bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of silver nanoparticles associated with fluoride on the progression of root dentin caries in vitro
Authors: Dias Flaviana Alves , Vidal Cristina M. P. , Comnick Carissa L. , Xie Xian Jin , Berger Sandrine Bittencourt 
Published: January 2023

Objectives
To assess the anti-proteolytic effect and potential to inhibit dentin root caries progression of a silver nanoparticle and fluoride solution (CNanoF) in comparison to silver diamine fluoride (SDF).

Methods
48 specimens of root dentin artificial caries lesion were treated with 38% SDF, CNanoF, CNano or F (n = 6 per group). Ph cycling with demineralization and remineralization solutions simulated caries lesion progression. In addition, specimens were incubated with or without bacterial collagenase in the remineralization solution to induce dentin proteolytic degradation. Dentin degradation was assessed by weight loss rate and hydroxyproline (Hyp) release. Changes in cross-sectional microhardness, and lesion permeability and collagen integrity as determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated potential for further demineralization inhibition. The effect of the solutions on the activity of metalloproteinases (MMP) -2 and -9 was also investigated. Statistical analysis consisted of ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and linear mixed models with post-hoc pairwise Tukey, Dunn, and t-tests (α = 0.05).

Results
Treatment with SDF resulted in lower weight loss rate than did other solutions, but all groups showed similar Hyp release (p = 0.183). SDF resulted in greater microhardness at superficial layers of the caries lesions (p<0.05), while there were no differences among CNanoF, CNano, and F. Lesion permeability was similar among all groups after pH cycling (p>0.05), with or without the use of collagenase (p = 0.58). No statistically significant difference was noted among solutions regarding collagen integrity after pH cycling; however, SDF-treated dentin had a significant decrease in collagen integrity when collagenase was used (p = 0.003). Interestingly, only SDF was able to completely inactivate MMP-2 and -9.

Conclusions
CNanoF and SDF both potentially prevent dentin degradation during caries lesion progression in vitro; however, SDF was more effective at inhibiting further tissue demineralization.
Characterization of the external exposome and its contribution to the clinical respiratory and early biological effects in children: The PROMESA cohort study protocol
Authors: Marín Diana , Orozco Luz Yaneth , Narváez Diana María , Ortiz-Trujillo Isabel Cristina , Molina Francisco José , Ramos Carlos Daniel , Rodriguez-Villamizar Laura , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , Morales Olga , Cuellar Martha , Hernández Luis Jorge , Henao Enrique Antonio , Lopera Verónica , Corredor Andrea , Toro María Victoria , Groot Helena , Villamil-Osorio Milena , Muñoz Diego Alejandro , Hincapié Roberto Carlos , Amaya Ferney , Oviedo Ana Isabel , López Lucelly , Morales-Betancourt Ricardo , Marín-Ochoa Beatriz Elena , Sánchez-García Oscar Eduardo , Marín Juan Sebastián , Abad José Miguel , Toro Julio Cesar , Pinzón Eliana , Builes Juan José , Rueda Zulma Vanessa 
Published: January 2023

Background
Air pollution contains a mixture of different pollutants from multiple sources. However, the interaction of these pollutants with other environmental exposures, as well as their harmful effects on children under five in tropical countries, is not well known.

Objective
This study aims to characterize the external exposome (ambient and indoor exposures) and its contribution to clinical respiratory and early biological effects in children.

Materials and methods
A cohort study will be conducted on children under five (n = 500) with a one-year follow-up. Enrolled children will be followed monthly (phone call) and at months 6 and 12 (in person) post-enrolment with upper and lower Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) examinations, asthma development, asthma control, and genotoxic damage. The asthma diagnosis will be pediatric pulmonologist-based and a standardized protocol will be used. Exposure, effect, and susceptibility biomarkers will be measured on buccal cells samples. For environmental exposures PM2.5 will be sampled, and questionnaires, geographic information, dispersion models and Land Use Regression models for PM2.5 and NO2 will be used. Different statistical methods that include Bayesian and machine learning techniques will be used for the ambient and indoor exposures-and outcomes. This study was approved by the ethics committee at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana.

