bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of internal fit of metal‐ceramic crowns in CAD/CAM and lost‐wax techniques in all fabrication stages through replica weighting, triple scanning, and scanning electron microscope
Authors: Sadr Sina Mohammadi , Ahmadi Elham , Tabatabaei Masoumeh Hasani , Mohammadi Saba , Atri Faezeh 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesRestoration fit is one of the prerequisites of clinical durability. It is controversial as to whether computer‐assisted design/computer‐aided milling (CAD/CAM) or lost‐wax fabrication methods result in more fit metal‐ceramic crowns. This in‐vitro study was conducted to examine the internal fit of porcelain fused to metal crowns fabricated using CAD/CAM and lost‐wax techniques during fabrication stages (framework, porcelain, cementation) through digital triple scanning, replica weighting, and observation with electron microscopy.Material and methodsTwenty uniform resin dies of prepared first maxillary molars were randomly divided into two groups according to the fabrication technique: lost wax and CAD/CAM. The internal fit was measured in all steps of completing the crowns (framework, porcelain, and cementation) using different methods, including triple scanning, replica weighting, and scanning electron microscopy. The data were statistically analyzed using t test, Pearson, and repeated measures analysis of variance (α = .05).ResultsTriple scanning revealed no difference in the internal fit of CAD/CAM and lost‐wax groups in all the fabrication steps (p > .05). The replica weighting method showed no difference between groups in the framework step (p > .05), while the internal fit was significantly better in the CAD/CAM group after porcelain application (p < .05). After cementation, electron microscopy measurements showed no difference between CAD/CAM and lost wax groups (p > .05). The Pearson correlation test showed no significant correlation between electron microscopy, replica weighing, and triple scanning methods (p > .05).ConclusionAccording to scanning electron microscopy as the superior evaluation method, the internal fit of cobalt–chrome PFM crown of both CAD/CAM and lost wax groups was within the acceptable clinical range and there was no significant difference between them. Triple scanning revealed no difference in the internal fit of framework and porcelain steps but a better fit after cementation. According to replica weighting, the internal fit in the porcelain step was higher than the framework.
A non‐isolated high voltage gain DC–DC converter based hybrid switched LC network for renewable energy applications
Authors: Alsolami Mohammed , Allehyani Ahmed 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper presents a new high voltage gain DC–DC converter for renewable energy applications without the need for a galvanic isolation. The converter combines the active switched‐inductor network and the switched‐capacitor network to boost the voltage gain ratio without a high duty ratio. The presented converter uses clamping capacitors to minimize the maximum voltage stress of the power‐switching devices; hence, low power rating devices can be employed. Furthermore, the converter operates at a high switching frequency. Therefore, the use of small inductors and capacitors is the main advantage. The paper describes in detail the operating mode and design procedures of the converter. Additionally, the associated power losses and the efficiency are calculated. A 200‐W laboratory prototype was fabricated, and experimental results verified the theoretical analysis.
Quantitative determination of five cannabinoids in blood and urine by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry applying automated on‐line solid phase extraction
Authors: Frei Priska , Frauchiger Stephanie , Scheurer Eva , Mercer‐Chalmers‐Bender Katja 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCannabis is the most frequently consumed illegal substance worldwide. More recently, an increasing number of legal cannabis products low in psychoactive Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but high in non‐intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD) are being more widely consumed. While the detection and quantification of THC and its metabolites in biological matrices is an important forensic‐toxicological task, additional detection of CBD is also important, for example, when examining the plausibility of consumer's statements. This report describes the method validation for the quantitative determination of THC and its two major metabolites, 11‐hydroxy‐THC (OH‐THC) and 11‐nor‐9‐carboxy‐THC (THC‐COOH), as well as CBD and cannabinol (CBN) in whole blood and urine. The method employs automated on‐line solid phase extraction coupled to gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). The method was fully validated according to guidelines of the Swiss Society of Legal Medicine (SGRM) and the Society of Toxicological and Forensic Chemistry (GTFCh). The method fulfilled the validation criteria regarding analytical limits, accuracy and precision, extraction efficacy, and sample stability. The limits of detection (LODs) in whole blood and urine were 0.15 ng/mL for THC, OH‐THC and CBD, 0.1 ng/mL for CBN, and 1.0 ng/mL for THC‐COOH. The limits of quantification (LOQ) in whole blood and urine were 0.3 ng/mL for THC, OH‐THC and CBD, 0.2 ng/mL for CBN, and 3.0 ng/mL for THC‐COOH. The fully validated and automated method allows sensitive and robust measurement of cannabinoids in whole blood and urine. Detection of CBD provides additional information regarding consumed products.
