bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate therapeutic potential in human diseases: molecular mechanisms and clinical studies
Authors: Alam Manzar , Gulzar Mehak , Akhtar Mohammad Salman , Rashid Summya , Zulfareen  , Tanuja  , Shamsi Anas , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz 
Published: December 2024

AbstractGreen tea has garnered increasing attention across age groups due to its numerous health benefits, largely attributed to Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), its key polyphenol. EGCG exhibits a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties, as well as benefits for cardiovascular and oral health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent findings on the therapeutic potential of EGCG in various human diseases. Neuroprotective effects of EGCG include safeguarding neurons from damage and enhancing cognitive function, primarily through its antioxidant capacity to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during physiological stress. Additionally, EGCG modulates key signaling pathways such as JAK/STAT, Delta-Notch, and TNF, all of which play critical roles in neuronal survival, growth, and function. Furthermore, EGCG is involved in regulating apoptosis and cell cycle progression, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of metabolic diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, further clinical trials are essential to validate the efficacy and safety of EGCG and to optimize its delivery to target tissues. While many reviews have addressed the anticancer properties of EGCG, this review focuses on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways by which EGCG used in specific human diseases, particularly cancer, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals, revealing the potential of EGCG in managing neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and metabolic diseases and highlighting its broader therapeutic values.
Comparative study to analyze the overall performance of upstream and downstream wedge ribs microchannels using thermal lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Biswas Runu , Sohel Nurunnabi , Taher Mohammad Abu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe thermal lattice Boltzmann method (TLBM) is used to analyze the overall performance for upstream and downstream wedge ribs microchannels (MC) under slip flow conditions. The thermal–hydraulic enhancement criterion is investigated to evaluate the performance of the channel and compare it for various roughness MC. In order to improve the channel performance, two alternative artificial roughness geometry, upstream and downstream wedge ribs, are taken both on the top and bottom walls of the microchannel with aspect ratio (AR) 7, where AR = L/H; L and H are channel length and height respectively in micrometer (μm). This study focused on simulating temperature profiles, velocity vectors in terms of stream lines, pressure gradients, and friction factor in terms of Poiseuille number as well as heat transfer rate in terms of Nusselt number (Nu). The overall performance of the channel is calculated based on flow friction and heat transfer rate for different Knudsen numbers (Kn) ranging from 0.01 to 0.10 with upstream and downstream wedge ribs height up to 20% of channel height. The results have been compared with previously published work and are found a very good agreement. The analysis revels that, the vortices are formed behind each upstream wedge rib, whereas they are created in front of each downstream wedge rib. The size and shape of vortices are influenced by Kn. As Kn increases from 0.0 to 0.10, the fluid circulation area becomes smaller for upstream wedge ribs MC, while it is changing very slowly for downstream wedge ribs MC; hence, the pressure gradient is also responsible for changing Kn. The flow friction is linearly decreased with increasing Kn but significantly increased with ribs height. But compared to the smooth channel, the friction is significantly increased for upstream and downstream wedge ribs MC. The average rate of heat transfer in terms of Nu is also linearly decreased with increasing Kn, but Nu increased with ε for lower Kn and decreased for higher Kn. Therefore, compared to smooth MC, Nu increased and decreased for the same for upstream and downstream wedge ribs MC. Finally, the performance enhancement (η) is calculated, and it is found that η decreased with increasing Kn for upstream and downstream wedge ribs MC. The higher performances are indicated for lower Kn as well as lower ribs height. For all cases, the better performance is noted for downstream wedge ribs MC compared to upstream MC.
Differences associated with different prior mental disorders among earthquake-exposed treatment-seeking individuals
Authors: Woods Cate F. , McIntosh Virginia V. W. , Frampton Christopher M. , Carter Frances A. , Colhoun Helen C. , Jordan Jennifer , Smith Rebekah A. , Bell Caroline 
Published: December 2024

Background
History of prior mental disorder, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), increases risk for PTSD following subsequent trauma exposure. However, limited research has examined differences associated with specific prior mental disorders among people with PTSD.

Aims
The current study examined whether different prior mental disorders were associated with meaningful differences among individuals presenting to a specialist service for severe earthquake-related distress following the Canterbury earthquakes (N = 177).

Method
Two sets of comparisons were made: between participants with no history of prior disorder and participants with history of any prior disorder; and between participants with history of prior PTSD and those with history of other prior disorders. Comparisons were made in relation to sociodemographic factors, earthquake exposure, peri-traumatic distress, life events and current psychological functioning.

