Abstract: Background: Engaging diverse populations including Muslims in research activities is important to support patient-centered research and improve health equity. Objectives: To describe the community engagement steps that informed conducting research with five distinctively diverse U.S. Muslim communities. Methods: Researchers engaged with leaders, advisory members, and people from five diverse communities. Strategies to support sampling, recruitment, multi-language interpretation methods, and how to support closed communities and address their concerns are discussed. Lessons Learned: Researchers interested in working with Muslim communities should be aware of principles of seclusion when interacting with sex-discordant participants. Including language concordant researchers demonstrated effectiveness and efficiency in the process. Researchers should be open to rejections from communities and accept stepping back to give community members the space needed to decide whether to participate in research. Conclusion: Flexibility and adaptability are integral in recruitment and data collection as diverse communities may respond differently to methods successfully used elsewhere.

Abstract: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivars in Korea, particularly the widely adaptable ‘Hongsan’, are challenging to identify in processed forms or seedlings due to the plasticity of phenotypic traits such as clove tip greening, which risks mislabeling and infringement of UPOV breeders' rights. This study aimed to develop a stable SCAR marker for ‘Hongsan’-specific identification using RAPD-bulked segregant analysis (BSA). Sixty Operon primers (>60% GC) were screened against ‘Hongsan’ gDNA versus a non-’Hongsan’ BSA pool (‘Daeseo’, ‘Uiseong’, ‘Danyang’, and ‘Namdo’); OPE-01 consistently amplified a unique 1.3 kb band, cloned and sequenced to reveal a 1,272 bp sequence with translocation junction (878+394 bp), 18 bp insertion, and EcoRI site on chromosome 2 (NCBI GCA_030737875.1). SCAR primers SaH191R/SaH513F produced a specific 545 bp amplicon in ‘Hongsan’, clearly distinguishing it from other cultivars and parental lines, confirming paternal origin (9209). This RAPD-to-SCAR marker overcomes reproducibility limitations, enabling authentication in processing (powders, black garlic) irrespective of environmental factors. The cost-effective and rapid assay ensures industry transparency, quality control, and IP protection for Korean garlic production.

Abstract: Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the manual stimulation of reflex zones primarily located on the feet and hands. Its main therapeutic objective is to induce physiological responses aimed at functional regulation and the individual’s overall well-being. Contemporary practice is grounded in neurophysiological mechanisms of reflex action, linked to somatovisceral integration and modulation of the nervous system. From a historical perspective, the therapeutic stimulation of the hands and feet can be observed in various ancient medical systems, particularly in traditional Eastern practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, where these techniques are used within energetic and empirical models of bodily balance. However, these antecedents do not constitute reflexology in the strict sense, as they lack a formulation based on anatomofunctional correspondences mediated by the nervous system. This article presents a critical narrative review of the historical and conceptual evolution of reflexology, analyzing its transition from traditional Eastern practices to its consolidation as a complementary therapy within modern Western medicine. The contributions of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century physiology are examined, together with the clinical input of specialists of that period, which enabled the structuring of a reproducible and clinically grounded discipline. Finally, contemporary neurophysiological evidence is integrated to support its therapeutic principles and its responsible inclusion within an integrative health care approach.

Abstract: Mechano-sorptive phenomena (MSP) refer to the coupled mechanical response of polymers under simultaneous mechanical stress and fluid sorption. The most researched MSP are environmental stress cracking (ESC) and mechano-sorptive creep (MSC). ESC initiates at regions of localized stress and solvent sorption, presenting as brittle fracture, while MSC is characterized by large, time-dependent, and partially recoverable creep associated with transient bulk sorption. ESC experiments can however also result in significant plastic deformation, in which case the term environmental stress yielding (ESY) has been used. Similarly, MSC can evolve into tertiary creep followed by rupture, in which case the phenomenon is termed mechano-sorptive creep rupture (MSCR). Both behaviors originate from solvent diffusion into the amorphous phase leading to disruption of non-covalent interactions between polymer chains. This review bridges seemingly disconnected research to illustrate that ESC and MSC represent extremes on a continuum of MSP, rather than disparate phenomena. We identify the principles of polymer thermodynamics and experimental methods necessary to separate polymer deformation under MSC into reversible stress-induced swelling and irreversible non-equilibrium deformation. We propose that a better understanding of these phenomena is necessary for a variety of applications including biomimetic materials that mimic the mechanical adaptability of marine organisms.

