bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empowering women in emergency care: The roles of work-life balance and equal opportunity in navigating success in the paramedic profession
Authors: Al Jumaan Mohammed , Al Haliq Samer , Abuzeid Rateb , Kandil Mohamed , AlShammari Talal , Hajjaj Manal , Qawwas Lutfiah , Al Bahri Essa Ojaim 
Published: February 2025

Background Despite efforts to boost female workforce participation, there remains a shortage of female paramedics relative to Saudi Arabia's female population. Objective This study explores how work-life balance and equal opportunities empower women in the paramedic profession, focusing on their roles in achieving success and overcoming challenges in emergency care settings. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive research was employed using a questionnaire survey conducted among paramedics in Saudi Arabia (n = 250) and a sample of the research (n = 197; response rate: 78.8%). An adapted instrument of the Culture Conducive to Women's Academic Success survey was used to collect data. Using statistical software (SPSS 29), data were coded numerically, and statistical analysis was performed for both descriptive and inferential purposes. In addition, independent samples t-test was used to analyzed data on variables including age, gender, job title, level of education, and years of experience. Results Descriptive statistics revealed high agreement overall, particularly regarding salaries and professional social events. However, there was moderate disagreement about protected time for research. An independent t-test indicated significant gender differences, with female paramedics reporting less favorable experiences in access to opportunities and work-life balance support. Yet, demographic characteristics like age, gender, job title, education level, and experience did not significantly influence success factor scores. Conclusion While female paramedics perceive high equality in career access and work-life balance support, areas for improvement exist, such as research time and reducing stigma around family responsibilities. Policymakers may consider interventions to address gender disparities and enhance female paramedics’ experiences.
The difference in C7 to wall distance in a group of software developers with and without moderate chronic neck pain
Authors: Kovac Dimitrije , Krkeljas Zarko 
Published: February 2025

Background As the prevalence of non-traumatic neck pain (NTNP) increases, particularly among computer workers, identifying contributing factors is essential for developing preventative strategies. Objective This study investigates the association between c7-to-wall distance and chronic NTNP in software developers, a population characterized by prolonged sedentary behavior and high computer usage. Methods The study employed the C7-to-wall distance (C7WD) test, recognized for its reliability and ease of use, to measure the kyphotic curve as an indicator of spinal posture. Ninety software developers (age = 35.3 ± 5.4 yrs; male = 56, female = 34;) with an average working experience of 9.2 ± 4.5 yrs as a full-time software developer (40.7 ± 1.8 h/week) were examined for postural pathologies and allocated to two groups based on presence of neck pain. Results The key finding was a significant correlation between increased C7WD and the presence of moderate chronic NTNP in software developers, revealing that those with neck pain tended to have a greater C7WD. It was observed that all participants exhibited mild kyphotic posture irrespective of pain presence. Conclusion The results suggest that although a relationship exists, the clinical significance of the difference in C7WD between those with and without chronic NTNP is debatable. The findings emphasize the need for further comprehensive research that encapsulates biomechanical, functional, and psychosocial factors to holistically understand and manage NTNP in the software developer population.
Navigating the crossroads: A case study on legal values perspectives of religious attire expression in the workplace
Authors: Duan Zhizhuang , Chen Bowen , Xie Ziyi 
Published: February 2025

Background The phenomenon of prohibiting employees from expressing religious attire in the workplace involves a complex interplay of different parties and issues related to human rights protection. Addressing and resolving this issue holds significant implications for advancing the cause of global religious freedom. Objective Through an analysis of common features in eleven representative cases from English and American legal systems, the author further discusses the challenges faced by employees expressing their religious attire in the workplace, and the institutional and societal issues reflected through these decisions. Methods Through the application of a case study approach, this study analyzes eleven representative cases from both English and American legal systems in the early twenty-first century, probing into the persistent nature of religious discrimination in the workplace. Results The research reveals that the ways in which managers prohibit employees from expressing religious attire in the workplace are categorized into direct and indirect prohibitions, and the related systems of religious discrimination evolve over time. However, when employees oppose the managers’ discriminatory policies based on religion, they often face the dilemma of dismissal and difficulty in seeking legal redress. Conclusion To confront this challenge, governments need to prioritize safeguarding equal rights among different religious and non-religious individuals when refining legislation. Furthermore, adhering to the principle of state neutrality, legal obligations shall not be arbitrarily attached to religious expression unless such expression poses a concrete threat to specific public interests. Managers, in formulating workplace management policies, should likewise adhere to these principles.
Changes in physical activity among overweight and obese Norwegian children aged 6–12: A non-randomized cluster-controlled trial
Authors: Meland Eivind , Abildsnes Eirik , Samdal Gro B. , Tonje Holte Stea , Haugen Tommy , Berntsen Sveinung , Jahanlu David 
Published: February 2025

