bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of machine learning based models to predict the severity of community acquired pneumonia in hospitalised patients: A systematic review
Authors: Lythgoe Caitlin , Hamilton David Oliver , Johnston Brian W , Ortega-Martorell Sandra , Olier Ivan , Welters Ingeborg
Published: February 2025

Background:

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause of hospital admission. CAP carries significant risk of adverse outcomes including organ dysfunction, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death. Earlier admission to ICU for those with severe CAP is associated with better outcomes. Traditional prediction models are used in clinical practice to predict the severity of CAP. However, accuracy of predicting severity may be improved by using machine learning (ML) based models with added advantages of automation and speed. This systematic review evaluates the evidence base of ML-prediction tools in predicting CAP severity.

Methods:

MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed were systematically searched for studies that used ML-based models to predict mortality and/or ICU admission in CAP patients, where a performance metric was reported.

Results:

11 papers including a total of 351,365 CAP patients were included. All papers predicted severity and four predicted ICU admission. Most papers applied multiple ML algorithms to datasets and derived area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.98 at best performance and 0.57 at worst, with a mixed performance against traditional prediction tools.

Conclusion:

Although ML models showed good performance at predicting CAP severity, the variables selected for inclusion in each model varied significantly which limited comparisons between models and there was a lack of reproducible data, limiting validity. Future research should focus on validating ML predication models in multiple cohorts to derive robust, reproducible performance measures, and to demonstrate a benefit in terms of patient outcomes and resource use.
Employee speech in the United States: The two regimes
Authors: Willborn Steven L.
Published: February 2025

This article explores the two distinct regimes that protect employee speech in the United States: one for public-sector workers under the First Amendment and one for private-sector workers under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). While both regimes provide certain speech protections, they operate in fundamentally different ways, shaped by their underlying legal and policy frameworks. Public sector workers’ speech is protected by a limited version of the First Amendment, with protections only extending to speech on matters of public concern and subject to the government's interest in managing the workforce. In contrast, private-sector employees are protected by the NLRA, which focuses on speech related to workplace conditions and union activities. However, private-sector protections do not extend to broader political speech or matters of public concern. The article discusses how these two regimes reflect different priorities—protecting democratic discourse in the public sector versus safeguarding collective bargaining rights in the private sector—and how, despite occasional overlap through state laws, they rarely intersect. It also examines how modern developments, such as the rise of social media, challenge the adequacy of these speech protections and may require legislative or administrative action to better address the realities of contemporary communication. Ultimately, the article highlights the limited and targeted nature of employee speech protections in the U.S., consistent with the broader trend of limited employment protections due to the legacy of at-will employment.
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis without identifiable allergens in an adult: A case report
Authors: Lan Haisheng , Yang Tishang , Zhou Li , Lv Jiansheng , Huang Xvsen
Published: February 2025

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal is an uncommon disorder affecting all tissues of the digestive tract. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis presents with a complex clinical profile, lacks specificity, and is prone to misdiagnosis in patients without evident allergens. In some instances, it is mistaken for an acute abdomen or a gastrointestinal tumor, potentially leading to unnecessary surgical interventions. We present the case of a 21-year-old female with eosinophilic gastroenteritis whose primary clinical manifestations were abdominal pain and ascites.
Examining Daily Living Skills and Economic Hardship for Youth With Disabilities Using the NLTS2012
Authors: Taconet Ashley V. , Lombardi Allison R. , Rifenbark Graham G. , Madaus Joseph W. , Papay Clare K. , Sinclair Tracy E. , Shogren Karrie A.
Published: February 2025

Daily living skills (DLS) are crucial to the postschool success of all students with disabilities. However, there are discrepancies in the opportunities and supports for the development of DLS for students with intellectual disability and autism. In this pre-registered study, we used data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 to create a latent construct of DLS and examine its relationship with economic hardship. Results indicated students with intellectual disability and autism had the lowest level of DLS compared with students with high-incidence disabilities. Non-White students faced higher levels of economic hardship compared with White students. Results from this study have implications for large-scale survey design and indicate a need for additional research on students of color with intellectual disability or autism.
“There’s Nothing Wrong With Her because She’s Talking to Someone”: Changes in Perceptions of Mental Health Among Emerging Adults During COVID-19
Authors: Penner Anna , Velicer Jessica , Storm Colin
Published: February 2025

