bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green Chemometric—assisted UV spectrophotometric techniques for the analysis of Helicobacter pylori triple therapy: amoxicillin, metronidazole and famotidine in bulk, individual and laboratory- prepared combined dosage forms: application to simulated gastric fluid with comprehensive greenness and whiteness appraisals
Authors: Maher Hadir M. , Mahgoub Hoda , Ragab Marwa A. A. , Tarek Salma 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
A significant variable in the genesis of peptic ulcers is Helicobacter pylori, which could be eliminated through several strategies. Amid them, there is a strategy based on receptor histamine-2 (e.g., famotidine) antagonist in conjunction with metronidazole and amoxicillin as antibiotics. This research used UV spectrophotometry paired with chemometrics to clarify the concurrent analysis of famotidine (FAM), amoxicillin (AMX) and metronidazole (MET) in bulk powder and mixed tablet formulations. The first derivative was calculated for determining FAM and MET. Nonetheless, the methods of double divisor ratio spectra and Fourier functions were incorporated for determining each of the three medications. The methods linearity was fine in the strength ranges of 3–20 µg mL−1 (FAM), 12–40 µg mL−1 (AMX) and 4 -20 µg mL−1 (MET), as shown by the correlation coefficient (0.9999). Analyzing the triple therapy of FAM, AMX and MET helped in the determination of the techniques' accuracy and precision which were done for both their synthetic and combined tablet mixture solutions, as well as in their combined tablet mixture solutions in simulated stomach fluid. Adopting UV spectrophotometry was advantageous over HPLC and HPTLC techniques for FAM, AMX and MET simultaneous determination. This can be attributed to better cost and time efficiency, lack of sophistication, less amounts of reagents and wastes and therefore better greenness when talking about UV spectrophotometry. Upon co-formulation of FAM, AMX and MET triple therapy, their routine analysis could benefit from the presented methodologies in quality control labs. Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) as well as White Analytical Chemistry (WAC) were both employed for assessing the UV spectrophotometric methods that were described with an emphasis on the cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness of the suggested techniques. Moreover, the method was practically appraised employing Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI).
Diabetes distress and associated psychosocial factors in type 2 diabetes. A population-based cross-sectional study. The HUNT study, Norway
Authors: Riise Hilde K.R. , Haugstvedt Anne , Igland Jannicke , Graue Marit , Søfteland Eirik , Hermann Monica , Carlsson Sofia , Skinner Timothy C. , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Iversen Marjolein M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and aim
The world-wide prevalence of diabetes distress varies, and studies are mainly undertaken in clinical settings. By using data from the Trøndelag Health (HUNT) study, we aimed to estimate diabetes distress prevalence, its determinants, and associations with anxiety and depression among adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
This population-based cross-sectional study consists of individuals ≥ 20 years with type 2 diabetes participating in the HUNT4 survey (2017–2019). Diabetes-distress prevalence with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated based on the five item Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID-5) questionnaire. PAID-5 sum scores were rescaled to a 0-100 scale by multiplying the sum score by five. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine associations of demographic, lifestyle- and clinical factors, with diabetes distress.

Results
In total, 1954 individuals completed the PAID-5 questionnaire, with a mean score of 15.2 (SD 18.3) and 11.9% (95% CI 10.6–13.4) reporting high diabetes distress (PAID-5 ≥ 40). Multivariable linear regression showed that diabetes distress was associated with a 0.2 (95% CI 0.2–0.3) lower score for each year older age, 7.6 (95% CI 5.4–9.7) higher score for current insulin use, and 9.3 (95% CI 5.3–13.2) higher score for a history of diabetes foot ulcers. High levels of anxiety and depression symptoms were associated with higher diabetes distress (Anxiety: B 16.0, 95% CI 13.6–18.4, Depression: B 13.3, 95% CI 10.7–16.0).

Conclusions
Diabetes distress is common and strongly associated with younger age at diabetes onset, insulin use, foot ulcer, and anxiety and depression symptoms. Identifying and addressing diabetes distress in diabetes follow-up may facilitate improving health outcomes and prevent more serious mental health issues in individuals with T2D. Nevertheless, the findings should be further examined in longitudinal studies.
Own-gender bias in facial feature recognition yields sex differences in holistic face processing
Authors: Hausinger Tobias , Probst Björn , Hawelka Stefan , Pletzer Belinda 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Female observers in their luteal cycle phase exhibit a bias towards a detail-oriented rather than global visuospatial processing style that is well-documented across cognitive domains such as pattern recognition, navigation, and object location memory. Holistic face processing involves an integration of global patterns and local parts into a cohesive percept and might thus be susceptible to the influence of sex and cycle-related processing styles. This study aims to investigate potential sex differences in the part-whole effect as a measure a of holistic face processing and explores possible relationships with sex hormone levels.