Expected study outcomes/findings
To estimate i) The toxic effect of particulate matter transcending the approach based on pollutant concentration levels; ii) The risk of developing an upper and lower ARI, based on different exposure windows; iii) A baseline of early biological damage in children under five, and describe its progression after a one-year follow-up; and iv) How physical and chemical PM2.5 characteristics influence toxicity and children’s health.
A prognostic model for predicting the duration of 20,049 sickness absence spells due to shoulder lesions in a population-based cohort in Sweden
Authors: Gémes Katalin , Holm Johanna , Frumento Paolo , Almondo Gino , Bottai Matteo , Friberg Emilie , Alexanderson Kristina 
Published: January 2023

Main objective
Sickness absence duration for shoulder lesion patients is difficult to prognosticate, and scientific evidence for the sick-listing practice is lacking. Our objective was to develop a clinically implementable prediction model for the duration of a sickness absence spell due to shoulder lesions.

Methods
All new sickness absence spells due to shoulder lesions (ICD-10-code: M75) issued in the period January 2010—June 2012 that were longer than 14 days were identified through the nationwide sickness absence insurance register. Information on predictors was linked from four other nationwide registers. Piecewise-constant hazards regression models were fitted to predict duration of sickness absence. The model was developed and validated using split sample validation. Variable selection was based on log-likelihood loss ranking when excluding a variable from the model. The model was evaluated using calibration plots and the c-statistic.

Results
20 049 sickness absence spells were identified, of which 34% lasted >90 days. Predictors included in the model were age, sex, geographical region, occupational status, educational level, birth country, specialized healthcare at start of the spell, number of sickness absence days in the last 12 months, and specialized healthcare the last 12 months, before start date of the index sickness absence spell. The model was satisfactorily specified and calibrated. Overall c-statistic was 0.54 (95% CI 0.53–0.55). C-statistic for predicting durations >90, >180, and >365 days was 0.61, 0.66, and 0.74, respectively.

Significance
The model can be used to predict the duration of sickness absence due to shoulder lesions. Covariates had limited predictive power but could discriminate the very long sickness absence spells from the rest.
Face mask ownership/utilisation and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy amongst patients recovering from COVID-19 in Cameroon: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Cho Frederick Nchang , Ngah Yayah Emerencia , Tassang Andrew N. , Fru Celestina Neh , Kuku Elad Peter Canisius , Jokwi Patrick Kofon , Folefac Valmie Ngassam , Esa Ismaila , Fru Paulette Ngum 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionThis study aimed to establish pre-/post Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis/treatment symptoms, ownership/utilisation of face masks (FMs), as well as vaccine hesitancy (VH) amongst patients recovering from COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from April - October 2021. Data was collected with structured self-administered questionnaires. Multinomial regression was used to determine associations between ownership/utilisation of FMs with respondents’ characteristics.ResultsUnproductive cough and fatigue were prevalent before and after treatment. Pre-/Post COVID-19 symptoms severity ranged from mild to moderate. There was a COVID-19 VH rate of 492 (74%). The prevalence of FM ownership and utilisation were, respectively, 613 (92.2%) and 271 (40.8%). One main factor was associated with FM ownership; respondent’s sex (p; 5.5x10-2, OR; 0.5, 95%C.I; 0.3 – 1.0). The main reasons for irregular utilisation were; inability to be consistent, only used outdoors, and boredom.ConclusionThe treatment of COVID-19 does not mean immediate recovery as mild to moderate grade severity still persists. Face mask availability and ownership does not mean appreciable utilisation. This study advocates for an intensification of COVID-19 preventive practices, as well as elaborate education on the importance of vaccination.
Early pregnancy cardio metabolic risk factors and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome 10 years after the first pregnancy
Authors: Andraweera Prabha H. , Plummer Michelle D. , Garrett Amy , Leemaqz Shalem , Wittwer Melanie R. , Aldridge Emily , Pathirana Maleesa M. , Dekker Gus A. , Roberts Claire T. , Arstall Margaret A. 
Published: January 2023

Background
We aimed to compare risk factors for CVD 10 years postpartum among women who had ≥ 1 compared to no cardio metabolic risk factor in early first pregnancy.

