bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceived confidence of dental students and new graduates in performing tooth extractions—An exploratory study
Authors: Gaballah Kamis , Ali Kamran , Zahra Daniel , Abou Neel Ensanya , Ibrahim Eteman 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe ability to perform uncomplicated tooth extractions is a core clinical skill in undergraduate dental education. The aim of this study was to evaluate pre‐extraction assessment skills of dental students and interns and explore their self‐perceived confidence in performing these tooth extractions.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional survey investigated the self‐perceived confidence to perform the extraction for a set of eight expert‐rated cases. The participants were dental students at three different stages, that is, in Years 4 and 5 of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme and interns. The participants were asked to rate the difficulty level of each of the eight tooth extraction cases. The self‐perceived confidence of the participants to perform extraction of each was also explored. Finally, the participants were asked to identify the main reason for the perceived lack of confidence.ResultsA total of 199 responded to the survey, yielding a response rate of 94.7%. The effect of grade of extraction (the expert rating of cases) and stage of education on difficulty ratings was assessed using a mixed three stage of education × 4‐grade ANOVA, with response (Difficult = 1, Easy = 0) as the dependent variable. The results showed that there was a correlation between the stage of education and grade of extraction and affected the self‐perceived confidence of the participants. Gender showed a significant impact with females categorizing significantly more cases as difficult. A three‐way contingency table (counts of each confidence‐level response by stage of education by expert rating of cases) suggests a statistically significant association between the three factors. Most participants identified limited clinical exposure as the main reason for their perceived lack of confidence.ConclusionThe findings of this study show that a majority of the participants were able to recognize tooth extraction cases which were beyond the scope of their training stage with females reporting a lower confidence. Increased clinical exposure to a wider range of tooth extraction cases with varying levels of difficulty may contribute to improving the self‐confidence of undergraduate dental students and interns.
Application of thromboelastography to predict the severity of bleeding after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapy in patients with hematological malignancy
Authors: Chen Liu , Ding Shuyi , Cheng Yin , Zhou Linghui , Yan Jiali , Cheng Qiong , Jin Aiyun , Zhou Xiaoyu , Huang He , Hu Yongxian 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesWe aim to analyze the predictive value of thromboelastography on bleeding severity of patients with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapy.MethodsA total of 80 patients with refractory/relapsed hematological malignancy were enrolled and divided into two groups: the severe bleeding group and the non‐severe bleeding group. The thromboelastography data was collected on the day of CAR‐T infusion and the 3rd, 7th, 10th, 13th, 17th, and 20th day after CAR‐T cell infusion.ResultsThe patients of the severe bleeding group had lower platelet (p < .007), maximum amplitude (p = .002), coagulation index (p = .005), and longer coagulation time (p = .019). Increasing trend in reaction time and coagulation time and decreasing trend in Alpha, maximum amplitude, and coagulation index on Days 0–10, opposite on Days 10–20. Univariate logistic regression analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis showed maximum amplitude on the 3rd day after CAR‐T cell infusion (MA3) (OR = 0.9; 95% CI = 0.84–0.95; p < .001) and cytokine release syndrome grade (OR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.35–5.32; p = .006) were significantly associated with high bleeding severity.ConclusionsThromboelastography was considered to be a good predictor of bleeding severity.
Factors associated with safe completion of Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing cross‐country (2008–2018)
Authors: Bennet Euan D. , Cameron‐Whytock Heather , Parkin Tim D. H. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundEquestrian eventing involves competing in three phases: dressage, jumping, and cross‐country. Competitors are ranked by number of penalties accrued—with those who have fewer penalties ranked higher. Completing the cross‐country phase with zero obstacle penalties is commonly referred to as ‘running clear’. Understanding factors associated with running clear can help athletes plan strategically for success, while also helping governing bodies to refine qualification criteria for elite levels.ObjectivesThis study was carried out to identify factors associated with running clear in the cross‐country phase of Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) eventing.Study designRetrospective cohort study of 107 348 horse starts worldwide in all FEI competitions between January 2008 and December 2018.MethodsMultivariable logistic regression models constructed stepwise using a bi‐directional process. Two study cohorts were assessed: a complete cohort that met all inclusion requirements and separately, a cohort that included only horses starting at the level above their previous start.ResultsSixteen factors were associated with running clear. Factors associated with increased likelihood of doing so included lower event level, lower dressage score earlier in the event, fewer recent FEI event starts, and more clear runs in their previous three FEI events. For horses that had stepped up an event level, 14 of these factors were still associated with running clear.Main limitationsData available covered only FEI events, no national federation competitions were available for inclusion in horse histories. No prior veterinary information or data on training were available.ConclusionsThis study provides a framework that allows stakeholders to potentially better understand the appropriate level of competition for any particular horse/rider combination, given the combination's recent history. This could provide an additional direct benefit in terms of safety by reducing the likelihood of a combination falling during cross‐country.