Methods
147 participants (74 male, 51 luteal, 22 non-luteal) performed a part-whole face recognition task while being controlled for cycle phase and sex hormone status. Eye tracking was used for fixation control and recording of fixation patterns.

Results
We found significant sex differences in the part-whole effect between male and luteal phase female participants. In particular, this sex difference was based on luteal phase participants exhibiting higher face part recognition accuracy than male participants. This advantage was exclusively observed for stimulus faces of women. Exploratory analyses further suggest a similar advantage of luteal compared to non-luteal participants, but no significant difference between non-luteal and male participants. Furthermore, testosterone emerged as a possible mediator for the observed sex differences.

Conclusion
Our results suggest a possible modulation of face encoding and/or recognition by sex and hormone status. Moreover, the established own-gender bias in face recognition, that is, female advantage in recognition of faces of the same gender might be based on more accurate representations of face-parts.
KAT8 catalyzes the acetylation of SEPP1 at lysine 247/249 and modulates the activity of CD8+ T cells via LRP8 to promote anti-tumor immunity in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhu Zhongfei , Nie Gang , Peng Xiaobo , Zhan Xianbao , Ding Dan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies with unfavorable prognosis globally. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that SEPP1 was low expressed in PC and related to tumor immune microenvironment, but its biological function was still unclear.

Methods
PC xenograft and liver metastasis mouse models, as well as PC cell-MDSCs co-culture system, were established for in vivo and in vitro studies, respectively. The expression and localization of key molecules were detected by qRT-PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry was employed to assess the abundance of immune cells and cell apoptosis. The interactions among KAT8, SEPP1 and LRP8 were detected by co-IP. Cell viability, migration and invasion were monitored by CCK-8 and transwell assays.

Results
SEPP1 was downregulated in pancreatic tumors, and it was positively correlated with the abundance of CD8+ T cells. In vivo overexpression of SEPP1 impaired PC tumor growth and liver metastasis via modulating the abundance of CD8+ T cell and MDSCs. KAT8 upregulated SEPP1 transcription and protein level via catalyzing the acetylation at K247/249 on SEPP1, and SEPP1 impaired MDSCs survival via its receptor LRP8, thus regulating CD8+ T cell-mediated immune responses in PC. In vivo studies further revealed that SEPP1 recombinant protein enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy in PC xenograft mouse model.

Conclusion
KAT8 catalyzed the acetylation of SEPP1 at K247/249 and modulated the activity of CD8+ T cells via LRP8 to promote anti-tumor immunity in PC.
The role of environmental attitudes and consumption patterns in consumers’ preferences for sustainable food from circular farming system: a six EU case studies
Authors: Ornelas Herrera Selene Ivette , Baba Yasmina , Kallas Zein , Meers Erik , Michels Evi , Hajdu Zoltán , Spicnagel Ana Marija 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Decisions about what we consume have environmental repercussions and, therefore, implications for future generations. Consumers’ ability to pay more for sustainable food stimulates production strategies, like circular agriculture, aiding the European Green Deal’s sustainable food system. With the aim of analysing the preferences and willingness to pay of European consumers for food labelled as obtained by more sustainable systems in terms of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the optimisation of soil nutrients, a survey with 5591 participants from Spain, Poland, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, and Belgium was conducted. The survey was designed to analyse three food products (pork meat, milk, and bread) obtained through different production systems (circular, conventional, and organic) using the discrete choice experiment methodology. The survey included questions about consumers’ environmental attitudes and consumption behaviour, to identify their influence over preferences regarding sustainable food products. Results revealed that over 27% of consumers preferred circular food, unveiling a potential market. This preference highlighted the effect of consumers’ environmental attitudes. Those who actively engaged in recycling were more prone to choose circular food and shown a tendency to go for less conventional options. Consumers’ WTP was consistently higher for circular milk compared to conventional across all the studied countries. However, for circular pork and bread, this greater WTP was reported exclusively in Spain and Croatia. It was suggested that sectors involved in a sustainable food production should standardise labels for circular food, create educational programmes about problems generated by unsustainable consumption, and promote consumption of circular products.
Workload perception in educational resource recommendation supported by artificial intelligence: a controlled experiment with teachers
Authors: Machado Alexandre , Tenório Kamilla , Santos Mateus Monteiro , Barros Aristoteles Peixoto , Rodrigues Luiz , Mello Rafael Ferreira , Paiva Ranilson , Dermeval Diego 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Researchers are increasingly interested in enabling teachers to monitor and adapt gamification design in the context of intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs). These contributions rely on teachers’ needs and preferences to adjust the gamification design according to student performance. This work extends previous studies on teachers’ perception of their cognitive effort and dedication to creating and monitoring educational resource recommendations on a simulated gamified educational platform. This study compares teachers’ perceptions of workload using one of three scenarios— manual, automated, and semi-automated—to recommend educational resources through a randomized experiment. In this study, 151 participating teachers evaluated their perception of cognitive effort and time dedicated to creating recommendations for missions and monitoring students on the platform. The results indicate that the teachers’ perception that the automated scenario has a lower workload than the manual scenario significantly raises the hypotheses. Our results also suggest that teachers’ perception of the textbook scenario is different according to their level of knowledge about Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). For teachers with advanced ICT knowledge, the manual scenario is perceived as a scenario that indicates a more outstanding performance. According to the educational level of the teachers, the perception of mental demand for the automated scenario is significantly different. These significantly contribute to understanding teachers’ perceptions when using educational platforms in their classes.
Exploring the utility of N-acetylcysteine for loss of control eating: protocol of an open-label single-arm pilot study
Authors: Muthmainah Muthmainah , Sketriene Diana , Anversa Roberta G. , Harris Emily , Griffiths Scott , Gogos Andrea , Sumithran Priya , Brown Robyn M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
A sense of loss of control over eating, such that eating occurs despite the intent not to, is common in people with obesity and eating disorders such as binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. Currently, options for management of loss of control eating are limited. We recently determined that the pro-drug N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reduces compulsive-like eating in a rat model of diet-induced obesity. We will now conduct a single site, open-label pilot study to examine the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of NAC for loss of control eating in humans.