Methods
Women of the SCOPE (Screening fOr Pregnancy Endpoints) study from Adelaide, South Australia were invited to participate in a cardiovascular risk assessment 10 years after the delivery of the first child. Data from 141 women who completed all the assessments are included in the analyses.

Result
Compared to women who did not have any cardio metabolic risk factor at 15 ± 1 weeks’ gestation during the first pregnancy, those who had ≥ 1 risk factor were 5.5 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome 10 years postpartum (aOR = 5.5, 95% CI 1.8–17.3, p = 0.004). Women who had ≥ 1cardio metabolic risk factor during the first pregnancy were more likely to be obese (p = 0.001), have high total cholesterol levels (p <0.001) or have increased insulin resistance (p <0.001) 10 years later compared to women who had no risk factor during the first pregnancy. 63.5% of the women with no cardio metabolic risk factor compared to 39% of women who had ≥ 1 risk factor in first pregnancy, had neither a complicated first pregnancy nor was diagnosed with MetS 10 years postpartum (p = 0.023).

Conclusion
Cardio metabolic risk factors at the booking visit in the first pregnancy may be useful in identifying young women at risk of future CVD.
Implementation and effectiveness of a linkage to HIV care intervention in rural South Africa (ANRS 12249 TasP trial)
Authors: Plazy Mélanie , Diallo Adama , Hlabisa Thabile , Okesola Nonhlanhla , Iwuji Collins , Herbst Kobus , Boyer Sylvie , Lert France , McGrath Nuala , Pillay Deenan , Dabis François , Larmarange Joseph , Orne-Gliemann Joanna ,   for the ANRS TasP Study Group
Published: January 2023

Background
Timely linkage to care and ART initiation is critical to decrease the risks of HIV-related morbidity, mortality and HIV transmission, but is often challenging. We report on the implementation and effectiveness of a linkage-to-care intervention in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods
In the ANRS 12249 TasP trial on Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) implemented between 2012–2016, resident individuals ≥16 years were offered home-based HIV testing every six months. Those ascertained to be HIV-positive were referred to trial clinics. Starting May 2013, a linkage-to-care intervention was implemented in both trial arms, consisting of tracking through phone calls and/or home visits to “re-refer” people who had not linked to care to trial clinics within three months of the first home-based referral. Fidelity in implementing the planned intervention was described using Kaplan-Meier estimation to compute conditional probabilities of being tracked and of being re-referred by the linkage-to-care team. Effect of the intervention on time to linkage-to-care was analysed using a Cox regression model censored for death, migration, and end of data follow-up.

Results
Among the 2,837 individuals (73.7% female) included in the analysis, 904 (32%) were tracked at least once, and 573 of them (63.4%) were re-referred. Probabilities of being re-referred was 17% within six months of first referral and 31% within twelve months. Compared to individuals not re-referred by the intervention, linkage-to-care was significantly higher among those with at least one re-referral through phone call (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.82; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.47–2.25), and among those with re-referral through both phone call and home visit (aHR = 3.94; 95% CI = 2.07–7.48).