Abstract: We present a short review dedicated to low-lying meson states. We present all meson 2 nonets, which consist from up, down and strange light quarks. We consider the scalar 3 nonet as a basic nonet. We work in the framework of the massless Nambu – Jona-Lasinio 4 UR(3) × UL(3) quark model. The collective meson states are described through quark- 5 antiquark pairs, whose condensates lead simultaneously to spontaneous breaking of the 6 chiral and the flavour symmetry. We present an explanation of the inverse mass hierarchy of 7 the low-lying nonet of the scalar mesons. The proposed explanation is based on symmetry 8 principles. It is shown that, due to the flavour symmetry breaking, two isodoublets of 9 K ∗ 0 (700) mesons play the role of Goldstone bosons. It is also proven that there exists a 10 solution with degenerate masses of the a0(980) and f0(980) mesons and a zero mass of 11 the f0(500) meson. Short description of the physical properties of other meson nonets is 12 provided. In particular a unique mass relations among the different nonets, which are 13 experimentally confirmed, are presented.

Abstract: Pancreatic cancer represents a major health issue with poor prognosis. There are several risk factors related to this important disease and their control may influence its burden. The radical treatment for pancreatic cancer remains the surgery and the use of minimally invasive approach is nowadays considered optimal. The aim of the study was to analyze the pancreatic cancer characteristics and the safety and feasibility of the minimally invasive approach in treating this type of cancer. We conducted a literature review in Pub-Med database using mesh-terms for pancreatic cancer and minimally invasive surgery focusing on the short-term outcomes of and long-term outcomes of MIS. We also reviewed the most relevant literature studying the epidemiology of the pancreatic cancer, risk factors, histopathology, resectability and surgical options, the use of preoperative biliary drainage, neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment. The most revelant risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer are represented by age, sex, area of living, blood group, genetic factors and the presence of diabetes, human microflora, alcohol consumption, smoking, chronic pancreatitis, obesity. Minimally in-vasive approach for pancreatic cancer is associated with improved intraoperative and short-term postoperative outcomes such as: reduced intraoperative blood loss, faster functional recovery, lower postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, but similar postop-erative morbidity and pancreatic fistula risk to the open approach. Regarding oncological results, minimally invasive approach provides optimal number of harvested lymph-nodes and R0 resection rates. Minimally invasive surgery for pancreatic cancer should be performed in high-volume, specialized centers with dedicated and experimented surgeons and for selected patients.

Abstract: Introduction: Orthobiologics such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin (i-PRF) have emerged as promising tools in regenerative medicine. However, the lack of methodological standardization and the still limited comparative characterization between these products represent significant barriers to their optimized clinical application. This comparative laboratory study aimed to characterize and differentiate PRP and i-PRF, focusing on their cellular composition, obtained volume, and concentration of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF-BB). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with 34 healthy individuals. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants. PRP was obtained using a modified double-spin centrifugation protocol, whereas i-PRF was prepared using a modified low-speed centrifugation technique. Cellularity (platelet and leukocyte counts), final produced volume, and PDGF-BB concentration were assessed using complete blood count analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using Generalized Linear Models (GLM). Results: Both protocols resulted in significant increases in platelet and leukocyte concentrations compared to baselines values. PRP showed significantly higher platelet and leukocyte concentrations compared with i-PRF, as well as markedly higher PDGF-BB levels. In contrast, i-PRF yielded a substantially greater final volume and enabled a higher absolute delivery of total leukocytes, whereas PRP delivered a greater absolute number of platelets. Female Sex, presence of comorbidities, and increased abdominal circumference positively influenced product volume and cellular composition. Discussion: Although both PRP and i-PRF effectively concentrate blood-derived components, they present distinct biological profiles regarding cellularity, volume, and growth factor availability. These findings indicate that PRP and i-PRF are not interchangeable, and their clinical use should be guided by the target tissue, therapeutic mechanism, and evidence from randomized clinical trials.