Methods
Thirty-six adult volunteers with loss of control eating will be enrolled. All participants will receive NAC at a dose of 1200 mg orally twice daily for 12 weeks. Eating behaviors and triggers will be assessed before and after the NAC treatment period using questionnaires (Eating Loss of Control Scale, Palatable Eating Motives Scale: Coping Subscale, Food Craving Inventory, Reward-Based Eating Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Emotional Eating Scale) and ecological momentary assessment (EMA). The primary outcomes of this feasibility study are recruitment rate, participant retention rate at week 12, and medication adherence. The secondary outcome is change in Eating Loss of Control Scale score from baseline to week 12. Exploratory data will be collected on the change in eating behaviors from baseline to week 12. Although EMA can provide real-time data on eating behaviors compared with retrospective questionnaires, it relies on repeated daily measurement for long periods which can affect participant’s adherence to study protocol. Therefore, this feasibility study will assess the performance of EMA versus retrospective questionnaires and will determine which approach suits the purposes of the research.

Discussion
The results of this study will inform the feasibility of a RCT of NAC for loss of control eating using EMA.

Trial registration
This study was prospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry in June 2022 (ACTRN12622000902796).
Understanding the role of electrostatic force, van der Waals force, and osmotic pressure in retinal function and barrier integrity
Authors: Al-Shami Khayry , Shatnawi Jafar , Qasagsah Khaled , Almurabi Salman , Shatnawi Ghayda’ , Darawsheh Tasnim , Karaja Shahed 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The retina’s intricate interplay of forces and structures, with a focus on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors, is essential for retinal health and function. Among these forces, electrostatic forces play a crucial role, working alongside van der Waals forces and oncotic pressure to maintain the retina’s attachment to the RPE and ensure the integrity of the blood-retina barrier (BRB). The composition of the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM), influenced by molecules like Retbindin secreted by rod photoreceptors, further modulates these forces, affecting processes like visual pigment regeneration and metabolite exchange. In the context of retinal tissue engineering and new technologies for support and cells-based treatments, electrostatic forces are harnessed to optimize nutrient supply to transplanted RPE cells by reducing pore size in electrospun polymer membranes. Scaffold-based strategies for retinal repair also utilize electrostatic, hydrophobic, van der Waals, and hydrogen bonding forces to enhance cell adhesion and growth, mimicking the basement membrane. Understanding the complex dynamics of these forces in retinal-RPE interactions holds promise for innovative treatments for retinal disorders, emphasizing the intricate balance between electrostatic forces, van der Waals forces, oncotic pressure, and more. These insights open exciting avenues for research and therapeutic interventions in ophthalmology. Additionally, van der Waals forces are explored in the context of cell adhesion, and their potential role in retinal health is discussed, particularly in relation to melanin’s protective properties against blue light-induced damage. Tissue engineering approaches, both scaffold-free and scaffold-based, are discussed, highlighting the importance of physical surface treatments and adhesive forces in preserving engineered RPE tissue. Overall, this abstract provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of electrostatic and other forces in retinal biology and their implications for future research and clinical applications in ophthalmology.
Relationship between paternal smoking behaviour and birth outcomes based on a comic booklet intervention for preventing second-hand smoke exposure to non-smoking pregnant women in Indonesia: a follow-up randomised controlled trial
Authors: Inaoka Kimiko , Mamahit Citra Gabriella , Octawijaya Ishak Halim , Wariki Windy Mariane Virenia , Ota Erika 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Although the harmfulness of second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure to foetuses is well-established, literature reporting foetal outcomes in experimental studies is limited. This follow-up study on preventing SHS exposure among non-smoking Indonesian pregnant women at home was based on a randomised controlled trial involving the provision of comic booklets with stickers to couples. This trial examined differences in the birth outcomes of participating couples between the experimental and control groups, factors associated with paternal smoking behaviour, and association between birth outcomes and paternal-related outcomes.