The effects of terrestrial dissolved organic matter on phytoplankton biomass and productivity in boreal lakes
Authors: Sherbo Bryanna A. H. , Tonin Joseph , Paterson Michael J. , Hann Brenda J. , Kozak Julia , Higgins Scott N. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Allochthonous dissolved organic matter (DOM) structures many physical, chemical, and biological properties of lakes including key variables that control productivity at the base of freshwater food webs. A growing number of studies have documented increasing DOM concentrations within lakes across Europe and North America, including boreal lakes. Such increases are associated with the recovery of catchment soils from acid rain and rising precipitation linked to climate change.

We examined phytoplankton biomass, productivity, and their drivers across eight pristine boreal lakes with DOM ranging from 3.5 to 9.5 mg dissolved organic carbon/L. Physical and chemical properties were assessed using standard limnological methods. Phytoplankton biomass was assessed using both chlorophyll a (Chl‐a) and via microscopy. Phytoplankton productivity was assessed using change in partial pressure of carbon dioxide within in vitro incubations.

Increases in DOM were associated with significant increases in epilimnetic nitrogen, phosphorus and Chl‐a concentrations suggesting that nutrients associated with DOM stimulated phytoplankton biomass and productivity. Such results were misleading; there was no significant relationship between Chl‐a and phytoplankton biomass. Chl‐a:biomass and Chl‐a:carbon ratios indicated that increases in Chl‐a with DOM were driven by photo‐acclimation to declining light availability. Further, results presented as epilimnetic concentrations would not account for concurrent declines in thermocline depth or euphotic depth driven by DOM.

Increases in DOM led to large declines in thermocline (c. 50%) and euphotic (c. 75%) depths, and depth‐integrated phytoplankton biomass (c. 70%) and primary production (c. 70%).

Our results indicate that DOM plays a structuring role for key physical, chemical, and biological properties of lakes, including productivity, at a landscape level. Further, practitioners should be cautious when using Chl‐a as an indicator of phytoplankton biomass in studies using DOM or water clarity gradients, report results using depth integrated units due to changes in volumes of thermal layers induced by DOM, and incorporate estimates of sub‐epilimnetic productivity when evaluating DOM effects.