The mental health of emerging adults has been a focus of studies for several years, and this concern was heightened during COVID-19. Social scientists have extensively examined the effect the social and physical distancing precautions had on mental health with several articles focusing on college students and emerging adults. We investigated how COVID-19 impacted college students’ views of mental health and the importance of mental health through a life course lens. We found that respondents developed a more positive and nuanced understanding of mental health both in themselves and others. This change was largely due to their own or a loved one’s decrease in mental health or the increased rhetoric about the importance of mental health during the peak of COVID-19 precautions. The evolution in perceptions of mental health caretaking is a positive step as emerging adults grapple with significant life changes in a period of uncertainty.
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines’ Draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms: Issues and Prospects
Authors: Mongaya Karlo Mikhail I.
Published: February 2025

This article critically interrogates the development agenda articulated in the draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). The NDFP represented communist insurgents who, in 2017, were negotiating the Philippine government a framework for implementing socioeconomic reforms in the context of peace talks between two sides engaged in an armed conflict for the last five decades. The document pushed for a state-led agrarian reform and sovereign industrialization and offered an alternative development pathway to delinking, favoring working peoples’ rights over monopoly capitalist profits. CASER also represented significant adjustments in articulating the insurgents’ “national democratic” program to address recent issues and developments. The document, however, has the drawback of being silent on some significant challenges of delinking. CASER also needs to account for qualitatively changed conditions and shifting terrains of class struggle brought on by capitalism’s neoliberal phase since the late 1970s.
Gender Difference in Cardiology Publications in South Asia
Authors: Sharma Akash , Varghese Anila , Shalini  , Venkatesh U.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Women are still underrepresented in prestigious author positions in medical publications. This study was done to evaluate gender differences in the first authorship of cardiology-related publications in South Asia over the past two decades.

Methodology

This is a cross-sectional study, and we strictly followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. An electronic search was conducted in PubMed on January 15, 2023, using specific MeSH terms and keywords for articles published from 2002 to 2022. The easyPubMed package of R statistical software was used to retrieve articles. The gender of the author was determined by first name. We used the www.genderapi.io and also did a manual search of the public profile of authors to determine the gender. Mann–Kendall’s trend test was used to know the trend for gender disparities.

Results

A total of 5,105 publications are included in the final analysis. The study found that a total of 1,470 (28.8%) studies have female first authors, and 3,632 (71.1%) have male first authors. According to the countries, 29 (31.5%) in Afghanistan, 104 (24.1%) in Bangladesh, 2 (33.3%) in Bhutan, 879 (27.8%) in India, 1 (25%) in Maldives, 84 (28.9%) in Nepal, 322 (33.4%) in Pakistan, and 49 (33.1%) in Sri Lanka publications have female first authors. It was found that from 2002 to 2022, there has been a significant increase in female first authors. Only 16.3% of publications had a female first author in 2002, which increased to 32.9% in 2022.

Conclusion

Gender disparities in the authorship of cardiology research publications persist despite the declining trend.
Building trustworthy smart cities: A systems engineering approach to data engineering at the Smart Metrology Campus
Authors: Ulbig Michael Benedict , Hutzschenreuter Daniel , Jung Barbara , Kurrat Michael
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces the concept of a Smart Metrology Campus, with its primary objective being to facilitate reliable data science in the realm of smart cities. This is achieved by connecting sensor and meter data with metadata, particularly from the field of metrology. The establishment of a robust data infrastructure, responsible for collecting this data, requires a strategic data engineering approach. The challenge lies in identifying a data engineering approach that is well-suited for design considerations characterized by high demands in scale, complexity, sensitivity, and reliability. To address this challenge, the paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of the applicability of existing guides for data engineering, alongside other guiding processes from related disciplines such as data mining, data science, and systems engineering. As a result, systems engineering is identified as a highly relevant approach for data engineering meeting the needs of smart cities. The subsequent sections explain how this approach can be utilized and adapted for the specific requirements of a data engineering process in smart cities.
Deficiency of T follicular helper cell Tet3 DNA demethylation inhibits pathogenic IgG2c class switching and chronic GVHD
Authors: Zaiken Michael C. , Jin Sujeong , McDonald-Hyman Cameron , Hartigan Christina , Sage Peter , Hippen Keli L. , Koehn Brent H , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Riddle Megan J , Eide Cindy , Tolar Jakub , Hill Geoffrey R , Luznik Leo , Cutler Corey S. , Ritz Jerome , Kean Leslie S , Tsagaratou Ageliki , Rao Anjana , Blazar Bruce R
Published: February 2025