Methods
In total, 197 neonates of 286 couples who participated in an original trial were included. This study compared birth outcomes between participating couples using a comic booklet with stickers to reduce SHS exposure at home during pregnancy as the intervention. Pearson Chi-square tests were conducted to investigate significant differences in neonate sexes between the experimental and control groups. Independent sample t-tests were used to check for significant differences in birth outcome data between the experimental and control groups. A multiple regression analysis was applied to test the correlation between paternal smoking behaviour and the birth outcomes.

Results
The gestational age in the experimental group was longer than the age in control group (mean difference = 0.373, Cohen’s d = 0.291, 95% CI [0.010–0.57], p-value = 0.048). Pregnant women’s avoidance of SHS strongly influenced paternal smoking behaviour in both the experimental group (b = 0.559, 95% CI [1.175–2.109], p-value < 0.001) and the control group (b = 0.429, 95% CI [0.675–1.567], p-value < 0.001). No associations were observed between birth and paternal behaviour outcomes.

Conclusions
The neonates’ gestational ages were greater in the experimental group than in the control group because of our intervention effect; pregnant women’s avoidance of SHS strongly influenced paternal smoking behaviour in both groups. Thus, the comic booklet intervention for smoking fathers with non-smoking pregnant partners helped reduce the risk of foetal developmental disorders. Couple-based interventions should be actively integrated into health worker strategies to effectively mitigate second-hand smoke exposure among pregnant women.

Trial registration This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry under the registration number UMIN000035423 (01/02/2019).
Asymptomatic malaria infections and associated risk factors in malaria-eliminating settings of Nong District, Savannakhet Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Authors: Bouwe Taofic , Nonaka Daisuke , Buchy Philippe , Hansana Parita , Khamlome Boualam , Chayvangmanh Vixayyang , Ahissou Noudéhouénou Credo Adelphe , Chindavongsa Keobouphaphone , Pongvongsa Tiengkham , Banouvong Virasack , Iwagami Moritoshi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
As the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is nearing malaria elimination, asymptomatic malaria infections remain a challenge to address. Control measures focusing on symptomatic persons do not effectively work for asymptomatic infections which often go undetected by conventional diagnostic tools. It is therefore crucial to understand the burden of asymptomatic malaria for tailored interventions to eliminate the disease. This study assessed the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections with associated risk factors in an endemic district of Savannakhet province.

Methods
In March 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted in three villages of Nong District. Blood samples were collected from the fingertips of the participants for Plasmodium parasite identification using microscopy and Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP); those aged 13 years and above were also interviewed. Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test were performed to compare the medians of different age and temperature groups and determine the association between predictor variables and outcome variables respectively.

Results
A total of 622 individuals participated in this survey; Plasmodium parasites were detected in 2.1% (13/622) of participants. The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was 1.8% (11/622). Plasmodium vivax accounted for 15.4% (2/13) of all positive cases. The remaining species could not be identified. Farmers aged 15 years and above accounted for 81.8% of the asymptomatic infections. Ninety percent (90%) of the participants used bed nets in the village. Among interviewed participants, 23.6% reported not using mosquito bed nets in the forest; 21.3% of the participants who had been to the forest were nighttime forest workers.

Conclusions
This study revealed a prevalence of 1.8% of asymptomatic malaria infections in the study areas with the majority of the infections clustered among farmers, and an important proportion of these populations not using protective measures in the forest. These findings showed that malaria reservoirs are notable with a lack of use of protective measures, which could threaten malaria control and elimination efforts. Therefore, malaria elimination in Lao PDR by 2030 would need interventions targeting high-risk adult populations for screening with sensitive tools coupled with sensitization on protective measures and asymptomatic malaria.