Characterization of four heat‐treated reciprocating instruments: Design, metallurgy, mechanical performance, and irrigation flow patterns
Authors: Martins Jorge N. R. , Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal , Marques Duarte , Pinto Ricardo , Francisco Helena , Ajuz Natasha , Rito Pereira Mário , Braz Fernandes Francisco Manuel , Versiani Marco Aurélio 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimTo compare the design, metallurgy, and mechanical properties of four heat‐treated reciprocating instruments coupled with the evaluation of the irrigation flow using an in silico model.MethodologyNew EdgeOne Fire Primary, Easy‐File Flex Regular 25, WaveOne Gold Primary and Reciproc Blue R25 instruments (n = 124) were initially evaluated regarding their design through stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and 3D surface scanning. In addition, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy was utilized to determine their elemental composition, and differential scanning calorimetry tests to evaluate their phase transformation temperatures. Their mechanical performance was further assessed through torsional and bending tests. Using scans obtained from a real tooth and the instruments, a computational fluid dynamics assessment was conducted to determine the irrigation flow pattern, apical pressure, and wall shear stress in simulated canal preparation. Mood's median and One‐way anova post hoc Tukey tests were used for statistical comparisons (α = 5%).ResultsReciproc Blue exhibited a superior number of blades (n = 8), whereas EdgeOne Fire had the highest overall volume (4.38 mm3) and surface area (32.32 mm2). At the 3‐mm axial level, EdgeOne Fire displayed the lowest core diameter (0.13 mm), while Reciproc Blue had the highest (0.16 mm). All blades were symmetrical, and the tips of the instruments were non‐active but differed from each other. The most irregular surfaces were observed in EdgeOne Fire and Easy‐File Flex. All instruments were manufactured from nickel–titanium alloys and exhibited distinct phase transformation temperatures. WaveOne Gold and Reciproc Blue demonstrated the highest maximum torque values (1.87 and 1.62 N cm, respectively), while the lowest was observed on EdgeOne Fire (1.21 N cm) (p < .05). The most flexible (p < .05) were EdgeOne Fire (angle of rotation: 602.6°; maximum bending load: 251.4 g.f) and Reciproc Blue (533.2° and 235.6 g.f). There were no significant differences observed in the irrigation flow among the four domains generated by the tested instruments.ConclusionsDespite observing variations in the design, phase transformation temperatures, and in the torsional and bending test outcomes among the four heat‐treated reciprocating instruments, no significant differences were found in the irrigation flow pattern among the different groups in the simulated root canal preparations.
Therapeutic efficacy of platelet‐rich fibrin on surgical site wound healing in patients undergoing oral carcinoma resection: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Long Tian , Li Changkai , Xu Fan , Xiao Junwen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOral carcinoma, a prevalent malignancy of the oral cavity, often results in surgical site wounds post‐resection. The therapeutic efficacy of platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) in wound healing and scar formation has garnered significant attention. This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the role of PRF in promoting surgical site wound healing and reducing scar formation following oral carcinoma resection. A systematic search, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, was conducted across multiple databases. The primary outcomes assessed were the Landry, Turnbull and Howley (LTH) wound healing index and the Manchester scar scale (MSS). Statistical evaluations were performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Six studies were incorporated, involving 93 patients treated with PRF and 97 in the control group. For the LTH index, significant improvements in wound healing were observed in the PRF group with I2 = 74%, (Random: SMD: 3.70, 95% CIs: 2.66 to 4.75, p < 0.01). The Manchester scar scale assessment, which included 60 PRF‐treated patients and 60 controls, indicated a significant reduction in scar formation in the PRF group I2 = 79%, (Random: SMD: 9.13, 95% CIs: 6.06 to 12.20, p < 0.01). PRF demonstrates promising therapeutic potential in enhancing surgical site wound healing and reducing scar formation post oral carcinoma resection. The application of PRF has been associated with improved wound healing metrics and diminished scar severity. However, further high‐quality studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Black TiO2‐g‐C3N4 heterojunction coupled with MOF (ZIF‐67)‐derived Co3S4/ nitrogen‐doped carbon hollow nanobox
Authors: Rostami Mojtaba , Jourshabani Milad , Davar Fatemeh , Ziarani Ghodsi Mohammadi , Badiei Alireza 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this research, the ultrasound (US) technique was applied as a facile synthesis method for preparing the black TiO2‐g‐C3N4 type II heterojunction, coupled with a Schottky junction MOF (ZIF‐67)‐derived x wt% Co3S4/nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) (x = 3, 10, and 15) with hollow nanobox (HNB) morphology, as a smart nanoheteroarchitecture (NHA) photocatalyst to enhance visible‐light photocatalytic activity. Additionally, the solvothermal synthesis route was employed to fabricate the MOF (ZIF‐67)‐derived Co3S4/NC cubic hollow nanoboxes (CHNBs) before the pyrolysis process. The black TiO2‐g‐C3N4 wt% Co3S4/NC (TiCN‐15% CoS/NC) NHAs exhibited high photocatalytic activity in degrading methylene blue. The synergetic effect of all components in black TiCN‐x wt% CoS/NC NHAs resulted in efficient electron‐hole pair separation and charge mobility on Co3S4/NC HNB and g‐C3N4 surfaces, which led to a highly effective recombination rate of charge carriers and an excellent improvement in photocatalytic performance.
