bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dental students and recent dental graduates' perceptions of preparedness in treating pediatric patients
Authors: McNutt David E. , Wells Martha H. , DeSchepper Edward J. , Scarbecz Mark 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurpose/objectivesTo survey potential applicants applying to advanced education in pediatric dental programs and evaluate their preparedness upon graduating from an accredited dental school.MethodsAttendees of a virtual externship of a University program were recruited to participate in a web‐based survey. The survey collected demographic data, current levels of confidence with various pediatric clinical procedures, predicted confidence with those procedures, and number of procedures completed. Chi‐Square and analysis of variance statistics were performed on resulting data to determine statistical significance.ResultsFifty‐three participants completed the survey in its entirety (n = 53). Most respondents reported adequate didactic training, mean score of 3.6 (range 0–5) and a moderate to high impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on their overall training with a mean score of 4.9 (range 0–10).Current dental students reported that they are “not confident at all” (<2.0) for 15/24 (63%) of the procedures. Graduates reported “somewhat confident” (<3.0) for 13/24 (54%) of the categories. Both students and graduates report the lowest levels of confidence for managing dental trauma, invasive treatment of young patients (<4 years of age), and patients with special healthcare needs. Dental students self‐reported the expectation to feel more confident throughout their matriculation; however, their clinical experience was still reported to be limited. Students did not report reaching the level of “confident” for 75% of the procedures.ConclusionDental students and recent dental graduates alike perceive themselves to be under prepared for practice and do not feel confident in performing pediatric dental procedures. This study can provide dental schools, program directors, recent graduates, and dental students with an understanding of areas where they are under prepared and could offer areas where curricula and clinical experiences could be updated or modified.
Community service‐based preventive dental education for elementary school‐aged children
Authors: Mesbahi Aida , Gazzaz Arwa Z. , Ramezani Jamileh , Aleksejuniene Jolanta 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe effectiveness of one‐to‐one preventive dental education provided by dental undergraduate students for improving elementary school‐aged children's oral self‐care skills, diet‐related knowledge, and diet behavior was tested.MethodsThe sample consisted of 106 children between the ages of 5 and 12 years who attended the same school. Oral self‐care skills were assessed by undergraduate dental students using a tooth‐brushing assessment form, and diet knowledge and behaviors by means of a questionnaire. The effectiveness of education (two one‐to‐one sessions) was evaluated by measuring the post‐educational changes in the children's oral self‐care skills, diet knowledge, and behavior.ResultsThere were significant improvements in the means (sd) of tooth‐brushing skill scores (range: 0–18) from 6.2 (4.0) at the baseline to 8.4 (4.1) at the first and to 10.3 (3.0) at the second follow‐up. Total tooth‐brushing time (in seconds) significantly increased from 76.0 (59.1) at the baseline to 110.7 (74.3) at the first follow‐up then decreased to 102.6 (73.1) at the second follow‐up. The means (sd) of diet knowledge scores (range: 0–30) improved significantly from 18.5 (5.6) at the baseline to 23.0 (7.3) at the first and to 24.5 (4.0) at the second follow‐ups. The means (sd) of weekly sugar intake scores (range: 0–18) significantly decreased from 4.9 (2.1) at the baseline to 3.1 (2.0) at the first follow‐up and remained unchanged until the second follow‐up.ConclusionsOne‐to‐one dental education improved children's oral self‐care skills, diet‐related knowledge, and diet behavior. The post‐educational improvements were maintained for 6 months in older children but not in the younger children.
