bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between the prevalence of pulp stones and calcified atherosclerotic plaques: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vieira Walbert A. , Paranhos Luiz Renato , Meneses-Santos Daniela , Floriano Luiz Otávio , Borges Guilherme Henrique , Sponchiado-Junior Emílio Carlos , de-Jesus-Soares Adriana 
Published: April 2023

Objective:To evaluate the association between the prevalence of pulp stones (PS) in permanent teeth and calcified atherosclerotic plaques (CAP).Methods:An electronic search was performed in 10 databases to locate observational studies that investigated the association between PS in permanent teeth and CAP, published until March 2022. Two reviewers performed the search, selection and extraction of data from eligible studies. The individual risk of bias of eligible studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. The meta-analysis was conducted using fixed and random effects and odds ratio (OR) as an effect measure with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity between the studies was quantified using the I² test. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.Results:The electronic search resulted in 2968 records, of which only 7 studies were considered eligible. The total sample consisted of 3770 participants from 5 countries. All studies showed biases of confounding factors and exposure assessment. Based on six studies and with very low certainty of evidence, the meta-analysis showed that patients with PS were more likely to also have CAP in carotid or coronary arteries (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.21; 2.38, I² = 0%).Conclusions:Limited evidence suggests that there is a positive association between the prevalence of PS in permanent teeth detected using panoramic radiography and CAP in the coronary or carotid arteries.
Gut microbiota disorders in obesity and colorectal cancer
Authors: Szponarowicz Patrycja , Rzeszutko Mateusz , Snopkowski Bartosz , Raczkiewicz Przemysław , Panek Eliasz , Jasłowski Damian , Panasiuk Dominika , Korzec Tomasz , Sosnowski Jakub , Skrętowicz Mateusz 
Published: April 2023

Obesity and related diseases such as colorectal cancer are an important clinical problem in highly developed countries. In this article, the relationship between the occurrence of these diseases and the gut microbiome is presented on the basis of scientific research. The gut microbiome increases the energy value of consumed meals by breaking down to simpler substances not digested by human enzymes, and is involved in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism in the body. A proper microbiota influences the formation of SCFAs, or short-chain fatty acids, which have a protective effect on intestinal cells. Intestinal dysbiosis affects endotoxaemia and inflammation, which accompanies cancer and obesity.
Impact of sleep disorders on cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Snopkowski Bartosz , Szponarowicz Patrycja , Panek Eliasz , Jasłowski Damian , Rzeszutko Mateusz , Raczkiewicz Przemysław , Panasiuk Dominika , Skrętowicz Mateusz , Korzec Tomasz , Sosnowski Jakub 
Published: April 2023

Introduction and purpose: Sleep disorders are a diverse and widespread group of diseases affecting the cardiovascular system. The aim of this paper is to review the available literature and to summarize how selected sleep disorders affect the development of hypertension, ischemic heart disease and stroke. Methods and materials: Materials available in the PubMed and Google Scholar database were analyzed using the keywords “sleep disorders”; “sleep apnea”; “insomnia”; “restless legs syndrome”; “cardiovascular disease”; “hypertension”; “coronary artery disease”; “stroke " in various configurations. State of knowledge: Sleep disorders are a wide group of diseases with a diverse phenotype and pathomechanism, having a diverse impact on the condition of the cardiovascular system, leading to the development of diseases in the above system. Summary: The risk of developing hypertension, ischemic heart disease and stroke depends on the accompanying sleep disorders. Occurs with obstructive sleep apnea and sleep shortening. The correlation of restless legs syndrome to stroke is unclear. The relationship between insomnia and hypertension and stroke is not clarified. Keywords: sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome.
ABORDAGEM HOLÍSTICA NA EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Araújo Miguel Almir L. de 
Published: April 2023

