they are expected to be agents of social responsibility.
Prior male sling does not affect outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter
Authors: Chow Po‐Ming , Agrawal‐Patel Shree , Wood Hadley , Angermeier Kenneth 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement in patients with post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI) with or without a prior male sling.Patients and MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent AUS for PPUI from 2007 to 2022. The primary endpoint was to determine the proportion of patients who achieved social continence, defined as self‐reported use of 0–1 pad/day. The secondary endpoints were device failure rates and device failure‐free survival.ResultsThe analysis included 210 patients, with 30 (14.3%) having had prior slings and 180 (85.7%) without prior slings. After AUS insertion, 80.0% of patients with prior slings and 76.7% of those without prior slings achieved continence (0–1 pad/day). There were six (20.0%) and 53 (29.4%) device failures in patients with and without prior slings, respectively. The median device failure‐free survival was not reached in patients with prior slings and was 8.9 years in patients without prior slings (P = 0.048). Limitations include retrospective nature and small sample size.ConclusionsThe efficacy and safety of AUS in patients with prior slings are similar to those without. Prior sling is associated with a longer device failure‐free survival. AUS remains a viable option in patients who have persistent PPI after prior slings.