Impact of mutations on pregnancy outcome in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Maze Dawn , Arusi Iyad , Gupta Vikas , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Malinowski Ann Kinga , Shehata Nadine 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe impact of driver and other somatic mutations on pregnancy outcomes is unknown. The purpose of this study was to report the management and outcome of pregnancies in a cohort of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) patients, particularly to evaluate the impact of somatic mutations. The cohort included consecutive patients with MPN who had a least one confirmed pregnancy. The primary outcome was live births. Secondary outcomes were thrombotic and major bleeding events. Between 2010 and 2021, 29 pregnancies occurred in 24 individuals with MPN. Aspirin was used in 24 cases (83%) and interferon alfa in five (17%). There were 24 live births (83%). There were three thrombotic events, two antepartum and one postpartum. Miscarriages and thrombotic events occurred in JAK2‐mutated and triple negative, but not CALR‐mutated, MPN. Additional somatic mutations were rare, and there were no apparent associations with pregnancy loss or complications. While JAK2 V617F is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, its impact on pregnancy outcome has been inconsistently reported. The association between triple negative MPN and adverse pregnancy outcome has not previously been reported. While limited by small numbers, this study underscores the importance of describing driver and other mutations to direct optimal antenatal care in individuals with MPN.
Technology and control of corruption in Africa
Authors: Kouladoum Jean‐Claude 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe study assesses the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on the control of corruption in Africa from 2002 to 2020. The fixed‐ and the random‐effects models are employed as strategies of estimation. Due to the weaknesses of the fixed‐ and the random‐effects models, the two‐stage least square (2SLS) is adopted as a strategy that addresses the problem of potential endogeneity. For robustness checks, we adopt Lewbel's technique as an alternative instrumental technique to address the concern of endogeneity. The findings reveal that mobile phones penetration, internet penetration and the composite indicator of ICT contribute positively to the enhancement of corruption control in Africa. Though, other ICT indicators such as fixed telephone and fixed broadband negatively affect control of corruption. The composite indicator that encompasses four proxies of ICT shows a significant positive effect on the control of corruption. From the findings of the study, growth in technology infrastructures can help to build a surveillance system that can help to monitor and control corruption. We recommend that African economies accelerate e‐government to ensure transparency in public sectors.
Effect of using a structured pacing protocol on post‐exertional symptom exacerbation and health status in a longitudinal cohort with the post‐COVID‐19 syndrome
Authors: Parker Megan , Sawant Hannah Brady , Flannery Thuvia , Tarrant Rachel , Shardha Jenna , Bannister Rebecca , Ross Denise , Halpin Stephen , Greenwood Darren C. , Sivan Manoj 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPost‐exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE) is a characteristic symptom of post‐COVID syndrome (PCS). This prospective study investigated the effect of a 6‐week structured World Health Organization (WHO) Borg CR‐10 5‐phase pacing protocol on PESE episodes and quality of life in a cohort of individuals with long‐standing PCS (average duration of symptoms was 17 months). Participants received weekly telephone calls with a clinician to complete the Leeds PESE questionnaire (LPQ) and identify the appropriate phase of the pacing protocol. EQ‐5D 5L was completed at the intervention's beginning and end to measure overall health. Thirty‐one participants completed the 6‐week protocol, with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in the average number of PESE episodes (from 3.4 episodes in Week 1 to 1.1 in Week 6), with an average decrease of 16% (95% CI: 9%−24%; p < 0.001) each week, and reduction across all three exertional triggers (physical, cognitive, and emotional). Physical activity levels showed moderate improvements during the intervention period. Mean EQ‐5D 5L scores improved from 51.4 to 60.6 points (paired difference of 9.2 points, 95% CI: 3.2−15.2 points; p = 0.004). A structured pacing protocol significantly reduces PESE episodes and improves overall health in PCS.