Benefits of Volunteerism: From Extracurricular to Service Learning and Beyond
Authors: Young Barbara 
Published: September 2023

AbstractFaculty continue to support extracurricular activities, co‐curricular activities and service learning for the long‐term student's benefits that outweigh obstacles present in community engagement. This case study describes relationship building between a community partner and an interior design programme through extra‐ and co‐curricular activities which led to more robust projects for service learning and engaged research. The programme was able to initially engage students with the community through a student volunteer charrette led by the student organisation. This extracurricular service activity resulted in continued engagement with one invested undergraduate student through a faculty‐supervised independent study that centred on research for the design of place‐based recovery spaces. The student and faculty continued to work with the organisation for ongoing spatial needs after the semester, including an abrupt re‐thinking of the space due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. The narrative analysis of the case will demonstrate the benefits, challenges and impact of extra‐ and co‐curricular engaged activities as well as advocate for best practices in diversity, equity and inclusion to be explicit within existing frameworks for service learning.
CCL2 is a key regulator and therapeutic target for periodontitis
Authors: Jiang Wenting , Xu Tao , Song Zhanming , Wang Xuekang , Yuan Shasha , Li Qingqing , Wei Yiping , Wang Cui , Yang Gang , Cao Jie , Mo Yaqian , Liu Zhongtian , Li Ning , Li Siqi , Lv Ping , Zhang Yu , Wang Ying , Hu Wenjie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimOur previous study revealed that the C‐C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is a promising target for periodontitis prevention and treatment. However, CCR2 is a receptor with multiple C‐C motif chemokine ligands (CCLs), including CCL2, CCL7, CCL8, CCL13 and CCL16, and which of these ligands plays a key role in periodontitis remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the key functional ligand of CCR2 in periodontitis and to evaluate the potential of the functional ligand as a therapeutic target for periodontitis.Materials and MethodsThe expression levels and clinical relevance of CCR2, CCL2, CCL7, CCL8, CCL13 and CCL16 were studied using human samples. The role of CCL2 in periodontitis was evaluated by using CCL2 knockout mice and overexpressing CCL2 in the periodontium. The effect of local administration of bindarit in periodontitis was evaluated by preventive and therapeutic medication in a mouse periodontitis model. Microcomputed tomography, haematoxylin and eosin staining, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, bead‐based immunoassays and flow cytometry were used for histomorphology, molecular biology and cytology analysis.ResultsAmong different ligands of CCR2, only CCL2 was significantly up‐regulated in periodontitis gingival tissues and was positively correlated with the severity of periodontitis. Mice lacking CCL2 showed milder inflammation and less bone resorption than wild‐type mice, which was accompanied by a reduction in monocyte/macrophage recruitment. Adeno‐associated virus‐2 vectors overexpressing CCL2 in Ccl2−/− mice gingiva reversed the attenuation of periodontitis in a CCR2‐dependent manner. In ligation‐induced experimental periodontitis, preventive or therapeutic administration of bindarit, a CCL2 synthesis inhibitor, significantly inhibited the production of CCL2, decreased the osteoclast number and bone loss and reduced the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β.ConclusionsCCL2 is a pivotal chemokine that binds to CCR2 during the progression of periodontitis, and targeting CCL2 may be a feasible option for controlling periodontitis.