Abstract: Systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare and incurable disease, classified under the category of plasma cell neoplasms and other diseases with paraproteins in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of lymphoid tumors. This entity shares some similarities with multiple myeloma (MM), remarkably a bone marrow infiltration of clonal plasma cells. Moreover, one out of five newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis (NDAL) also fulfills the current diagnostic criteria for MM. A multidisciplinary therapy approach should be established, in which hematological therapy plays a crucial role. Anti-clonal therapy is the basis of hematological therapy, besides supportive therapy and emerging anti-fibrils therapy. In recent years, advances in the anti-clonal therapy of MM have progressively transferred to carefully selected patients with systemic AL amyloidosis, significantly improving outcomes in this rapidly changing field. This review aims to critically analyze the comparative evolution and evidence-based approach of anti-clonal therapy in NDAL vs. MM since the introduction of bortezomib. Participation in clinical trials remains the first option to consider in daily clinical practice.

Abstract: Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum), an edible and medicinal herb, has garnered attention for its unique flavor and potential health benefits. Recent research has systematically revealed its enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant bioactivities after fermentation and explored its potential as a feed additive to replace antibiotics in poultry. However, research on the effects of Chinese chive and its active components on ruminant metabolism, particularly in sheep, remains insufficient. Concurrently, studies have demonstrated that specific fatty acids from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae, especially lauric acid, can effectively regulate rumen fermentation and lipid metabolism in sheep, offering new strategies for improving meat quality. This review systematically synthesizes the research findings on Chinese chive, analyzes the existing evidence on how its chemical constituents affect sheep nutritional metabolism, and innovatively explores the potential of combining the bioactivities of fermented Chinese chive juice with the metabolic regulatory properties of black soldier fly fatty acids to synergistically enhance the nutritional status, production performance, and product quality of sheep. Literature analysis suggests that fermented Chinese chive juice, rich in bioactive compounds, could work synergistically with black soldier fly fatty acids to create novel, efficient, and environmentally sustainable ruminant feed additives, although this requires further validation through in vitro & vivo experiments.

Abstract: To decipher the molecular response mechanism of melon to saline-alkali stress, seedlings of the melon cultivar 'Xikaixin' were treated with 50 mmol·L⁻¹ mixed solutions of NaCl and NaHCO₃ at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 to simulate saline-alkali stress. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the roots. The results showed that 588, 686, and 1107 DEGs were identified in the 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 treatment groups, respectively, with the proportion of downregulated genes higher than that of upregulated genes in all groups. DEGs were significantly enriched in 50 pathways, categorized into 5 major classes including cellular processes and environmental information processing. Among these, the plant hormone signal transduction pathway showed the highest enrichment level across all treatments. The auxin-induced protein gene MELO3C013403 and auxin response factor gene MELO3C004381 were significantly upregulated in the 2:1 treatment group, making them potential candidate genes for saline-alkali tolerance. In contrast, photosynthesis-antenna protein genes (e.g., MELO3C021567) were significantly downregulated under the high-salt ratio (2:1) treatment. RT-PCR validation confirmed that the expression levels of these three candidate genes were consistent with the transcriptomic data. Therefore, melon may respond to saline-alkali stress by regulating plant hormone signal transduction, photosynthesis, and carbon metabolism pathways. This study provides candidate genes and a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of saline-alkali-tolerant melon cultivars.

Abstract: A survey was conducted involving 2,137 university students from over 10 universities in Zhejiang Province, Jiangsu Province, and other regions. The data were analyzed using correlation analysis and moderated mediation model testing. This study found that group psychological factors, such as emotional infection, depersonalization, the spiral of silence, relative deprivation, group polarization, and action mobilization, positively predicted network cluster behavior. The action mobilization of opinion leaders mediated the relationship between emotional infection and network cluster behavior. Group polarization mediated the relationship between the spiral of silence and network cluster behavior. Additionally, group efficacy moderated the latter part of the mediation process between group polarization and network cluster behavior.