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and non-relapse associated mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (aHSCT). Treating steroid resistant/refractory cGVHD remains challenging. Epigenetic regulators can have global transcriptional effects that control donor T-cell responses. We previously showed that inhibiting histone lysine motifs by chromatin-modifying enzymes can ameliorate murine cGVHD. Targeting donor T-cell DNA methyltransferases reduce acute GVHD. Here, we sought to investigate the DNA demethylase Tet (ten-eleven translocase) methylcytosine dioxygenases 2 (Tet2) and Tet3 in T follicular helper cell (TFH) dependent cGVHD. In a clinically relevant model of cGVHD that recapitulates pulmonary fibrosis from bronchiolitis obliterans, recipients of Tet2 deleted donor T-cells did not have improved pulmonary function tests in contrast to the markedly improved pulmonary function in Tet3 deleted donor T-cells. Tet3 deleted donor T-cells did not impair TFH-dependent germinal center (GC) formation. Unexpectedly, TET3 deficiency resulted in elevated GATA3 expression in and IL-4 production by TFH cells. TET3 deficient TFH cells supported GC B-cell immunoglobulin (Ig) class switching to nonpathogenic IgG1 but not pathogenic IgG2c allowing mice to escape cGVHD pulmonary fibrosis. Elevated GATA3 expression and disruption of IgG2c class switching was recapitulated in an in-vitro human GC culture system. These studies provide new insights into the function of Tet3 in TFH driven Ig class switching and suggest a new approach to mitigate cGVHD.
Epidemiology of clinically significant migraine in Israel: a retrospective database study
Authors: Shifrin A. , Domany E. , Tirosh M. , Davidovici D. , Vinker S. , Forschner I. , Israel A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Epidemiological studies on migraine are valuable for tracking disease trends, identifying risk factors, and informing treatment strategies. This study assessed the prevalence and annual incidence of clinically significant migraine in Israel from 2017 to 2022, with analyses stratified by age, sex, socioeconomic status, and district. Additionally, we compared relevant characteristics between adult migraine and non-migraine members of Leumit Healthcare Services (LHS), a national health provider in Israel.

Methods

This retrospective study used LHS electronic health records to evaluate migraine prevalence and annual incidence from 2017 to 2022 among adult LHS members. Clinically significant migraine patients were identified using stringent criteria, including repeated diagnostic codes for migraine, confirmation by a neurologist, or the use of migraine-specific therapies. Each migraine patient was matched 1:1 with a control individual of similar age, sex, socioeconomic status, and ethnic background.

Results

The prevalence of clinically significant migraine increased from 4.5% in 2017 to 5.2% in 2022, with significantly higher rates in women compared to men (8% vs. 2.4% in 2022). The mean age of migraine patients was 46.8 years in 2022. The annual incidence of migraine in 2022 was 43 per 10,000 individuals over 18, with approximately 75% of new cases occurring in women, with a mean age of 36.5 years. The annual incidence of migraine slightly decreased over the period. Approximately two-thirds of new patients were diagnosed by neurologists, with only 19% diagnosed by family physicians. Compared to a matched control population, migraine patients showed a higher prevalence of low body mass index (BMI) and higher diastolic blood pressure (BP). Additionally, distinct differences in laboratory findings were observed among migraine patients, notably lower glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels, lower rate of microalbuminuria, with higher hemoglobin, which may be associated with migraine pathophysiology.

Conclusion

This study provides a detailed epidemiological and clinical profile of patients with clinically significant migraine in LHS from 2017 to 2022. Notable trends include higher rates of migraine among patients with lower BMI, higher diastolic BP, lower glucose, and higher hemoglobin, suggesting potential modifiable risk factors.
Oakland score to identify low-risk patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding performs well among emergency department patients
Authors: DiLena Daniel D. , Bouvet Sean C. , Somers Madeline J. , Merchant Maqdooda A. , Levin Theodore R. , Rauchwerger Adina S. , Sax Dana R.
Published: February 2025

Background

The Oakland Score predicts risk of 30-day adverse events among hospitalized patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) possibly identifying patients who may be safe for discharge. The Oakland Score has not been studied among emergency department (ED) patients with LGIB. The Oakland Score composite outcome includes re-bleeding, defined as additional blood transfusion requirements and/or a further decrease in hematocrit (Hct) >/= 20% after 24 h in clinical stability; red blood cell transfusion; therapeutic intervention to control bleeding, including surgery, mesenteric embolization, or endoscopic hemostasis; in-hospital death, all cause; and re-admission with further LGIB within 28 days. Prediction variables include age, sex, previous LGIB admission, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and hemoglobin concentration, and scores range from 0 to 35 points, with higher scores indicating greater risk.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of adult (≥ 18 years old) patients with a primary ED diagnosis of LGIB across 21 EDs from March 1st, 2018, through March 1st, 2020. We excluded patients who were more likely to have upper gastrointestinal bleeding (esophago-gastroduodenoscopy without LGIB evaluation), patients who left against medical advice or prior to ED provider evaluation, ED patients without active health plan membership, and patients with incomplete Oakland Score variables. We assessed predictive accuracy by reporting the area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios at multiple clinically relevant thresholds.