Results
Participants with any prior mental disorder had more current disorders than those with no prior disorder. Among participants with history of any prior disorder, those with prior PTSD reported more life events in the past 5 years than those with other prior disorders.

Conclusions
Findings suggest a history of any prior mental disorder contributes to increased clinical complexity, but not increased PTSD severity, among people with PTSD seeking treatment. Although post-disaster screening efforts should include those with prior mental disorders, it should also be recognised that those with no prior disorders are also at risk of developing equally severe PTSD.
LC-HRMS profiling, antibacterial activities, and in silico study of ethyl acetate extract from Dracaena angustifolia root bark
Authors: KARTA I WAYAN , WARSITO WARSITO , MASRURI MASRURI , MUDIANTA I WAYAN 
Published: December 2024

Abstract. Karta IW, Warsito W, Masruri M, Mudianta IW. 2024. LC-HRMS profiling, antibacterial activities, and in silico study of ethyl acetate extract from Dracaena angustifolia root bark. Biodiversitas 25: 3555-3567. The escalating resistance of bacteria to conventional antibiotics has spurred new sources of exploration of natural antibacterial agents. This study aimed to unveil the antibacterial potential of Dracaena angustifolia Roxb. root bark extract through a comprehensive approach of in vitro assays, LC-HRMS analysis, in silico, and molecular dynamics simulations. The root bark, extracted with ethyl acetate, was identified using LC-HRMS and tested for antibacterial activity using the diffusion method. The extract demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi. Of 37 annotated compounds, four (Arbutin, (-)-Caryophyllene oxide, Ruscoponticoside C, and Striatisporolide A) were predicted by PASS to exhibit antibacterial potential. Molecular docking revealed differences in the binding interactions between amino acid residues and ligands of the target protein (PDB ID: 3HUN). Ruscoponticoside C shares binding site similarities with the native ligand Ampicillioic acid. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the ligand-protein complexes of Arbutin, Ruscoponticoside C, Striatisporolide A, and Ampicillioic acid were more stable compared to Chloramphenicol. This study suggests that this plant’s root bark extract has potential as an antibacterial agent, inspiring further in-depth research into the isolation of its secondary metabolites and their potential impact on drug discovery.
Potential use of salivary TNF-α as a vaccine-induced pain biomarker in people with cerebral palsy and communication disorders
Authors: Sabater-Gárriz Álvaro , Cerón José Joaquín , Montoya Pedro , Riquelme Inmaculada 
Published: December 2024

Background
Pain in people with cerebral palsy (CP) has been classically underestimated and poorly treated, particularly in individuals with impaired communication skills.

Objective
To analyze changes in different salivary metabolites and pain behavior scales after a painful procedure in adults with CP and adults with typical development.

Methods
Salivary levels of sTNF-α, sIgA, Cortisol, FRAP, ADA and Alpha Amylase, as well as 3 observational pain scales (Wong-Baker, Non-Communicating Adults Pain Checklist and Facial Action Coding System) were assessed before and after an intramuscular injection in 30 Individuals with CP and 30 healthy controls. Video recording of face expression was performed during the procedure for offline analysis.

Results
Pain in subjects with CP was higher than in healthy controls after the intramuscular injection as displayed by observational scales. sTNF-α experienced a significant post-stimulus increase in both groups and that increase shows a tendency to correlate with the observational scales scores. Other biomarkers classically associated with stress (cortisol, Alpha Amylase) remain stable.

Conclusion
sTNF-α might be a promising pain indicator. Further research using controlled painful stimuli of greater intensity and pain self-reports, would be necessary to better understand its use as a pain biomarker.
Maintaining essential healthcare services in Addis Ababa during COVID-19: A qualitative study
Authors: Fenta Esete Habtemariam , Tassew Berhan , Abera Admas , Wolde Firmaye Bogale , Legesse Meseret , Pulford Justin , Mor Siobhan , Kaba Mirgissa 
Published: December 2024

Background
Worldwide, health systems have been challenged by the overwhelming demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Ethiopia, maintaining essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical to preventing severe outcomes and protecting the gains made over the past years in the health sector. This project aims to explore the health system’s response to maintaining essential healthcare services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods
A total of 60 key informant interviews were conducted by purposively selecting key stakeholders from Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa Regional Health Bureau, Sub-city Health Offices, and frontline healthcare providers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using Open Code. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data.

Result
COVID-19 affected the delivery of essential health services in several ways, namely: decline in health service utilization, fear of infection among healthcare providers, stigma towards healthcare providers, and perceived decrease in quality-of-service provision. However, the health system actors made efforts to sustain services while responding to the pandemic by enacting changes in the service delivery modality. The most significant service delivery changes included repurposing health centers and prolonged prescriptions (multi-month medication dispensing). The primary challenges encountered were burnout of the health workforce and a shortage of personal protective equipment.