Abstract: Galaxy evolution is often modelled in terms of global scaling relations and single-fibre measurements, but the physical regulation of structure and star formation takes place in resolved patches inside galaxies. The homeostatic potential framework $\hat{\phi}=(\hat{H},\hat{S},\hat{M},\hat{R})$ treats galaxies as systems that can cross a structural ``stability gate'', switching from a dynamically infant regime where recent energy injection erases chemical memory to an adult regime where depth, memory and regeneration are tightly coupled. Previous work established this picture at the galaxy level and showed that the environment acts mainly as a modulator of the memory budget once the gate is crossed. Here MaNGA galaxies are used as resolved laboratories for this framework.Using a sample of $N_{\rm gal}=50$ integral-field units and $N_{\rm spax}\simeq 3.8\times 10^{4}$ spaxels, simple spaxel-level proxies are constructed for the homeostatic components and normalised as robust $z$-scores. Stacked in units of the half-light radius, the MaNGA spaxels show a clean radial gradient: inner regions ($r\lesssim 0.5\,R_{\rm half}$) lie in a high-stability, high-memory, high-regeneration state, while outer regions ($r\gtrsim 2\,R_{\rm half}$) are systematically depleted in all four components. Across all radii the regeneration proxy remains strongly correlated with both energy and memory, but its coupling to the stability coordinate weakens in the outskirts, consistent with tightly bound central ``adult'' engines surrounded by more weakly regulated, infant-like discs.Variance–energy and variance–memory scalings measured in the resolved MaNGA field show that regions with stronger local chemical memory also host larger structural excursions, in contrast to galaxy-level tests in IllustrisTNG where stronger memory compresses structural variance. This sign difference suggests that the resolved MaNGA analysis is dominated by actively driven patches inside otherwise regulated galaxies, while the simulations emphasise globally relaxed systems. Taken together, the results show that the stability gate is a resolved property inside galaxies, not just a global label, and they set the stage for mock-IFU comparisons that connect local regulation to global homeostasis.

Abstract: Lightweight gearbox housings often raise NVH risk, yet full finite-element evaluations are too slow for early design screening. This study tests whether a few frequency-band descriptors of radiated sound are enough to classify housing stiffness. Using an open dataset of electric-vehicle gearbox spectra for three rib-configurations—flexible, intermediate and rigid—we averaged sound-pressure levels in five 1 kHz bands. Principal-component analysis separated the twelve samples into three non-overlapping groups, confirmed by k-means clustering (adjusted Rand index = 1.00). The random-forest model achieved 75 % classification accuracy on the present 12-sample data set (leave-one-out evaluation). Owing to the small sample size this figure should be regarded as explorative, and a larger validation study is required to confirm generalizability; permutation analysis confirmed the 3–4 kHz and 2–3 kHz bands as most important for classification. In contrast, total integrated spectral energy showed no significant group difference (p = 0.81). The results These findings suggest that mid-frequency band energy may encode structural-stiffness differences, although validation on larger datasets is necessary. The workflow—load spectra, compute five band means, classify—offers a rapid, interpretable tool for NVH-aware lightweight design.

Abstract: We introduce a local phase-field framework for describing spin entanglement in which measurement correlations arise from an internal scalar phase associated with each fermion. The phase is defined by two underlying real fields and evolves according to local relativistic dynamics. When particle pairs are produced at a common spacetime event, a phase-locking constraint is established at creation, after which the internal phases evolve independently without any nonlocal interaction.Spin measurements performed by Stern–Gerlach analyzers are modeled as local filtering operations that depend only on the internal phase and the analyzer orientation. Using this deterministic local response, we derive the exact quantum correlation function; when inserted into the CHSH expression, it attains the standard Tsirelson bound.The framework preserves locality, parameter independence, and no-signaling, while providing a concrete physical ontology for spin correlations based on internal phase structure. We compare the model with earlier phase-based approaches and outline experimental configurations—such as time-resolved and multi-stage Stern–Gerlach measurements—that could probe the dynamical evolution of the internal phase. The results demonstrate that exact quantum entanglement correlations can emerge from a strictly local phase-field description.Bell’s theorem constrains models in which measurement outcomes are functions of pre-assigned discrete values. The present framework instead employs a continuous internal phase field as the relevant physical variable. Measurement outcomes are deterministic functions of the local phase and analyzer orientation. The model preserves locality, parameter independence, and no-signaling, while allowing outcome dependence, which is permitted within Bell’s framework.