Edge disturbance shapes liana diversity and abundance but not liana‐tree interaction network patterns in moist semi‐deciduous forests, Ghana
Authors: Ofosu‐Bamfo Bismark , Addo‐Fordjour Patrick , Belford Ebenezer J.D. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEdge disturbance can drive liana community changes and alter liana‐tree interaction networks, with ramifications for forest functioning. Understanding edge effects on liana community structure and liana‐tree interactions is therefore essential for forest management and conservation. We evaluated the response patterns of liana community structure and liana‐tree interaction structure to forest edge in two moist semi‐deciduous forests in Ghana (Asenanyo and Suhuma Forest Reserves: AFR and SFR, respectively). Liana community structure and liana‐tree interactions were assessed in 24 50 × 50 m randomly located plots in three forest sites (edge, interior and deep‐interior) established at 0–50 m, 200 m and 400 m from edge. Edge effects positively and negatively influenced liana diversity in forest edges of AFR and SFR, respectively. There was a positive influence of edge disturbance on liana abundance in both forests. We observed anti‐nested structure in all the liana‐tree networks in AFR, while no nestedness was observed in the networks in SFR. The networks in both forests were less connected, and thus more modular and specialised than their null models. Many liana and tree species were specialised, with specialisation tending to be symmetrical. The plant species played different roles in relation to modularity. Most of the species acted as peripherals (specialists), with only a few species having structural importance to the networks. The latter species group consisted of connectors (generalists) and hubs (highly connected generalists). Some of the species showed consistency in their roles across the sites, while the roles of other species changed. Generally, liana species co‐occurred randomly on tree species in all the forest sites, except edge site in AFR where lianas showed positive co‐occurrence. Our findings deepen our understanding of the response of liana communities and liana‐tree interactions to forest edge disturbance, which are useful for managing forest edge.
Fathead Minnows Exposed to Organic Compounds from Oil Sands Tailings as Embryos Have Reduced Survival, Impaired Development, and Altered Behaviors That Persist into Larval Stages
Authors: Reynolds Jessie S. , Jackson Brianna L. , Madison Barry N. , Elvidge Chris K. , Frank Richard A. , Hasler Caleb T. , Headley John V. , Hewitt L. Mark , Peru Kerry M. , Yakimowski Sarah B. , Orihel Diane M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Our study evaluated whether exposure to naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) extracted from oil sands process–affected waters (OSPW) has adverse effects on fish embryos that persist into later life. We exposed fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos to concentrations of NAFCs found in OSPW (2.5–54 mg/L) for 7 days (1 day postfertilization to hatch), then raised surviving larvae in outdoor mesocosms of uncontaminated lake water for 1 month. Embryos exposed to NAFCs were more likely to exhibit malformations (by up to 8-fold) and had slower heart rates (by up to 24%) compared to controls. Fish raised in uncontaminated lake water following exposure to NAFCs as embryos, were 2.5-fold less likely to survive during the larval stage than control fish. These fish also showed up to a 45% decrease in swim activity and a 36% increase in swim burst events during behavioral tests relative to controls. We conclude that exposure to NAFCs during the embryonic stage can have lasting effects on fish survival, physiology, and behavior that persist at least through the larval stage. These findings of delayed mortalities and persistent sublethal effects of embryonic NAFC exposure are relevant to informing the development of regulations on treated OSPW releases from mining operations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1319–1332. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Abstract
Embryonic exposure of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to naphthenic acid fraction components derived from oil sands tailings in a seminatural setting had adverse effects on survival, development, and behavior that persisted into larval stages. NAFC = naphthenic acid fraction component.