Conclusion
COVID-19 has affected the delivery of essential health services in multifaceted ways. System actors have accordingly made efforts to sustain services while responding to the pandemic.
Peripheral lncRNA NEAT-1, miR374b-5p, and IL6 panel to guide in COVID-19 patients’ diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Ali Marwa A. , Shaker Olfat G. , Ezzat Eman M. , Ali El Shaimaa Gomaa , Aboelor Mahmoud I. , Ahmed Mona I. , Hassan Essam A. , Ali Doaa Y. , Ahmed Heba Mostafa , Khalefa Abeer A. , Hussein Rasha A. , Elkhateeb Ahmed Fathy , Mohamed Esam Ali 
Published: December 2024

Background
The SARS-CoV-2 virus’s frequent mutations have made disease control with vaccines and antiviral drugs difficult; as a result, there is a need for more effective coronavirus drugs. Therefore, detecting the expression of various diagnostic biomarkers, including ncRNA in SARS-CoV2, implies new therapeutic strategies for the disease.

Aim
Our study aimed to measure NEAT-1, miR-374b-5p, and IL6 in the serum of COVID-19 patients, demonstrating the correlation between target genes to explore the possible relationship between them. Also, the association between target genes and patients’ clinical findings and radiological severity indices will be explored.

Patients and methods
The current study included 48 COVID-19-infected individuals and 40 controls. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed to detect lncRNA NEAT-1 and miRNA374b-5p fold change (FC) in the participants’ sera. Enzyme-Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA) is used to detect IL6.

Results
Our results showed statistical significance with lower levels of (NEAT-1) [ median (range) = 0.08 (0.001-0.602)], and (miR374b-5p) [ median (range) = 0.14 (.01-7.16)] while higher IL-6 levels [ median (range) = 41.3 (7.2-654) pg/ml] when compared to controls with p-value <0.001. Serum level of NEAT-1 correlates negatively with IL-6 level (r = -.317, P = .008). ROC curve analysis revealed that sensitivity and specificity tests for NEAT-1 and IL-6 levels in the diagnosis of cases illustrated a sensitivity of (100% and 97.9%) and a specificity of (85% and 100%) at cut-off values (0.985 and 12.55), respectively. In comparison, miR374b-5p showed sensitivity and specificity of around 85% in distinguishing COVID-19 patients from controls. No significant association was detected between target genes and radiological severity indices.

Conclusions
Our study is the first to detect decreased NEAT-1 and miR374b-5p expression in COVID-19 patients’ serum. There was also an increase in IL6 levels. There is a negative correlation between NEAT-1 and IL6 in COVID-19 patients.
Factors associated with essential newborn care practice among obstetric care providers in public hospitals in Gamo, Gofa, and Wolayta zones, southern Ethiopia: A facility-based cross-sectional study, 2022
Authors: Salo Samuel Shanko , Ukumo Eshetu Yisihak , Teshale Manaye Yihune 
Published: December 2024

Background
Almost everywhere, neonatal mortality can be decreased with ease if competent obstetricians give the necessary treatment. Unfortunately, observational techniques were not used to examine basic essential newborn care practice among obstetric care providers in Ethiopia. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate factors related to essential newborn care practice using observational techniques among obstetric care providers in public hospitals in the Gamo, Gofa, and Wolayta zones, southern Ethiopia.

Methods
An institutional-based cross-sectional study carried out from May 15 to June 30, 2022. A simple random sampling method was used. Structured self-administered questionnaires with a clinical observational checklist were used to collect data. Data imported into Epidata version 4.6 and analyzed using the SPSS Version 25. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify factors associated with essential newborn care practices. An odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to assess the direction and strength of the association.

Results
The overall magnitude of good essential newborn care practice among obstetric care providers was 53.5% (95% CI = 49, 58). Factors positively associated with the practice of essential newborn care were having interest on working in delivery room (AOR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.71,5.83), having no work load (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.78,4.49), received in-service training (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.75,5.45), having supportive supervision (AOR = 3.41, 95% CI = 1.25, 9.24), and having good knowledge on essential newborn care (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI = 1.89,4.90).