Emerging mitochondrial‐mediated mechanisms involved in oligodendrocyte development
Authors: Gil Melanie , Gama Vivian 
Published: December 2022

AbstractOligodendrocytes are the myelinating glia of the central nervous system and are generated after oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) transition into pre‐oligodendrocytes and then into myelinating oligodendrocytes. Myelin is essential for proper signal transmission within the nervous system and axonal metabolic support. Although the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that support the differentiation, survival, integration, and subsequent myelination of appropriate axons have been well investigated, little is known about how mitochondria‐related pathways such as mitochondrial dynamics, bioenergetics, and apoptosis finely tune these developmental events. Previous findings suggest that changes to mitochondrial morphology act as an upstream regulatory mechanism of neural stem cell (NSC) fate decisions. Whether a similar mechanism is engaged during OPC differentiation has yet to be elucidated. Maintenance of mitochondrial dynamics is vital for regulating cellular bioenergetics, functional mitochondrial networks, and the ability of cells to distribute mitochondria to subcellular locations, such as the growing processes of oligodendrocytes. Myelination is an energy‐consuming event, thus, understanding the interplay between mitochondrial dynamics, metabolism, and apoptosis will provide further insight into mechanisms that mediate oligodendrocyte development in healthy and disease states. Here we will provide a concise overview of oligodendrocyte development and discuss the potential contribution of mitochondrial mitochondrial‐mediated mechanisms to oligodendrocyte bioenergetics and development.
Growth of winter wheat adapting to climate warming may face more low‐temperature damage
Authors: Song Yanling , Zhou Guangsheng , Linderholm Hans W. , Wang Junfang , Li Yong , Wang Guofu , Fu Yan , Xu Jinxia , Shi Ying , Xu Ying , Gao Hui , Chen Deliang 
Published: December 2022

AbstractChina's surface air temperature is increasing due to global warming, so it is interesting that how low temperatures would be changed during the growth period of winter wheat in future. We focused on the low temperatures of winter wheat from 2021 to 2050, using temperatures under the high emission scenario Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) projected by the RegCM4.4 regional climate model. The results showed that the annual mean temperature was projected to increase by 0.42°C⋅decade−1 in the northern and by 0.35°C⋅decade−1 in the southern winter wheat region. Furthermore, the temperature was expected to increase rapidly in spring, which could advance the dates of flowering and the start of the grain‐filling period. Using the genetic parameters determined by the calibration and validation of WOFOST and bias‐corrected projected meteorological data, simulations of winter wheat growth were performed over the winter wheat region for 2021–2050. The simulated number of days to the flowering period of winter wheat for 2041–2050 was on average 6.5 days less than in 2021–2030, due to the spring warming. Because of the earlier start of the growing season, winter wheat could face negative effects by being subjected to low temperatures. Indeed, the number of low‐temperature days was projected to increase by 110% from 2041 to 2050 compared to 2021–2030, and the number of killing degree days (KDDs) is projected to increase by 120% at the same time. If the number of days to flowering did not change, the number of low‐temperature days and KDDs only changed slightly, showing that the negative influence of low temperature was mainly caused by the advancement of the flowering date. The effect of low temperature on growth was underestimated when the response of winter wheat growth to global warming was not considered.
A potential vorticity budget view of the atmospheric circulation climatology over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xie Yongkun , Wu Guoxiong , Liu Yimin , Huang Jianping , Sheng Chen , Wu Yao 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTo aid the understanding of atmospheric circulation climatology over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), this study investigated the comprehensive potential vorticity (PV) budget over the TP using model‐level reanalysis data. Our findings demonstrate the effects of diabatic heating, friction, gravity wave drag, advection, and convection in determining circulation over the TP, from the PV budget perspective. In summer, the diabatic heating‐generated positive (negative) PV tendency facilitates cyclonic (anticyclonic) circulation near the surface (in the middle troposphere). Low PV in the upper troposphere, pertaining to the Asian monsoon anticyclone and monsoonal overturning circulation is induced by the upward transportation of diabatic heating‐generated low PV in the middle troposphere. Horizontal advection further spreads the low PV—that is vertically inputted from the middle troposphere—to a wide area around the TP in the upper troposphere. In winter, the diabatic heating‐generated positive PV near the surface is balanced by the sinking motion‐carried low PV. In addition, gravity wave drag‐generated PV is prominent in the upper troposphere in winter and can affect the downstream climate through advection. We further revealed the crucial role of the diurnal cycle in shaping the near‐surface cyclonic circulation in summer by regulating the vertical structure of diabatic heating.