Competition and efficiency in repeated procurements: Lessons from the Finnish rehabilitation markets
Authors: Pitkänen Visa 
Published: February 2022

AbstractInefficient practices and lack of competition are common problems in public procurements. In this study, I examine the effects of a procurement practice reform in the Finnish rehabilitation markets where providers are acquired in a repeated manner through competitive bidding scoring auctions. Until recently, the largest public procurer did not use any systematic criteria for accepting providers, and only a few providers did not receive a contract. After the reform, providers were systematically accepted based on their capacity and the local demand. I analyze the effects of the reform on prices in physio, speech and occupational therapy services with data that covers five subsequent procurements. I use the pre‐reform differences in local competition within the markets in a difference‐in‐differences setting. The descriptive evidence shows that the reform slowed down the rapid increase of prices in all three services. The regression analysis indicates that effects are strongest in the most competitive local physiotherapy markets. This suggests that increasing entry and competition in the less competitive services and local markets would benefit the public procurer.
A case of transvaginal lithotripsy for a giant vaginal calculus
Authors: Owa Shunsuke , Yonemura Shigenori , Sakurai Masaki , Inoue Takahiro 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPrimary vaginal calculi are relatively rare, compared with secondary calculi. Primary calculi are often a result of urogenital sinus abnormalities, neurogenic bladder, or chronic incontinence.Case presentationForty‐seven years old female with cerebral palsy since infancy had longstanding urinary incontinence. She visited her doctor for a fever and was referred to us with a urinary tract infection. Imaging revealed a large vaginal calculus. It was not possible to remove the calculus vaginally without crushing it, so we performed rigid cystoscopy with lithotripsy, using a pneumatic lithotripsy device. The calculus was completely removed without complications.ConclusionWe were able to remove a large primary vaginal calculus using ultrasonic and pneumatic lithotripsy through a rigid cystoscope. Minimally invasive surgery is a good option for patients with large vaginal calculi.
From Considerate to Challenging Texts: A Four‐Tiered Text Approach to Thematic Reading
Authors: Choi Minkyung , Todaro Joseph N. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCollege students are expected to comprehend, analyze, and respond to texts that are often challenging, complex, and specialized. While the importance and value of reading in higher education is hardly disputed, postsecondary literacy frequently revolves around the reinforcement of rudimentary skills. Furthermore, the demands of writing instruction often push reading instruction to the side, leaving students to navigate texts on their own. Challenging texts necessitate a degree of background knowledge, without which active and robust engagement cannot be expected. By scaffolding texts in a way that progressively builds background knowledge, instructors can prepare students for complex texts and subsequently, academic discourse. The authors propose a four‐tiered approach to reading instruction for adult learners that consists of four text types: foundational, expansion, opposing point‐of‐view, and expert’s point‐of‐view. While designed for integrated reading and writing courses, the proposed model has implications for faculty across the disciplines.