Conclusions
Phone calls and home visits following HIV testing were challenging to implement, but appeared effective in improving linkage-to-care amongst those receiving the intervention. Such patient-centred strategies should be part of UTT programs to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
Challenges and commonly used countermeasures in the implementation of lifelong antiretroviral therapy for PMTCT in Central Uganda: Health providers’ perspective
Authors: Mukose Aggrey David , Bastiaens Hilde , Makumbi Fredrick , Buregyeya Esther , Naigino Rose , Musinguzi Joshua , Van Geertruyden Jean-Pierre , Wanyenze Rhoda K. 
Published: January 2023

Introduction
Uganda has implemented lifelong antiretroviral therapy for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission since September 2012. Implementation of this strategy has been met with health provider and client challenges which have persisted up to date. This study explored providers’ perspectives on the challenges and countermeasures of the implementation and scale-up of lifelong ART among pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Methods
A qualitative descriptive study was conducted whereby 54 purposively selected participants from six facilities in three districts of Central Uganda namely; Masaka, Mityana, and Luwero were recruited. A key informant interview guide was used to collect data from the study participants. The data were thematically analysed using Atlas-ti, Version 7.

Results
Study participants reported challenges under the themes of 1) inadequacy of HIV service delivery (lack of relevant training, health provider shortages, inadequate counselling, stock-outs of essential HIV commodities); 2) Non-utilization of HIV services (Non-disclosure of HIV- positive results, denial of HIV positive results, fear to be followed up, unwillingness to be referred, large catchment area, lack of transport); and 3) Suboptimal treatment adherence (fear of ART side effects, preference for traditional medicines, low male partner involvement in care and treatment). Strategies such as on-job training, mentorship, task shifting, redistribution of HIV commodities across facilities, accompanying of women to mother-baby care points, ongoing counseling of women, peers, and family support groups were commonly used countermeasures.

Conclusions
This study highlights key challenges that health providers face in implementing lifelong antiretroviral therapy services among pregnant and postpartum women. Context-specific, innovative, and multilevel system interventions are required at national, district, health facility, community and individual levels to scale up and sustain the lifelong antiretroviral therapy strategy among pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Investigation of factors underlying foreign language classroom anxiety in Chinese university English majors
Authors: Zhang Shuting , Lai Chun 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Previous research on foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) has reported inconsistent findings. One significant reason is that these studies mainly adopted a data-driven approach and lacked a strong theoretical basis. This study thus examined the factors underlying FLCA with worry-emotionality theorization of anxiety (Liebert, Robert M. & Larry W. Morris. 1967. Cognitive and emotional components of test anxiety: A distinction and some initial data. Psychological Reports 20. 975–978). A preliminary survey was conducted to validate the original FLCAS with 603 English majors from two Chinese universities, and 20 of them were invited for individual interviews to better understand the factors contributing to their FLCA. Based on these, a questionnaire was constructed through adapting the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) and used in a main survey among 557 Chinese university English majors. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to analyse the survey data, while thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data. In addition to three factors reported in the FLCA factor validation literature, communication apprehension, self-confidence in speaking English and fear of negative evaluation, this study identified peer pressure as a new factor. The findings reveal the multidimensional nature of FLCA and support the worry-emotionality theorization of anxiety. Implications for the conceptualization of FLCA are discussed.
Tutorial: statistical methods for the meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies
Authors: Schlattmann Peter 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This tutorial shows how to perform a meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies (DTA) based on a 2 × 2 table available for each included primary study. First, univariate methods for meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity are presented. Then the use of univariate logistic regression models with and without random effects for e.g. sensitivity is described. Diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) are then introduced to combine sensitivity and specificity into one single measure and to assess publication bias. Finally, bivariate random effects models using the exact binomial likelihood to describe within-study variability and a normal distribution to describe between-study variability are presented as the method of choice. Based on this model summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves are constructed using a regression model logit-true positive rate (TPR) over logit-false positive rate (FPR). Also it is demonstrated how to perform the necessary calculations with the freely available software R. As an example a meta-analysis of DTA studies using Procalcitonin as a diagnostic marker for sepsis is presented.
Indirectly determined reference intervals for automated white blood cell differentials of pediatric patients in Berlin and Brandenburg
Authors: Mrosewski Ingo , Dähn Tobias , Hehde Jörg , Kalinowski Elena , Lindner Ilona , Meyer Thea Maria , Olschinsky-Szermer Michael , Pahl Jana , Puls Monika , Sachse Kristin , Switkowski Rafael 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Establishing direct reference intervals for pediatric patients is a costly, challenging, and time-consuming enterprise. Indirectly established reference intervals can help to ameliorate this situation. It was our objective to establish population-specific reference intervals for automated white blood cell differentials via data mining and non-parametric percentile method.