Microplastics in agroecosystems: A review of effects on soil biota and key soil functions
Authors: Shafea Leila , Yap Julia , Beriot Nicolas , Felde Vincent J. M. N. L. , Okoffo Elvis D. , Enyoh Christian Ebere , Peth Stephan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractContamination of soils in agroecosystems with microplastics (MPs) is of increasing concern. The contamination of the environment/farmland soils with MPs (1 µm to 5 mm sized particles) and nanoplastics (NPs; <1 µm sized particles) is causing numerous effects on ecological soil functions and human health. MPs enter the soil via several sources, either from intentional plastic use (e.g., plastic mulch, plastic greenhouses, plastic‐coated products) or indirectly from the input of sewage sludge, compost, or irrigation water that is contaminated with plastic. Once in the soil, plastic debris can have various impacts such as changes in soil functions and physicochemical properties and it affects soil organisms due to its toxic behavior. This review paper describes the different effects of plastic waste to understand the consequences for agricultural productivity. Furthermore, we identify knowledge gaps and highlight the required approaches, indicating future research directions on sources, transport, and fate of MPs in soils to improve our understanding of various unspecified abiotic and biotic impacts of MP pollution in agroecosystems.
Cooking process effect on nutritional value of Sesuvium portulacastrum L. leaves in Senegal
Authors: Sambou Antoine , Ayessou Nicolas , Diallo Aly 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundLeafy vegetables play an important role by contributing to most nutrients intake for health and human well‐being. Some of these leafy vegetables are cooked before consumption. But the effect of the cooking process on the nutritional value of leafy vegetables is not well known. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of the cooking process on the nutritional value of Sesuvium portulacastrum leaves. To do that, fresh leaves were collected, air dried and divided into raw and cooked. The raw and cooked samples were analyzed to determine the physico‐chemical properties (pH, humidity, ash, polyphenols, tannins and proteins) and minerals (nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium).ResultsBased on physico‐chemicals, the raw and cooked leaves contained a good concentration of polyphenol (155.58 mg ± 14.98 and 53.45 mg ± 10.97), tannin (107.62 mg ± 9.8 and 59.59 mg ± 4.17), nitrogen (0.41% ± 0.02 and 0.38% ± 0.02) and protein (2.59% ± 0.12 and 2.38% ± 0.14). The cooking process caused the loss of nitrogen (N), proteins, tannins and polyphenols from 8% to 66%. S. portulacastrum leaves contented also an important proportion of minerals. The raw and cooked contained sodium (30% and 21.28%), potassium (30% and 13.08%), magnesium (16.71% and 19.9%) and calcium (6.5% and 24%). The cooking process increased and reduced significantly calcium (270.42%) and potassium (56.42%), respectively.ConclusionS. portulacastrum leaves were an important source of nutritional value that could contribute to improved health and well‐being.