Distributions for time, interspecies and intraspecies extrapolation for deriving occupational exposure limits
Authors: Dilger Marco , Schneider Klaus , Drossard Claudia , Ott Heidi , Kaiser Eva 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis work aimed at improving the empirical database of time (i.e., exposure duration), interspecies and intraspecies extrapolation when deriving occupational exposure limits (OELs). For each extrapolation step, a distribution was derived, which can be used to model the associated uncertainties. For time and interspecies extrapolation, distributions of ratios of dose descriptors were derived from studies of different length or species. National Toxicology Program (NTP) study data were manually assessed, and data from REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) registration dossiers were evaluated semi‐automatically. Intraspecies extrapolation was investigated by compiling published studies on human toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic variability. A new database was established for toxicokinetic differences in interindividual susceptibility, including many inhalation studies. Using NTP data produced more reliable results than using REACH data. The geometric mean (GM) for time extrapolation subacute/chronic agreed with previous evaluations (GM = 4.11), whereas the GM for subchronic/chronic extrapolation was slightly higher (GM = 2.93) than the GMs found by others. No significant differences were observed between systemically and locally acting substances. Observed interspecies differences confirmed the suitability of allometric scaling, with the derived distribution describing remaining uncertainty. Distributions of intraspecies variability at the 1% and 5% incidence level had medians of 7.25 and 3.56, respectively. When compared with assessment factors (AFs) currently used in the EU, probabilities that these AFs are protective enough span a wide range from 10% to 95%, depending on the extrapolation step. These results help to select AFs in a transparent and informed way and, by allowing to compare protection levels achieved, to harmonise methods for deriving OELs.
Derivation of occupational exposure limits: Differences in methods and protection levels
Authors: Schneider Klaus , Dilger Marco , Drossard Claudia , Ott Heidi , Kaiser Eva 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFrameworks for deriving occupational exposure limits (OELs) and OEL‐analogue values (such as derived‐no‐effect levels [DNELs]) in various regulatory areas in the EU and at national level in Germany were analysed. Reasons for differences between frameworks and possible means of improving transparency and harmonisation were identified. Differences between assessment factors used for deriving exposure limits proved to be one important reason for diverging numerical values. Distributions for exposure time, interspecies and intraspecies extrapolation were combined by probabilistic methods and compared with default values of assessment factors used in the various OEL frameworks in order to investigate protection levels. In a subchronic inhalation study showing local effects in the respiratory tract, the probability that assessment factors were sufficiently high to protect 99% and 95% of the target population (workers) from adverse effects varied considerably from 9% to 71% and 17% to 87%, respectively, between the frameworks. All steps of the derivation process, including the uncertainty associated with the point of departure (POD), were further analysed with two examples of full probabilistic assessments. It is proposed that benchmark modelling should be the method of choice for deriving PODs and that all OEL frameworks should provide detailed guidance documents and clearly define their protection goals by stating the proportion of the exposed population the OEL aims to cover and the probability with which they intend to provide protection from adverse effects. Harmonisation can be achieved by agreeing on the way to perform the methodological steps for deriving OELs and on common protection goals.
The effects of thymoquinone and quercetin on the toxicity of acrylamide in rat glioma cells
Authors: Kacar Sedat , Sahinturk Varol , Tomsuk Ozlem , Kutlu Hatice M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAcrylamide is a neurotoxic agent forming in foods. Thymoquinone and quercetin are plant‐derived antioxidants in various foods with known benefits. C6 cells are glioblastoma cells. In this study, we aimed at preventing acrylamide toxicity by thymoquinone and quercetin in the C6 cell line. In our study, first, toxic doses of acrylamide, nontoxic doses of thymoquinone and quercetin in C6 cells for 24 h were determined by MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) colorimetric test. After that, caspase 3/7 and annexin V tests were performed by flow cytometry to evaluate whether the apoptosis pathway was inducted. Furthermore, autophagy and oxidative stress were assessed by flow cytometry. The amount of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2) was determined by immunocytochemistry. The morphological examination was performed by microscopic analyses. As a result, 4 mM of acrylamide was determined to be used to induce toxicity in C6 cells. The nontoxic doses of thymoquinone and quercetin were respectively determined as 3.9 and 2.0 µM. Thymoquinone and quercetin not only reduced acrylamide‐induced apoptosis in annexin V and caspase 3/7 assays but also morphological deformations in microscopic examinations. In autophagy, it was revealed that acrylamide‐induced autophagy was decreased by quercetin and thymoquinone pretreatments. As for Nrf2 expression, it was observed that acrylamide increased Nrf2 expression, and thymoquinone and quercetin pretreatments increased it even further. In conclusion, in the study, acrylamide demonstrated a damaging effect on C6 glioblastoma cells, and thymoquinone and quercetin pretreatments exerted a protective effect against acrylamide‐induced damage in C6 cells.