Results

We identified 8,283 patients with LGIB, 52% were female, mean age was 68, 49% were non-White, and 27% had an adverse event. The AUROC for predicting an adverse event was 0.85 (95% CI 0.84–0.86). There were 1,358 patients with an Oakland Score of </=8; 4.9% had an adverse event, and sensitivity of the Oakland Score at this threshold was 97% (95% CI 96%−98%).

Conclusion

The Oakland Score had high predictive accuracy among ED patients with LGIB. Prospective evaluation is needed to understand if the risk score could augment ED decision-making and improve outcomes and resource utilization.
Challenging cases of adherent periarterial vein during subinguinal Fisch technique and subinguinal micro-varicocelecotmy and sclerotherapy: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Elahwany Amr , Nabil Nashaat , GamalEl Din Sameh Fayek , Sadek Ahmed Raef , Sayed Ahmed Ewais , Ragab Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Background

To the best of our knowledge, there is a gap in the review of literature about the most suitable varicocelectomy technique in isolating and ligating adherent periarterial vein(s). Consequently, leaving the artery intact or ligating it together with the adherent vein may pose a challenge. We conducted a comparative prospective study to assess the outcomes of the three techniques namely Fisch, sclerotherapy and microvaricoclectomy (MSV).

Results

The patients who underwent MSV showed the longest operative time (66.29 ± 2.78 min), followed by Fisch technique (56.94 ± 3.07 min) then sclerotherapy (55.45 ± 1.99). Thus, the difference in the operative time between the three techniques was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Regarding the postoperative right vein diameter, MSV group showed the largest diameter (2.14 ± 0.15 mm), followed by Fisch technique (2.13 ± 0.15 mm) then sclerotherapy (1.75 ± 0.42 mm). Regarding the postoperative left vein diameter, MSV group showed again the largest diameter (2.17 ± 0.21 mm), followed by Fisch technique (2.14 ± 0.15 mm) then sclerotherapy (1.75 ± 0.42 mm). Moreover, the patients who underwent sclerotherapy showed the highest postoperative progressive sperm motility percent (25.27 ± 4.00%), followed by Fisch technique (21.56 ± 7.30%) then MSV group (19.85 ± 6.33%). Post hoc pair wise comparisons revealed that sclerotherapy and Fisch technique had a significantly higher effectiveness in reducing operative time than MSV. Additionally, it revealed that sclerotherapy technique had a significantly higher effectiveness in reducing postoperative vein diameters measurement than MSV and Fisch technique. Post hoc pair wise comparisons revealed that sclerotherapy technique had a significantly higher effectiveness in improving the postoperative progressive sperm motility percent than MSV.

Patients who underwent the 3 techniques demonstrated statistically significant differences between baseline and post-operative vein diameter, reflux duration, sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, progressive motile count/ejaculate and sperm abnormal forms.

Conclusion

The 3 techniques showed significant improvement in the semen parameters after 3 months in the studied patients. However, sclerotherapy technique showed a significantly higher effectiveness in improving the postoperative progressive sperm motility percent compared to MSV.
Cytogenetic impact of gamma radiation and its effects on growth, yield and drought tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Al-Sayed Walaa M. , El-Shazly Hanaa H. , El-Nahas Awatif I. , Omran Ahmed A. A.
Published: February 2025

Maize is the third most important grain crop worldwide after wheat and rice; it is a vital global crop, serving as a key source of food, animal feed, and industrial products, making it essential for food security and economic stability in many countries. Drought stress adversely affects water uptake and can stunt growth, reducing the overall productivity of maize. So, this study was carried out to investigate the cytogenetic effects of gamma radiation and drought stress on maize SC131 genotype, focusing on chromosomal aberrations in seedling root meristems induced by varying doses of gamma irradiation (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 Gray) and drought stress imposed by 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG). The present study also aims to evaluate the impact of these treatments on growth parameters under a controlled pot experiment. Additionally, molecular polymorphism induced by both gamma irradiation and drought stress was analyzed using Real-Time quantitative PCR techniques for DREB2, ERF, and EF transcription factors. Also, under a field condition experiment, maize plants were subjected to the same gamma irradiation doses and drought stress by reducing the number of irrigations, with subsequent evaluations of yield attributes to assess the overall impact of treatments on plant performance. The study also investigates the sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) banding patterns of proteins in grains yielded under the influence of gamma radiation and drought treatments. Findings of the current investigation indicate that the low dose of gamma radiation (50 Gray) not only induces cytogenetic changes but also enhances drought tolerance and improves yield characteristics, suggesting that targeted gamma irradiation could serve as a viable strategy to bolster maize resilience in challenging environmental conditions.
Joint effects of temperature and humidity with PM2.5 on COPD
Authors: Tran Huan Minh , Tsai Feng-Jen , Wang Yuan-Hung , Lee Kang-Yun , Chang Jer-Hwa , Chung Chi-Li , Tseng Chien-Hua , Su Chien-Ling , Lin Yuan-Chien , Chen Tzu-Tao , Chen Kuan-Yuan , Ho Shu-Chuan , Yang Feng-Ming , Wu Sheng-Ming , Chung Kian Fan , Ho Kin-Fai , Chuang Kai-Jen , Chuang Hsiao-Chi
Published: February 2025