Ecological variation in invasive brown trout (Salmo trutta) within a remote coastal river catchment in northern Patagonia complicates estimates of invasion impact
Authors: Bahamonde Paulina Andrea , Chiang Gustavo , Mancilla Gabriela , Contador Tamara , Quezada‐Romegialli Caudio , Munkittrick Kelly Roland , Harrod Chris 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSalmonids were first introduced into the Chilean fresh waters in the 1880s, and c. 140 years later, they are ubiquitous across Chilean rivers, especially in the southern pristine fresh waters. This study examined the brown trout (Salmo trutta) and native taxa ecology in two adjacent but contrasting rivers of Chilean Patagonia. During spring 2016 and spring–fall 2017 we examined the variation in benthic macroinvertebrate and fish community composition and characterized fish size structure, stomach contents, and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) to understand population structure, fish diet, and trophic interactions between S. trutta and native taxa. The native Galaxias maculatus (puye) dominated the fish community (74% of abundance). S. trutta was less abundant (16% of survey catch) but dominated the fish community (over 53%) in terms of biomass. S. trutta showed distinct diets (stomach content analysis) in the two rivers, and individuals from the larger river were notably more piscivorous, consuming native fish with a relatively small body size (<100‐mm total length). Native fishes were isotopically distinct from S. trutta, which showed a wider isotopic niche in the smaller river, indicating that their trophic role was more variable than in the larger river (piscivorous). This study provides data from the unstudied pristine coastal rivers in Patagonia and reveals that interactions between native and introduced species can vary at very local spatial scales.
Neuromuscular control of masticatory muscles in people with intellectual disability, middle‐aged adults and older adults
Authors: Cruz‐Montecinos C. , Valderrama‐Mejías J. , Martínez‐Arnau F. M. , Carrasco J. J. , Núñez‐Cortés R. , Cortés‐Amador S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundMotor control issues are common for people with intellectual disabilities (PWID), resulting in difficulties with basic activities of daily living, including eating. Mastication, which is crucial for digestion and overall health, is poorly understood in this population. PWID shows frailty similar to older people, highlighting the importance of comparing masticatory motor control with older adults. This study compared the neuromuscular control of the masticatory muscles in middle‐aged, PWID and older adults.MethodsA cross‐sectional analytical design was used. During the mastication task of a carrot piece (2 cm in diameter and weighing 0.5 g), surface electromyography was used to record muscle activity patterns from the right and left masseter and temporalis muscles. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess neuromuscular control. A z‐score normalisation of the first component's variance from PCA to identify those individuals with altered neuromuscular control. A mixed ANOVA was performed to assess the interaction between principal components, groups and body composition.ResultsThirty PWIDs (aged 35–55 years), middle‐aged adults and 32 older adults were recruited. PWID and older adults showed decreased neuromuscular control of the masticatory muscles compared to middle‐aged control adults (P < 0.05). PWID had the highest proportion of individuals with altered neuromuscular control of the masticatory muscle (53%) compared to older adults (19%) and middle‐aged adults (0%) (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results indicate that PWID and older adults have reduced neuromuscular control compared to middle‐aged adults. Notably, a significant proportion of the PWID showed altered masticatory muscle control compared to older adults. Further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of masticatory muscle training for PWID.
Handheld cross‐polarised microscope for imaging individual pigmented cells in human skin in vivo
Authors: Romero Rafael , Zhao Jingwei , Stratton Delaney , Marcelino Kenneth , Sugimura Momoka , Nichols Alia , Gonzalez Salvador , Jain Manu , Curiel‐Lewandrowski Clara , Kang Dongkyun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe present the development of a simple, handheld cross‐polarised microscope (CPM) and demonstration of imaging individual pigmented cells in human skin in vivo. In the CPM device, the cross‐polarised detection approach is used to reduce the specular reflection from the skin surface and preferentially detect multiply‐scattered light. The multiply‐scattered light works as back illumination from within the tissue towards the skin surface, and superficial pigment such as intraepidermal melanin absorbs some spectral bands of the multiply‐scattered light and cast coloured shadows. Since the light that interacted with the superficial pigment only needs to travel a short distance before it exits the skin surface, microscopic details of the pigment can be preserved. The CPM device uses a water‐immersion objective lens with a high numerical aperture to image the microscopic details with minimal spherical aberrations and a small depth of focus. Preliminary results from a pilot study of imaging skin lesions in vivo showed that the CPM device could reveal three‐dimensional distribution of pigmented cells and intracellular distribution of pigment. Co‐registered CPM and reflectance confocal microscopy images showed good correspondence between dark, brown cells in CPM images and bright, melanin‐containing cells in reflectance confocal microscopy images.