Conclusion
The observed level of essential newborn care practices among obstetric care providers underscores the necessity for targeted interventions that stimulate interest in delivery room work, effectively manage workloads, and offer comprehensive training along with supportive supervision. By concentrating on these aspects and enhancing providers’ knowledge, we can significantly improve essential newborn care practices.
The prevalence and associated factors of the minimum acceptable diet among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Bikila Girma Cheru , Arero Godana , Kalu Sultan , Roba Kedir Teji , Charkos Tesfaye Getachew 
Published: December 2024

Background
A minimum acceptable diet for children aged 6–23 months is limited globally, with Ethiopia’s proportion reducing to one in nine. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of the minimum acceptable diet and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Dera town, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the study subjects. The data was coded, entered into Epi-Info version 7, and then exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. The variance inflation factor and tolerance test are used to check multicollinearity. Descriptive statistics of frequency (%) were used. Hosmer and Lemeshow’s goodness-of-fit test at a P-value > 0.05 is considered the model fit. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were computed with a 95% confidence interval, and a P-value < 0.05 was, considered statistically significant.

Results
A total of 430 study subjects were included in this study. The prevalence of a minimum acceptable diet was 36.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 32, 41%). In the adjusted model, mothers attaining a primary school (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.3, 4.8), college and above education (AOR = 4.3, 95%CI: 1.4, 13), child age between 12–17 months (AOR = 6.2, 95%CI: 2.80, 13.50) and 18–23 months (AOR = 4.61, 95%CI: 2.04, 10.40), ANC visit four or more (AOR = 2.0, 95%CI: 1.2, 3.4), and not feeding breast (AOR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.31) were significantly associated with meeting the minimum acceptable diet.

Conclusion
This study showed that the practice of a minimum acceptable diet was low, according to the World Food Program target. Mothers’ educational status, antenatal care visits, age of the child, and breastfeeding were the predictors of the minimum acceptable diet.
The role of government in helping SMEs to access finance: An evolutionary game modeling and simulation approach
Authors: Mei Zhu , Zhang Jingjing , Zhou QiaoMei 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to delineate the operating system of a strategic game model involving three core financial actors—government, banks, and guarantee institutions, with a focus on their collective impact on system evolution towards sustainable SME financing.

Methodology
Utilizing numerical simulations informed by dynamic equation constraints and optimal equilibrium states, this paper abstracts the strategic behaviors of system constituents, constructing a game model to predict and analyze system evolution within various operational contexts.

Results
The simulation experiments reveal the critical role of quality risk information and responsible actor behavior in maintaining low default rates and fostering a sustainable financial system. System trajectories under various scenarios highlight the fragility of the equilibrium and the necessity of concerted, strategic cooperation among all stakeholders.

Conclusions
Findings underscore the importance of a cooperative, conscientious approach by government, banks, and guarantee institutions to ensure a robust and sustainable SME financing environment. The study advocates for strategic policy guidance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of institutional roles and their cumulative effect on system stability.
Determinants and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the adult population in Hargeisa, Somaliland: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Abdeta Muktar , Ahmed Ayanle Suleiman , Abdilahi Mohamed Mussa , Nuh Abdulkadir Mohamed 
Published: December 2024

Background
Metabolic syndrome (met-s) is a medical condition that includes abdominal obesity, hyperlipidemia, high blood glucose, and high blood pressure. It is associated with a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The condition was believed to be a challenge mostly faced by developed nations. A few studies conducted showed that met-s is increasing and becoming more common in Africa, where it was considered rare. The study aimed to assess the determinants and prevalence of met-s among the adult population in Hargeisa town, Somaliland, in 2023.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study among 498 adults living in all eight districts of Hargeisa, was carried out from August to September 2023. The sample size was divided proportionally by the number of households in selected sub-districts. Systematic random sampling was employed to select the households in the sub-districts. One adult from each household was selected and assessed. Data were collected using the STEPwise approach of the World Health Organization. The data were analysed using International Diabetic Federation (IDF) criteria for metabolic syndrome with SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression were performed.

Result
In total, 498 adults participated in the study. The prevalence of met-s was 26.7% in IDF (males 11% vs. females 38.9%). Being of an advanced age of 45–54 years (AOR = 3.6, CI 1.17–11.27), 55–64 years (AOR = 6.1, CI 1.88–19.83), >64 (AOR = 9.1 CI 2.41–34.92), being a woman (AOR = 10.8, CI 5.3–21.8), being overweight or obese (AOR = 4.5, CI 2.5–8), sedentary behavior (AOR = 3.5, CI 1.6–7.5), and lack of physical exercise (AOR = 0.39, CI 0.17–0.88) were significantly associated with met-s.

Conclusion
The met-s was predominant in our findings. Community-based prevention strategies and actions are necessary if the met-s and its potential consequences are needed to be mitigated.