Background

Particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) is a significant air pollutant known to adversely affect respiratory health and increase the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, climate change exacerbates these impacts, as extreme temperatures and relative humidity (RH) levels can intensify the effects of PM2.5. This study aims to examine the joint effects of PM2.5, temperature, and RH on the risk of COPD.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted among 1,828 participants from 2017 to 2022 (995 COPD patients and 833 controls). The radial basis function interpolation was utilized to estimate participants' individual mean and differences in PM2.5, temperature, and RH in 1-day, 7-day, and 1-month periods. Logistic regression models examined the associations of environmental exposures with the risk of COPD adjusting for confounders. Joint effects of PM2.5 by quartiles of temperature and RH were also examined.

Results

We observed that a 1 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 7-day and 1-month mean was associated with a 1.05-fold and 1.06-fold increase in OR of COPD (p < 0.05). For temperature and RH, we observed U-shaped effects on OR for COPD with optimal temperatures identified as 21.2 °C, 23.8 °C, and 23.8 °C for 1-day, 7-day, and 1-month mean temperature, respectively, and optimal RH levels identified as 73.8%, 76.7%, and 75.4% for 1-day, 7-day, and 1-month mean RH, respectively (p < 0.05). The joint effect models show that high temperatures (> 23.5 °C) and both extremely low (69.3%) and high (80.9%) RH levels generally exacerbate the effects of PM2.5 on OR for COPD, especially over longer exposure durations.

Conclusion

The joint effects of PM2.5, temperature, and RH on the risk of COPD underscore the importance of air pollution control and comprehensive research to mitigate COPD risk in the context of climate change.
Differences in fatty infiltration in thigh muscles and physical function between people with and without knee osteoarthritis and similar body mass index: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aily Jessica B. , de Noronha Marcos , Ferrari Ricardo J. , Mattiello Stela M.
Published: February 2025

Background

People with knee osteoarthritis (OA) may have more thigh intermuscular and intramuscular adipose tissue (interMAT and intraMAT, respectively) compared to those without knee OA. Literature has not considered differences in body mass index (BMI) in the context of comparing intraMAT and interMAT between individuals with and without knee OA, matched for BMI (± 1 kg/m²). This study aims to compare interMAT and intraMAT, along with physical function (including knee extension strength), between individuals with and without knee osteoarthritis, matched by BMI.

Methods

Participants aged ≥ 40 years with symptomatic and radiological knee OA group (grade 2 and 3 on the Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) scale) were included in the affected group, while those with no knee pain and no radiological knee OA changes were included in the unaffected group. No participants were lost to assessment, ensuring complete data analysis for all participants. We used independent t-test and mean difference (95% CI) to compare thigh intraMAT and interMAT volume, self-reported measures (WOMAC questionnaire), physical function measures, and knee extension strength between groups.

Results

Forty-six participants were analyzed (23 in each group). The affected group had significantly higher intraMAT compared to the unaffected group (p < 0.05), but no differences were observed for interMAT. Self-reported outcomes and physical function measures were worse in the affected group, as was knee extension strength.

Conclusion

People with knee OA present higher levels of intraMAT and poorer physical function compared to those without knee OA. These findings highlight the need for further research to explore the clinical significance of intraMAT and its potential impact on physical function in this population.
Tissue-friendly dentin treatments as a potential element in revascularization protocol (ex-vivo study)
Authors: Khalil Hala Fayek , Metwalli Nadia Ezz El Din , Magdy Sara , Shamel Mohamed
Published: February 2025

Background

Endodontic treatment aims to eliminate pulp tissue, microorganisms, and toxins while creating an environment conducive to tissue revitalization and regeneration. Sodium hypochlorite, the gold-standard irrigant, is effective but has significant cytotoxic effects, prompting the need for safer alternatives. This study investigates the cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, adhesion to dentin, and osteogenic differentiation of cells exposed to Dual Rinse HEDP, curcumin, and sodium hypochlorite (2.5%) for 1, 5, and 15 min, focusing on their potential application in revitalization and regenerative endodontic protocols.