Abstract: We develop a geometric framework in which an effective spacetime description and an Einstein--Friedmann–type structure emerge from the geometry of a universal wavefunction, without postulating gravitational field equations or introducing matter fields as independent degrees of freedom. Starting from a conserved current associated with the wavefunction, we define a flux hypersurface embedded in a higher-dimensional ambient space and show that, under minimal assumptions of homogeneity and isotropy, its induced Lorentzian geometry is necessarily of Friedmann--Robertson--Walker type. The intrinsic curvature of the induced metric is fixed by the embedding geometry itself. A maximally symmetric hyperboloid corresponds to exact de Sitter spacetime, while more general, physically admissible, and normalisable wavefunction envelopes give rise to a time-dependent curvature scale. In this case, the effective cosmological term is approximately constant only in a narrow intermediate regime, where the expansion is transientlyquasi–de Sitter, and evolves away from this limit at both early and late times. By identifying a conserved, potential-like geometric invariant inherited from the universal wavefunction, we obtain an effective Einstein--Friedmann structure on the hypersurface without invoking gravitational dynamics. This invariant fixes the scaling of the dominant effective density ρ ~ 1/a² and determines the effective gravitational coupling. For closed spatial slicing, this matter-like contribution cancels identically against the spatial curvature term in the Friedmann equation, leaving a purelygeometric constraint relating the Hubble rate to a residual, time-dependent vacuum-like sector. We show that the apparent tension between a de Sitter–like Friedmann constraint and a nonvanishing is resolved once the effective continuity equation is taken into account: the expansion rate is fixed algebraically at eachinstant, while its time evolution is governed by the slow variation of the effective cosmological term. As a result, the cosmological evolution exhibits three distinct regimes: a strongly non–de Sitter early-time phase, a transient quasi–de Sitter regime, and an asymptotically coasting late-time expansion with w→-1/3 emerging dynamically as an attractor. These results position general relativity as an effective geometric description arising from a deeper,wavefunction-based structure, in which spacetime curvature, expansion, and cosmological dynamics are emergent properties of the underlying quantum geometry.

Abstract: There has been an ongoing discussion regarding the significance of corpus-based methods in Stylistics. This study therefore investigates how corpus-based approach can enrich our understanding of themes and style of a literary writer, using one of Niyi Osundare’s collections, titled, The Eye of the Earth. While previous studies on Osundare have richly examined his poems individually through qualitative close reading, none of this scholarship has attempted a corpus-based quantitative method. Using Mahberg’s (2013) criteria, KWIC analysis show that content keywords (i.e. earth, like, sun, forest, and rain) in poems foreground the themes of nature and human ecosystem, which is further verified by the deliberate deployment of Yoruba lexical items like Olosunta and Iroko having the highest frequency of occurrence in the entire collection. These quantitative patterns corroborate submissions by earlier qualitative studies (Onyejizu & Obi, 2020; Amore & Amusan, 2016). The study also identified certain stylistic regularities in the poem that may not be easily recognized by close reading. This shows how a corpus-assisted discourse method amplifies detail that might be hidden to close reading especially the integration of relevant Yoruba words in strategic positions to invoke realities that are deeply rooted in Yoruba oral traditions. The smooth flow of Yoruba language as a means of complementing the thematic ideas already captured in English language depicts Osundare as not just a literary icon but a linguistic genius whose literary idiolect is a product of premeditation and perspiration to reflect cultural identity, cosmology, ecology.