Neste texto explicitamos algumas reflexões acerca da cosmovisão holística e sua relação com a Educação. Fazemos referência ao paradigma cartesiano-newtoniano, realçando sua predominância em nossa cultura. Discorremos sobre a Holística como forma de compreensão do mundo a partir da coexistência dinâmica e interdependente dos seres e fenômenos que o compõem, em seu fluxo permanente de mudanças, fundando-se na dialogia entre Ciência, Arte, Filosofia e Tradição. Acentuamos as contribuições da Holística para a Educação no sentido de que aquela prima pela formação da inteireza de nosso ser, mediante a interação de nossos hemisférios direito e esquerdo no cultivo da sensibilidade crítico- criadora, de consciências alargadas, dos valores primordiais da ética, da solidariedade, da amorosidade, da beleza.
CONFLITOS NO CAMPO RELIGIOSO BAIANO: PROTESTANTES E CATÓLICOS NO SÉCULO XIX
Authors: Da Silva Elizete 
Published: April 2023

Pretende-se, no presente artigo, fazer uma abordagem pre- liminar, da composição do campo religioso baiano no século passado, destacando-se a repercussão e as reações provocadas com a instalação do protestantismo em uma sociedade culturalmente marcada pelo afro- catolicismo. Será destacada na análise a inserção da Igreja Anglicana e da Primeira Igreja Batista do Brasil.
MUNICIPALIZAÇÃO DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: DE ANÍSIO TEIXEIRA AOS EMBATES CONTEMPORÂNEOS
Authors: Almeida Silva Antonia 
Published: April 2023

A municipalização do ensino começa a ser tematizada, no Brasil, a partir dos anos cinqüenta, quando Anísio Teixeira passou a identificá-la como estratégia para a expansão do ensino fundamental. Desde então, a polêmica em torno desse tema vem ocupando a pauta dos debates sobre educação. O que para uns não passa de uma reforma político-administrativa, para outros, é um processo histórico de redistribuição do poder. Este trabalho documenta algumas inferências e algumas questões que têm marcado os debates ao longo desses anos e oferece algumas reflexões sobre os embates contemporâneos em torno da problemática em destaque.
The association between cognitive ability and body mass index: A sibling-comparison analysis in four longitudinal studies
Authors: Wright Liam , Davies Neil M. , Bann David 
Published: April 2023

Background
Body mass index (BMI) and obesity rates have increased sharply since the 1980s. While multiple epidemiologic studies have found that higher adolescent cognitive ability is associated with lower adult BMI, residual and unobserved confounding due to family background may explain these associations. We used a sibling design to test this association accounting for confounding factors shared within households.

Methods and findings
We used data from four United States general youth population cohort studies: the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1979 (NLSY-79), the NLSY-79 Children and Young Adult, the NLSY 1997 (NLSY-97), and the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS); a total of 12,250 siblings from 5,602 households followed from adolescence up to age 62. We used random effects within-between (REWB) and residualized quantile regression (RQR) models to compare between- and within-family estimates of the association between adolescent cognitive ability and adult BMI (20 to 64 years). In REWB models, moving from the 25th to 75th percentile of adolescent cognitive ability was associated with −0.95 kg/m2 (95% CI = −1.21, −0.69) lower BMI between families. Adjusting for family socioeconomic position reduced the association to −0.61 kg/m2 (−0.90, −0.33). However, within families, the association was just −0.06 kg/m2 (−0.35, 0.23). This pattern of results was found across multiple specifications, including analyses conducted in separate cohorts, models examining age-differences in association, and in RQR models examining the association across the distribution of BMI. Limitations include the possibility that within-family estimates are biased due to measurement error of the exposure, confounding via non-shared factors, and carryover effects.