Methodology

Samples were assigned to groups based on the irrigant used: control, HEDP, curcumin, or sodium hypochlorite (2.5%) for exposure durations of 1, 5, and 15 min. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay, with optical density measured at the specified times. Cell proliferation was evaluated via the Trypan blue exclusion test, with viable cells counted using a hemocytometer. Data were presented as mean and standard deviation (SD) values and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for all tests. Cell adherence to dentin discs was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after 5-min irrigant exposure. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed through alizarin red staining for calcium deposition and quantitative PCR analysis of BMP-2, TGF-β1, VEGF, and DSPP gene expression.

Results

Cell cytotoxicity differed significantly across groups (p < 0.05), with HEDP showing the best results at 1 and 5 min. After 15 min, Group II had the highest value, followed by Group I. HEDP also recorded the highest cell proliferation, followed by curcumin. HEDP exhibited substantial calcium deposition and significantly upregulated BMP-2, TGF-β1, VEGF, and DSPP gene expression, surpassing other materials. Curcumin moderately promoted calcified nodule formation. Osteogenic media also induced significant gene upregulation.

Conclusions

Dual Rinse HEDP and curcumin are tissue-friendly. Dual rinse HEDP efficiently increases stem cell adherence to dentin discs and their osteogenic differentiation.

So, this irrigant has the potential to be used in regeneration protocols.
Informational support for women with endometriosis: a scoping review
Authors: Senyel Deniz , Boyd James H. , Graham Melissa
Published: February 2025

Background

Ten per cent of women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis, a painful and incurable disease that leaves women with severe implications for their health and overall well-being. Due to the absence of a cure and the limited effectiveness of available treatments, acquiring accurate information is paramount for women to successfully navigate both their daily lives and the complexities of the healthcare system. This scoping review aimed to map the current literature on women with endometriosis information needs, their information seeking behaviour, and the format and scope of current information resources available.

Methods

The scoping review was conducted using the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR statement. The final search was conducted in August 2024, through the databases Medline, Cinahl, Embase, Scopus, and WebofScience. Studies on information resources on endometriosis and information seeking behaviour as well as information needs of women with endometriosis were eligible for inclusion.

Results

The majority of the 25 included studies focused on information resources, specifically webpages and social media sites. While few studies analysed information seeking behaviour and information needs, the evidence shows women’s high interest in a broad spectrum of information topics. Across all studies, the internet was the most important access point for information.

Conclusion

Addressing the absence of systematic analyses on the information seeking behaviour and needs of women with endometriosis is crucial for future research. This step is essential for the development of customised information resources that cater specifically to the diverse needs of women affected by endometriosis.
Political economy analysis of health financing reforms in times of crisis: findings from three case studies in south-east Asia
Authors: Witter Sophie , Bertone Maria Paola , Baral Sushil , Gautam Ghanshyam , Pratap Saugat K. C. , Pholpark Aungsumalee , Saputri Nurmala Selly , Darmawan Arif Budi , Toyamah Nina , Fillaili Rizki , de Oliveira Cruz Valeria , Sparkes Susan
Published: February 2025

Background

Over the last decades, universal health coverage (UHC) has been promoted in south-east Asia (SEA), where many countries still need to ensure adequate financial protection to their populations. However, successful health financing reforms involve complex interactions among a range of stakeholders, as well as with context factors, including shocks and crises of different nature. In this article, we examine recent health financing reforms in Nepal, Thailand and Indonesia, using a political economy lens. The objective is to understand whether and how crises can be utilised to progress UHC and to analyse the strategies used by reformers to benefit from potential windows of opportunity.

Methods

The study adopted a retrospective, comparative case study design, using a shared framework and tools. The case studies mapped the contexts, including economic, political, social trends and any shocks which had recently occurred. A focal health financing reform was chosen in each setting to examine, probing the role of crisis in relation to it, through the key elements of the reform process, content and actors. Data sources were largely qualitative and included literature and document review (144 documents included across the three cases) and key informant interviews (26 in total).

Results

The findings, which bring out similarities and differences in the roles played by change teams across the settings, highlight the importance of working closely with political leaders and using a wide range of strategies to build coalitions and engage or block opponents. Changing decision rules to block veto points was significant in one case, and all three cases used participation and dialogue strategically to further reforms. More broadly, the links with context emerged as important, with prior conflicts and economic crises creating a sense of urgency about addressing health inequities, while in all countries appeal was made to underlying values to enhance the legitimacy of the reforms.