Methods
Blood counts and automated white blood cell differentials of patients aged 0 days to 18 years, performed from the 1st of January 2018 until the 30th of June 2022, were identified in our laboratory information system. Reference intervals were established in accordance with IFCC and CLSI recommendations as well as the propositions by Haeckel et al.

Results
Initially, 47,173 blood counts on our SYSMEX XN-9000 were identified. 11,707 data sets were excluded, leaving 35,466 sample sets for analysis. Of these, 17,616 contained automated white blood cell differentials. Due to insufficient patient numbers, no reference intervals for automated white blood cell differentials could be established for children aged <7 months. In comparison to the corresponding reference intervals published by Herklotz et al., reference intervals determined by us showed relevant differences throughout all age groups.

Conclusions
The combination of non-parametric percentile method and the propositions by Haeckel et al. utilizing conscientious data mining appears to be potent alternative to direct reference interval determination.
Waste aggregate concrete properties using waste tiles as coarse aggregate and modified with PC superplasticizer
Authors: Al-Labban Salama Nasim Yousif , Abdullah Firas Abdulhadi , Karagoly Yahya Hamza , Shubber Mustafa Salman , Hasan Suhad Abdulsattar , Jabal Qusay A. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Concrete is the most popular construction material and has a relatively high compressive strength and it does not crack under its own weight, but its tensile strength is much lower compared to its compressive strength. The compressive strength can be changed according to the water to cement ratio during concrete formation or mixing, while the tensile strength rises when additives are used, concrete needs reinforcing steel, and added to plain concrete, resulting in reinforced concrete. In other terms, concrete consists of sand or fine aggregate, gravel (which is a coarse aggregate), water, and cement (which is considered a bonding material), and it is a brittle material that needs reinforcement and also some admixtures to improve its low tensile resist. This research aims to increase and improve some mechanical properties of concrete by using waste tiles as coarse aggregate. The study includes replacing normal aggregates with waste tile and using them as crushed aggregate with 25, 50, 75, and 100% replacement. Studies show increment in compressive and tensile strength and flexural strength by using waste tile aggregate compared with ordinary concrete; compressive strength increased from 34.1 MPa for reference mixes without waste tiles to 39.8 MPa using waste tiles. The study included improving all mixes with polycarboxylate superplasticizer and gaining high strength concrete, especially mixes with 50, 75, and 100% waste tile aggregate; the compressive strength with totally waste tile replacement gave the highest value of compressive strength, which was 57.5 MPa, tensile and flexural strength also increased by using waste tile aggregate, and 100% replacement shows optimum values of mechanical properties in this study.
A leader or a comedian? Perceptions of politicians based on their use of humor on Twitter
Authors: Mendiburo-Seguel Andrés , Buie Hannah , Alenda Stéphanie , Navia Patricio 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Politicians are tasked with both holding expertise and being relatable to the general population they are representing. Accordingly, politicians strategize their communication style to achieve both aims. One strategy they implement is using humor in their communication to constituents. But is this an effective strategy across humor styles? Does political affiliation or gender of the politician impact these effects? We examine these questions in an online experiment with Chilean subjects (N = 799) using tweets from fictitious politicians, finding evidence that both serious and humorous aggressive communication had negative outcomes on social perception of the politician compared to affiliative and self-deprecating communication. Both serious and humorous affiliative communication has a positive outcome on social perceptions compared to aggressive and most self-deprecating communications. Also, self-deprecating humor was a moderately effective communication strategy, and political affiliation did not have an effect on perceptions of likability when affiliative humor was used. Finally, we did not find evidence of differences in social perceptions based on the gender of the politician.