Conclusions
The association between high adolescent cognitive ability and low adult BMI was substantially smaller in within-family compared with between-family analysis. The well-replicated associations between cognitive ability and subsequent BMI may largely reflect confounding by family background factors.
Changes to utilization and provision of health care in German GP practices during the COVID 19-pandemic: Protocol for a mixed methods study on the viewpoint of GPs, medical practice assistants, and patients
Authors: Doepfmer Susanne , Akdenizli Kemal , Dashti Hiwa , Heintze Christoph , Kaden Frank , Kuempel Lisa , Kuschick Doreen , Medrow Natascha , Neidhardt-Akdenizli Andrea , Otto-Gogoll Susanna , Reicherdt Isabelle , Steenweg Lydia , Toutaoui Kahina 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, general practitioners (GPs) continued to be a main point of contact for patients. For GP practices, it was and still is a challenge to meet constantly changing requirements due to the various phases of the pandemic. The aim of the study is to explore retrospectively the subjective experience with supply and utilization of health care services from the perspective of general practitioners, medical practice assistants and patients, in particular regarding instances of underutilization of services for non-Covid related conditions, adjustments due to the pandemic, and the appropriateness of care.MethodsThe study is carried out within the RESPoNsE research practice network in three of Germany’s federal states: Berlin, Brandenburg, and Thuringia (RESPoNsE—Research practice network east). The study follows a convergent mixed method design, and consists of the following sections: a) two anonymous paper-based questionnaires filled out by GPs and medical practice assistants (MPAs), at an interval of 12 to 18 months; b) in-depth qualitative interviews conducted among a subgroup of GPs and MPAs; c) anonymous paper-based questionnaires among patients of participating practices. The idea for the study was derived from discussions with the practice advisory board of the RESPoNsE network. The themes and issues to be explored in the surveys and interviews are developed and discussed in the practice advisory board, the patient advisory board, and with interested MPAs. The questionnaires will be analyzed descriptively, exploring the effect of demographic variables. Qualitative content analysis is used to analyze the data from the interviews and focus groups.DiscussionThe study focuses on the conditions of GP care during the COVID-19 pandemic. A broad insight is provided as GPs and MPAs, as well as patients, are involved. It provides the opportunity to express needs and concerns. The results can support future discussions on lessons learned from the pandemic and necessary changes in health care delivery.Trial registrationTrial registration at the German Clinical Trials Register:DRKS00028095.
Solitary-specific drinking to cope motives explain unique variance in solitary drinking behavior but not alcohol problems compared to general drinking to cope motives
Authors: Skrzynski Carillon J. , Creswell Kasey G. 
Published: April 2023

Objective
Adolescent and young adult solitary drinking is prospectively associated with alcohol problems, and it is thus important to understand why individuals engage in this risky drinking behavior. There is substantial evidence that individuals drink alone to cope with negative affect, but all prior studies have assessed motives for alcohol use without specifying the context of such use. Here, we directly compared solitary-specific drinking to cope motives with general drinking to cope motives in their ability to predict solitary drinking behavior and alcohol problems. We hypothesized that solitary-specific drinking motives would provide additional predictive utility in each case.

Methods
Current underage drinkers (N = 307; 90% female; ages 18–20) recruited from a TurkPrime panel March-May 2016 completed online surveys querying solitary alcohol use, general and solitary-specific coping motives, and alcohol problems.

Results
Both solitary-specific and general coping motives were positively associated with a greater percentage of total drinking time spent alone in separate models, after controlling for solitary-specific and general enhancement motives, respectively. However, the model with solitary-specific motives accounted for greater variance than the general motives model based on adjusted R2 values (0.8 versus 0.3, respectively). Additionally, both general and solitary-specific coping motives were positively associated with alcohol problems, again controlling for enhancement motives, but the model including general motives accounted for greater variance (0.49) than the solitary-specific motives model (0.40).

Conclusion
These findings provide evidence that solitary-specific coping motives explain unique variance in solitary drinking behavior but not alcohol problems. The methodological and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
COVID-19 self-testing in Nigeria: Stakeholders’ opinions and perspectives on its value for case detection
Authors: Undelikwo Veronica A. , Shilton Sonjelle , Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Alaba Oluwatoyin , Reipold Elena Ivanova , Martínez-Pérez Guillermo Z. 
Published: April 2023

Background
COVID-19 testing coverage is limited in Nigeria. Access to rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detection self-testing kits may help improve the detection of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases and increase the country’s low rate of SARS-CoV-2 testing. Before implementing self-testing in Nigeria, assessing the population’s perceptions regarding this approach is imperative. In mid-2021, an exploratory cross-sectional qualitative research was conducted to investigate stakeholders’ values and preferences for SARS-CoV-2 self-testing in Nigeria.