Conclusion

The lessons from these case studies include that technical teams can and should engage in Political Economy Analysis (PEA) thinking and strategizing, including being aware of and adaptable to the changing PEA landscape and prepared to take advantage of windows of opportunity, including, but not limited to, those emerging from crisis. There is a need for more empirical studies in this area and sharing of lessons to support future reforms to increase health coverage and financial protection, including in the face of likely shocks.
Activity-based chemical proteomics reveals caffeic acid ameliorates pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures by covalently targeting aconitate decarboxylase 1
Authors: Li Guanjun , Huang Ling , Gu Di , Wang Peili , Yi Letai , Kuang Wenhua , Zhang Ying , Zhang Junzhe , Liu Dandan , Shi Qiaoli , Tang Huan , Sun Jichao , Zeng Guohua , Peng Xin , Wang Jigang
Published: February 2025

Background

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, tightly associated with neuroinflammation. Activation of inflammatory cells and molecules in damaged nervous tissues plays a pivotal role in epilepsy. Caffeic acid, one of the most abundant polyphenols in coffee, has shown potent protective effects as a phytomedicine in various neurological disorders. However, the direct protein targets and exact molecular mechanisms of caffeic acid in epilepsy, remain largely elusive.

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the protective effects of caffeic acid in epilepsy and elucidate its underlying mechanism.

Methods

In this study, we established pentylenetetrazol-induced acute and kindling models of seizures. Additionally, a BV2 microglial cellular inflammation model was established by lipopolysaccharide stimulation. The potential direct protein targets of caffeic acid in BV2 cells were analyzed using an activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) with a caffeic acid probe. Various methods such as pull-down assay, immunofluorescence and cellular heat transfer assays were used for experimental validation. The anti-inflammatory effects of caffeic acid in LPS-activated BV2 cells was proved by knocking down the target protein.

Results

Here, we found that caffeic acid exhibits antiepileptic effects in pentylenetetrazol-induced epilepsy mice and exerts anti-neuroinflammation effect in vivo and in vitro. Besides, we discovered that caffeic acid directly binds to aconitate decarboxylase 1 and influenced its enzymatic activity. Moreover, we indicated that caffeic acid exhibits anti-neuroinflammation effect through aconitate decarboxylase 1 mediated PERK-NF-κB pathway in vitro.

Conclusion

In summary, this study elucidates, for the first time, the potential antiepileptic targets and mechanism of action of caffeic acid using the ABPP strategy. Our study provides evidence supporting the utilization of caffeic acid as a promising therapeutic agent for treating epilepsy and neuroinflammation-related disorders.
Optimal needle characteristics for classical inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia: a systematic review
Authors: Abd-Elsabour Mennat Allah Ashraf , Gamal-AbdelNaser Ayat
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Although frequently applied, inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is associated with high rate of complications, beside its unpredictable success; partly due to improper needle choice. Evidence of the ideal needle contradicts in literature. Therefore, this review aims to assess the effect of needle characteristics on the outcomes of IANB.

Materials and methods

A systematic search was performed on MedLine via Pubmed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Science Open, EBSCOhost, Scopus, Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB), and Google scholar; beside searching grey literature and hand searching. The review included randomized controlled trials comparing needles of difference in any of the characteristics (gauge, length, bevel, alloy) used for IANB regarding their effects on pain, success of anesthesia and aspiration. The authors ran the search, selected the eligible studies, assessed the risk of bias using RoB 1 and extracted the data of the finally included studies. All the steps were performed in duplicates.

Results

The search yielded a total of 2,812 records. After de-duplication and excluding ineligible studies by title and abstract then by full text, the review included nine eligible studies. The compared needle interventions included: gauges (23G, 24G, 25G, 26G, 27G and 30G), lengths (12 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 35 mm, 42 mm), and internal diameters (0.265 mm, 0.215 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm). All studies had high risk of bias, adopted different assessment methods for the outcomes, and included participants with differences in baseline characteristics.

Conclusions

The level of the available evidence introduced by primary studies hinder concluding the optimal needle characteristics; keeping the research question unanswered. However, within the limitations of the heterogenous studies, available data favors thinner needles for less pain during needle insertion; otherwise, data of the other outcomes was inconclusive.

Clinical relevance

Thinner needles are favored for less pain during insertion; but standardized future studies are essentially needed for solid conclusions. A detailed standard protocol is, therefore, proposed.
Ultrasound evaluation of gallbladder wall thickness for predicting severe dengue: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shahsavand Davoudi Amirhossein , Harandi Hamid , Samiee Reza , Forghani Shayan , Mohammadi Keyhan , Shafaati Maryam
Published: February 2025

Background

The prevalence of dengue fever (DF), a mosquito-borne viral disease, is rising worldwide. Its severe manifestations like thrombocytopenia and plasma leakage are associated with increased mortality. Ultrasound-detected gallbladder wall thickening (GBWT) has been suggested as a potential indicator of the severity of the disease.

Aims

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the predictive value of GBWT in identifying patients at risk for severe dengue.

Methods

Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Among the inclusion criteria were original studies that assessed GBWT across various dengue severity categories. Then, we performed a meta-analysis using a random effects model and subgroup analyses based on severity criteria to determine the relationship between GBWT and severe dengue.