Abstract: We introduce a theory in which gravity emerges as a thermodynamic phenomenon governed by a scalar field that sets the local rate of quantum evolution. Building on Jacobson’s thermodynamic derivation of Einstein’s equations and Verlinde’s entropic gravity, this framework extends these ideas into a unified theory of spacetime thermodynamics. In the strong-field limit it reproduces General Relativity, while in weak-field and low-density environments it predicts modified gravitational dynamics that account for galaxy rotation curves and galaxy cluster mass discrepancies without invoking particle dark matter. On cosmological scales, the theory predicts an early epoch of emergent inflation without an inflaton field and a late-time evolving accelerating expansion driven by the gradual depletion of vacuum thermodynamic capacity, implying cyclic cosmic evolution. From first principles, the framework yields parameter-free predictions for the Hubble constant and the present matter density consistent with observations. We confront the theory with Pantheon+, Cosmic Chronometers, DESI DR2 BAO, and the CMB angular scale \( \theta_\ast \), and find that it provides a statistically preferred description of the data relative to ΛCDM, with ΔBIC = -18.5, resolving the Hubble Tension as an artifact of thermodynamic evolution. These results indicate that a thermodynamic origin of gravity and spacetime offers a coherent explanation of gravitational and cosmological phenomena.

Abstract: This paper presents probabilistic wind energy forecasting using quantile regression averaging combined with a conformal prediction modelling framework. The study uses data from Eskom, South Africa's power utility company. The data is from April 2019 to November 2023. A partial linear additive quantile regression (PLQR) averaging method is used to combine forecasts from two competing forecasting models: eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Principal Component Regression (PCR). To compare the predictive abilities of the models, two data splits are used: 80\%, 10\% and 10\% for the first set, and 85\%, 10\% and 5\% for the second set. Empirical results suggest that the combined predictions from PLAQR perform better than the individual models, significantly improving calibration and accuracy. The proposed combination has the smallest root mean square error (RMSE) and the highest probability of change in direction (POCID). The combination captures nonlinearities and produces well-calibrated probabilistic results. Probability integral transform histograms validate this. This performance gain reflected the importance of data volume. This is reinforced by the fact that the PLAQR model, which combines the benefits of tree-based approaches and linear models, is a robust modelling approach for reliable renewable energy forecasting. Future research directions should consider more varied ensembles.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Sichuan Mandarin is often described as exhibiting overlap or merger between word-initial /n/ and /l/, but perceptual sensitivity across phonetic contexts remains underexplored. This study examines whether perception of the /n–l/ contrast varies by vowel context and listener experience. Methods: Thirty-two Sichuan Mandarin listeners completed categorical identification and same–different AX discrimination tasks using seven-step /n/→/l/ continua derived from native-speaker productions in /i/ and /a/ contexts. Sensitivity, response bias, accuracy, and response times were analyzed alongside individual differences. Acoustic properties of the stimuli were quantified using spectral and amplitude-based measures. Results: Listeners showed overall reduced sensitivity to the /n–l/ contrast, with substantially stronger perceptual differentiation in /i/ than /a/ context. Bias patterns were comparable across contexts, indicating sensitivity-driven effects. Acoustic analyses showed more robust cue structure in the /i/ continuum. Age, education, and Standard Mandarin experience modulated response efficiency but did not eliminate the vowel asymmetry. Conclusions: Results support a context-dependent near-merger of /n/ and /l/, shaped by acoustic cue availability and experience-based cue exploitation.

Abstract: Dental anxiety is a common experience and can be considered a public health issue. This qualitative evidence synthesis used a thematic synthesis approach, to identify and synthesise findings of qualitative studies exploring adults’ lived experiences of dental anxiety.Systematic searches of Embase, Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library identified eleven qualitative studies (total N = 308; age range 18–75 years; 62% female) exploring adults’ dental anxiety experiences Data were extracted and critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP, 2018) checklist for qualitative research, then synthesised with confidence in synthesised findings assessed using GRADE‑CERQual criteria.Eleven qualitative studies (308 adult participants) yielded 18 review findings, which were organised into nine descriptive themes and synthesised into four analytical themes. The constructed themes captured dental anxiety as a convergence of past and present experiences, shaped by the patient-clinician relationships and systemic factors in dental care. The role of shame contributed to avoidance behaviours, and the use of personal coping strategies was linked to regaining a sense of control which was perceived to be minimal whilst in the dental chair. Findings highlight the benefits of qualitative research methods for understanding the complexity of dental anxiety.