Methods
In-person and online semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with healthcare workers, representatives of civil society, and potential implementors of self-testing delivery programs were used to explore values and perceptions around access to conventional provider-initiated COVID-19 testing. Topics included the public’s values in relation to SARS-CoV-2 self-testing, the safe and effective use of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing, and likely actions upon receiving a positive SARS-CoV-2 self-test result. A thematic analysis approach was applied.

Results
The 58 informants (29 female) reported that Nigeria has limited availability of conventional provider-delivered SARS-CoV-2 testing. While just a few informants were familiar with SARS-CoV-2 self-testing, they generally supported using self-testing as an approach that they felt could assist with early case detection and improve access to testing. Concerns relating to the use of self-testing mainly related to the ability of low-literate individuals to use and interpret the self-tests, the affordability of self-tests, equity of access, and the availability of healthcare system support for those who self-test positive.

Conclusion
Although the Nigerian public perceive multiple benefits associated with access to SARS-CoV-2 self-testing, the perceived inefficiency of the national health service delivery system may limit the access of users of the kits to psychosocial and clinical support. Nevertheless, in Nigeria, where COVID-19 vaccine coverage is low and the risk of further waves of COVID-19 is high, self-testing may assist in the prompt detection of cases and contribute to halting the spread of the virus.
Exploring the associations between number of children, multi-partner fertility and risk of obesity at midlife: Findings from the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70)
Authors: Stannard Sebastian , Berrington Ann , Alwan Nisreen A. 
Published: April 2023

Background
Early parenthood, high parity, and partnership separation are associated with obesity. However, the emergence of non-marital partnerships, serial partnering and childbearing across unions, means that it is important to consider their association to obesity. This paper examined the associations between number of biological children and multi-partner fertility (MPF)—defined as having biological children with more than one partner, with obesity at midlife.

Method
The sample consisted of 2940 fathers and 3369 mothers in the 1970 British Cohort Study. The outcome was obesity (BMI 30 or over) at age 46. Fertility and partnership histories ascertained the number of live biological children and MPF status by age 42. The associations were tested using logistic regression adjusting for confounders at birth, age 10 and age 16. Adult factors recorded at age 42 including age at first birth, smoking status, alcohol dependency, educational attainment and housing tenure were considered as mediators.

Results
For fathers, obesity odds did not differ according to number of children or MPF. In unadjusted models, mothers with one child (OR 1.24 95%CI 1.01–1.51), mothers who had two children with two partners (OR 1.45 95%CI 1.05–1.99), and mothers who had three or more children with two or more partners (OR 1.51 95%CI 1.18–1.93) had higher odds of obesity. In adjusted models, there remained an association between mothers with one child and odds of obesity (OR 1.30 95%CI 1.05–1.60). All other associations were attenuated when confounders were included.

Conclusions
Mothers who had children with multiple partners had higher odds of obesity. However this association was completely attenuated when parental and child confounders were accounted for; suggesting that this association may be explained by confounding. Mothers who had one child only may be at increased odds of obesity, however this could be due to multiple factors including age at first birth.
Opportunistic colonoscopy in healthy individuals: A non-trivial risk of adenoma
Authors: Jin Xiaoliang , Cai Chang , Zhao Jing , Huang Liang , Jin Bo , Jia Yixin , Lyu Bin 
Published: April 2023

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Opportunistic colonoscopy may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of CRC by detecting its precursors.

Aim
To determine the risk of colorectal adenomas in a population who underwent opportunistic colonoscopy, and demonstrate the need for opportunistic colonoscopy.

Methods
A questionnaire was distributed to patients who underwent colonoscopy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from December 2021 to January 2022. The patients were divided into two groups, the opportunistic colonoscopy group who underwent a health examination including colonoscopy without intestinal symptoms due to other diseases, and the non-opportunistic group. The risk of adenomas and influence factors were analyzed.