Results

For the meta-analysis, 19 studies qualified for the inclusion criteria. There was a significant association between GBWT and severe dengue, according to the odds ratio (OR) of 2.35 (95% CI 1.88–2.82, p < 0.001). The subgroup analysis revealed consistent results for thrombocytopenia (OR: 2.65) and plasma leakage (OR: 2.26), among other severity criteria.

Conclusions

A reliable ultrasound indicator, GBWT can help identify patients at risk for severe dengue early on, improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. However, the possibility of differential diagnosis requires cautious interpretation.
The impact of green HRM practices on green innovative work behaviour: empirical evidence from the hospitality sector of China and Pakistan
Authors: Khan Karamat , Gogia Eimad Hafeez , Shao Zhen , Rehman Mohd Ziaur , Ullah Assad
Published: February 2025

Amid a global shift towards eco-friendly practices, this study investigates the impact of green human resource management (GHRM) practices on green innovative work behavior (GIWB) in the hospitality sector, focusing on emerging and developing countries, specifically China and Pakistan. The research also explores the mediating roles of green perceived organizational support (GPOS) and organizational citizenship behavior towards the environment (OCBE), as well as the moderating role of green transformational leadership (GTL). This study is grounded in the AMO (ability, motivation, and opportunity) theory and organizational support theory. Data were collected through a questionnaire, yielding 503 valid responses from hotel employees in Beijing, China, and 498 valid responses from Islamabad, Pakistan. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to examine and compare the results across both samples. The findings reveal positive and significant relationships between GHRM and GIWB, as well as notable mediation and moderation effects among the specified variables. Interestingly, GTL did not significantly moderate the relationship between GHRM and GIWB in Pakistan’s sample, highlighting a regional contrast. This study contributes to advancing the implementation of GHRM practices to enhance GIWB in the hospitality sector, with insights into the role of GTL across different cultural contexts.
A robust, deep learning-based analysis of time-domain signals for NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Han Kyungdoe , Kim Eunhee , Ryu Kyoung-Seok , Lee Donghan
Published: February 2025

When analyzing the Free Induction Decay (FID) signal produced by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transforms (FT) are used to decompose time-domain signals arising from nuclear interactions. This transformation enables the extraction of frequency-domain information, allowing for the recognition of patterns within the generated NMR spectra. Most modern NMR processing software applies FT to generate the final spectra. Researchers process FID using various techniques, such as phase correction, windowing, and FT, to enhance the interpretation of the obtained spectra. This processing step requires careful consideration of the characteristics of the original data and can also be influenced by the researchers' experience, often making it time-consuming to produce reliable results. However, recent advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, have demonstrated superior pattern recognition capabilities compared to humans in complex scenarios. These developments have been successfully applied to various aspects of NMR spectroscopy. In this study, we demonstrate that neural networks can replace FT in NMR spectroscopy, enabling robust and rapid prediction of spectra and peak lists from FID signals. Our results confirm that deep learning can efficiently process NMR data to generate final spectra. As a proof of concept, we present the resulting spectra, along with peak lists predicted by supplying only FID input to the deep learning algorithm. The generated peak lists can be considered as spectra with infinite resolution.
2-D numerical experiments of thermal convection of highly viscous fluids under strong adiabatic compression: implications on mantle convection of super-Earths with various sizes
Authors: Kameyama Masanori
Published: February 2025

We conduct a series of numerical experiments of thermal convection of compressible fluids with temperature-dependent viscosity, in order to study how the adiabatic compression and model geometries affect the mantle convection on super-Earths. A two-dimensional basally heated convection is considered under the truncated anelastic liquid approximation (TALA), either in a rectangular box or in a cylindrical annulus. We varied the magnitude of adiabatic heating and the Rayleigh number as well as the depth profile of thermodynamic properties (thermal expansivity and reference density) in accordance with the planetary sizes. From our calculations by varying the planetary sizes up to 10 times the Earth’s mass, we confirmed that the adiabatic compression affects the thermal convection more strongly for larger planets. The activity of hot plumes originating from the core–mantle boundary is significantly suppressed in the terrestrial planets whose mass is larger than the Earth’s by a factor of about 3 regardless of the model geometries. We also developed scaling relationships between the vigor of thermal convection and the planetary mass by appropriately incorporating the effect of adiabatic compression into those of Boussinesq (or incompressible) cases. Our scaling relationships suggest that the stress level in the top cold thermal boundary layers is almost independent of the planetary mass, which may further imply that the emergence of plate tectonics is not likely to be enhanced for massive terrestrial planets whose composition is similar to the Earth’s.

Graphical Abstract