Phenotypes of mutations related to voltage‐dependent sodium channels on children and adolescents
Authors: Ferreira Andressa Coelho , Dias‐Filho Carlos Alberto Alves , de Jesus Silva Soares Junior Nivaldo , Dias Carlos José , Monteiro Sally Cristina Moutinho , Andrade Rafael Martins , Mostarda Cristiano Teixeira 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCardiac channelopathies are a heterogeneous group of inherited cardiac diseases that are associated with mutations in the genes that encode the expression of cardiac ion channels. In view of this, it can be mentioned that the main hereditary arrhythmias in children and adolescents, caused by dysfunction of the ion channels, are Brugada Syndrome (BrS) and Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). However, few studies address the physiological effects of these conditions on children and adolescents. Thus, the aim of this study is to describe the mutation phenotype related to voltage‐gated sodium channels in children and adolescents. A search was performed in the literature of PubMed, Scielo, and Google scholar. The search was limited to articles written in the last 5 years, so articles published between 2014 and 2019 were included. Among 2196 studies identified through a systematic literature review, 30 studies related to the theme were identified for a complete review and after applying exclusion criteria, 4 articles were included in the results of this study. As the most frequently observed channelopathy, BrS was also more identified in children and adolescents, characterized by episodes of syncope or sudden cardiac death. LQTS shows clinical manifestations with a mild phenotype and good prognosis, although it is necessary to monitor and correct serum electrolyte disturbances to prevent ventricular arrhythmias and, consequently, sudden death in patients with the pathology. The aim of this study is to find the general phenotypes related to genetic mutations of voltage‐gated sodium channels, in a population aged from 7‐ to 14‐year‐old.
Studies on male gonadal toxicity of bisphenol A in diabetic rats: An example of exacerbation effect
Authors: Sahu Chittaranjan , Singla Shivani , Jena Gopabandhu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBisphenol A (BPA), a widely used organic synthetic chemical alters spermatogenesis and is a potential risk factor for male infertility. Diabetes‐induced hyperglycemia has a negative impact on different vital organs including the testis. However, the effect of BPA on male fertility and gonadal development in diabetic (DIA) patients is unknown. This study explores the role of BPA exposure on testicular toxicity in a DIA rat. The DIA condition in male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats (4 weeks aged) was induced with the administration of a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg ip, in cold citrate buffer pH 4.5). BPA was administered orally at the dose of 40 mg/kg/day for 4 consecutive weeks. Various endpoints of the toxicity include biochemical estimations, histological evaluations, oxidative stress parameters, DNA damage assays (apoptosis and endonuclease III), expressions of 8‐hydroxy‐2ʹ‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf‐2), catalase, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD‐1), octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), and Sirtulin (silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog) 1 (SIRT 1). The results confirmed that BPA exacerbated the testicular toxicity by altering several biochemical parameters, increasing oxidative stress, cellular/tissue injury, DNA damage, apoptosis, and 8‐OHdG expression, while decreasing the levels of Nrf‐2, catalase, SOD‐1, OCT4, and SIRT1 expressions in the testes of DIA rat. Linear regression analyses indicated a positive correlation between apoptosis and 8‐OHdG, OCT4, and DNA damage (nuclear diffusion factor and tail length). The present study confirmed that BPA exposure in DIA conditions exacerbated the testicular damages in SD rats. Therefore, the DIA condition might have increased male gonadal toxicity due to BPA exposure and requires further attention to maintain their normal reproductive health.