Results
Patients who underwent opportunistic colonoscopy had a similar risk to the non-opportunistic group, in terms of overall polyps (40.8% vs. 40.5%, P = 0.919), adenomas (25.8% vs. 27.6%, P = 0.581), advanced adenomas (8.7% vs. 8.6%, P = 0.902) and CRC (0.6% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.473). Patients with colorectal polyps and adenomas in the opportunistic colonoscopy group were younger (P = 0.004). There was no difference in the detection rate of polyps between patients who underwent colonoscopy as part of a health examination and those who underwent colonoscopy for other reasons. In patients with intestinal symptoms, abnormal intestinal motility and changes in stool characteristics were frequent (P = 0.014).

Conclusion
The risk of overall colonic polyps, advanced adenomas in healthy people undergoing opportunistic colonoscopy no less than that in the patients with intestinal symptoms, positive FOBT, abnormal tumor markers, and who accepted re-colonoscopy after polypectomy. Our study indicates that more attention should be paid to the population without intestinal symptoms, especially smokers and those older than 40 years.
A new iterative initialization of EM algorithm for Gaussian mixture models
Authors: You Jie , Li Zhaoxuan , Du Junli 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundThe expectation maximization (EM) algorithm is a common tool for estimating the parameters of Gaussian mixture models (GMM). However, it is highly sensitive to initial value and easily gets trapped in a local optimum.MethodTo address these problems, a new iterative method of EM initialization (MRIPEM) is proposed in this paper. It incorporates the ideas of multiple restarts, iterations and clustering. In particular, the mean vector and covariance matrix of sample are calculated as the initial values of the iteration. Then, the optimal feature vector is selected from the candidate feature vectors by the maximum Mahalanobis distance as a new partition vector for clustering. The parameter values are renewed continuously according to the clustering results.ResultsTo verify the applicability of the MRIPEM, we compared it with other two popular initialization methods on simulated and real datasets, respectively. The comparison results of the three stochastic algorithms indicate that MRIPEM algorithm is comparable in relatively high dimensions and high overlaps and significantly better in low dimensions and low overlaps.
The SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant was associated with increased clinical severity of COVID-19 in Scotland: A genomics-based retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Pascall David J. , Vink Elen , Blacow Rachel , Bulteel Naomi , Campbell Alasdair , Campbell Robyn , Clifford Sarah , Davis Chris , da Silva Filipe Ana , El Sakka Noha , Fjodorova Ludmila , Forrest Ruth , Goldstein Emily , Gunson Rory , Haughney John , Holden Matthew T. G. , Honour Patrick , Hughes Joseph , James Edward , Lewis Tim , Lycett Samantha , MacLean Oscar , McHugh Martin , Mollett Guy , Onishi Yusuke , Parcell Ben , Ray Surajit , Robertson David L. , Shabaan Sharif , Shepherd James G. , Smollett Katherine , Templeton Kate , Wastnedge Elizabeth , Wilkie Craig , Williams Thomas , Thomson Emma C. ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium
Published: April 2023

Objectives
The SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant was associated with increased transmission relative to other variants present at the time of its emergence and several studies have shown an association between Alpha variant infection and increased hospitalisation and 28-day mortality. However, none have addressed the impact on maximum severity of illness in the general population classified by the level of respiratory support required, or death. We aimed to do this.

Methods
In this retrospective multi-centre clinical cohort sub-study of the COG-UK consortium, 1475 samples from Scottish hospitalised and community cases collected between 1st November 2020 and 30th January 2021 were sequenced. We matched sequence data to clinical outcomes as the Alpha variant became dominant in Scotland and modelled the association between Alpha variant infection and severe disease using a 4-point scale of maximum severity by 28 days: 1. no respiratory support, 2. supplemental oxygen, 3. ventilation and 4. death.

Results
Our cumulative generalised linear mixed model analyses found evidence (cumulative odds ratio: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.93) of a positive association between increased clinical severity and lineage (Alpha variant versus pre-Alpha variants).

Conclusions
The Alpha variant was associated with more severe clinical disease in the Scottish population than co-circulating lineages.