Effects of dietary l‐theanine supplementation on pork quality and muscle fiber type transformation in finishing pigs
Authors: Dai Hanna , Chen Xiaoling , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , He Jun , Chen Hong , Yan Hui , Zheng Ping , Luo Yuheng , Huang Zhiqing 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThis experiment aimed to investigate effects of dietary l‐theanine supplementation on pork quality and muscle fiber type transformation in finishing pigs. In a 30‐day experiment, 18 healthy Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) pigs with an average body weight of 86.03 ± 0.83 kg were randomly divided into three groups (a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 500 and 1000 ppm l‐theanine, respectively), with six duplicates and one pig per replicate.ResultsThe results showed that dietary 1000 ppm l‐theanine supplementation significantly reduced (P < 0.05) b*24 h and drip loss. Dietary 1000 ppm l‐theanine supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein expression and the percentage of slow‐twitch fibers, as well as significantly decreased (P < 0.05) fast MyHC protein expression and the percentage of fast‐twitch fibers, accompanied by an increase in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activities and a decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. In addition, the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway was activated by l‐theanine.ConclusionTogether, this study demonstrated for the first time that dietary supplementation of 1000 ppm l‐theanine can improve pork color and drip loss and promote muscle fiber type transformation from fast‐twitch to slow‐twitch in finishing pigs. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Isolation, characterization, and molecular docking analyses of novel calcium‐chelating peptide from soy yogurt and the study of its calcium chelation mechanism
Authors: Gan Jing , Xiao Ziqun , Wang Kuaitian , Kong Xiao , Du Mengdi , Wang Zhenhua , Xu Bo , Cheng Yongqiang 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDCalcium is an essential dietary mineral nutrient for humans. Digestive instability limits the bioavailability of calcium ions. Peptide–calcium chelate has been proven to excite higher calcium absorption than amino acid–calcium chelate, organic and inorganic calcium. Soy yogurt, which is produced via liquid‐state fermentation using lactic acid bacteria, has a high amount of bioavailable calcium. In this study, a novel peptide with high calcium binding affinity was purified and identified from soy yogurt. The binding mechanism of peptide and calcium was then analyzed by bioinformatics and spectral analysis. Furthermore, the effect of the novel peptide on gastrointestinal stability by the Caco‐2 cell model and calcium bioavailability in vivo were investigated by the zebrafish model.RESULTSThe results showed that a novel peptide was purified and identified as DEDEQIPSHPPR (CBP). Calcium ions probably coordinate with Glu‐2 and Glu‐4 carboxyl groups via salt bridges and interact with Asp‐1, Asp‐3, and Arg‐12 in CBP via charge pairing. The calcium binding activity of the CBP was 36.64 ± 0.04 mg g−1. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed that calcium spontaneously bound to the amino group nitrogen and oxygen atoms of the carboxyl group. The binding mode is either bidentate or unidentate, depending on the circumstances. More importantly, the CBP peptide substantially increased the bone mass in a zebrafish osteoporosis model.CONCLUSIONThe more glutamic acid and aspartic acid, the high was the calcium affinity with peptide. Soy yogurt‐derived peptides can be used as carriers of calcium ions throughout the gastrointestinal tract, which may be clinically useful for osteoporosis therapy. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of heat treatment on phenolic composition and radical scavenging activity of olive leaf extract at different pH conditions: a spectroscopic and kinetic study
Authors: Gonzalez‐Ortega Rodrigo , Di Mattia Carla Daniela , Pittia Paola , Natasa Poklar Ulrih 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe present study focused on the effect of isothermal treatment (5–90 °C) and pH (2.0–6.0) of aqueous olive leaf phenolic extract solutions on the kinetics of degradation of single and total phenolic compounds and radical scavenging activity, with the objective of predicting and optimizing the thermal treatments in foods enriched with olive leaf extracts.RESULTSThe major compound, oleuropein, showed higher degradation at low pH 2.0 and temperature‐dependent reaction rates, which fitted well a first‐order kinetic model, with an estimated activation energy of 98.03 ± 0.08 kJ mol−1. Oleuropein hydrolysis resulted in a zero‐order increase in hydroxytyrosol concentration at same pH (Ea = 71.59 ± 1.5 kJ mol−1), whereas a 100‐fold slower degradation rate was observed at higher pH. Verbascoside was only degraded at pH 6.0, also following first‐order kinetics. These changes in oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol concentrations led to significant changes in fluorescence maximum intensities centered around 315 and 360 nm and in the 425–500 nm spectral zone for samples at pH 6.0, which could be associated with verbacoside degradation. Conversely, analysis of total phenolic content and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity showed little changes, indicating a rather constant overall reducing capacity of the resulting pool of compounds after thermal treatments.CONCLUSIONThe present study can contribute to the knowledge related to oleuropein and phenolic fraction degradation as a result of matrix (pH) and processing. The kinetic parameters obtained could be applied for predicting and optimizing the thermal treatments in foods and drinks enriched with olive leaf extracts. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.