Aims: To explore whether a family-based intervention with playful activities among overweight and obese Norwegian children promoted moderate to vigorous and light physical activity compared with a waiting list control group, and to examine whether gross motor competence, isometric body mass index and motivational factors, as reported by the children and their parents, could explain changes observed during a six-month observation. Methods: A non-randomized cluster-controlled trial with 131 participants, 76 in the intervention group. Participants were aged 6–12 years, and 55 were boys. We performed linear regressions to compare the intervention and the control groups and adjusted linear models to examine predictors for outcomes with the groups merged into one cohort. Results: We could not demonstrate any intervention effect from the family-based activities. Moderate to vigorous physical activity levels were satisfactory at the start and were maintained during the observation period. None of the predictors could explain outcome status at six months, nor residual change of moderate to vigorous physical activity during the observation. We revealed that parental educational attainment, parental autonomous motivation and the participants’ experience of social support impacted light physical activity negatively after six months. Parental education also impacted the residual change of light physical activity negatively during the observation. Conclusions: The present family-based intervention to improve physical activity among overweight and obese children was ineffective. Baseline activity levels were already satisfactory. Paradoxically, factors such as parental socioeconomic status, autonomous motivation and self-reported support from parents and peers may be associated with diminished physical activity in such contexts. These unexpected findings need to be validated in further studies.
Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and inflammation in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: a retrospective dual-center cohort study
Authors: Pepe Angela , Fevola Cristina , Dolce Daniela , Campana Silvia , Ravenni Novella , Taccetti Giovanni , Salvatore Donatello , Terlizzi Vito 
Published: February 2025

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by chronic neutrophilic inflammation in the airways. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) therapy has demonstrably improved clinical outcomes and quality of life in people with CF (pwCF), but its effects on systemic inflammatory parameters remain unclear. Objective: To evaluate the impact of ETI on systemic inflammation in children and adolescents with CF. Design: Retrospective, dual-center observational, propensity score-matching study of pediatric pwCF on ETI. Methods: PwCF aged ⩽ 18 years treated with ETI at two Italian reference centers were included in this study. Data on immunoglobulins (Ig) (A, G, and M), γ-globulin, leukocyte levels, percent predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (ppFEV1), sweat chloride (SC) concentration, and sputum cultures were collected at baseline, 12, and 24 months of treatment. Laboratory data of a control group (pwCF, not in ETI therapy, same demographic characteristics as the study group) were also collected. Results: Sixty-six patients (30 males, median age: 12 years, F508del homozygous: 23) were included. Mean IgG levels (SD) significantly decreased ( p = 0.001) from 1168.20 mg/dl (344.41) at baseline to 1093.05 mg/dl (258.73; 12 months) and 1092.87 mg/dl (232.42; 24 months). Similar reductions were observed for IgA and γ-globulin; IgM reduction was not statistically significant. Leukocyte levels also decreased significantly from 8.04 × 103/µl (3.23 × 103) at baseline to 6.61 × 103/µl (1.74 × 103) (12 months) and 6.45 × 103/µl (1.70 × 103; 24 months). As for the control group, no significant changes in the levels of Ig, leukocytes, and γ-globulin were detected throughout the study period ( p > 0.05). The mean (SD) ppFEV1 and the overall mean (SD) SC concentration significantly decreased during the follow-up. Regarding cultures, 18 (27%) of the 27 patients positive (41%) for Staphylococcus aureus at baseline became negative during treatment. Three patients (4%) with persistently positive cultures for Pseudomonas aeruginosa during the first 12 months, became negative after 24 months. One patient (1.5%), with a baseline positive culture for Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, showed negative cultures after 12 months. Conclusion: ETI treatment improved respiratory outcomes and significantly reduced values of IgG, IgA, γ-globulin, and leukocytes, suggesting an effect on the systemic inflammatory response. Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of inflammatory parameters in monitoring response to therapy.
Microbial reduction of Fe(III)-bearing solids recovered from hydraulic fracturing flowback water: Implications for wastewater treatment
Authors: Hernandez-Becerra Natali , Nixon Sophie L. , Boothman Christopher , Lloyd Jonathan R. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing generates large volumes of flowback and produced water, composed of complex mixtures of organic and inorganic constituents. The solids associated with these fluids are Fe-rich and can contain toxic organics, heavy metals and naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). Despite this, only a few studies have analysed their composition and there is a lack of understanding about their interactions with microbial communities and their long-term fate in the environment. In this study, we analysed the solids associated with flowback water derived from a hydraulically fractured well in the Bowland Shale, UK. We also investigated the microbial reduction of these Fe(III)-rich materials under anaerobic conditions using anthraquinone-2.6-disulfonate (AQDS) as an electron shuttle and identified the resulting bioreduced mineral phases. XRD characterization indicated that the solids contained akaganeite (β-FeOOH, Cl) and Ba-bearing celestine (SrSO4). These Fe(III)-containing solids served as an electron acceptor for Shewanella frigidimarina and a flowback-derived Fe(III)-reducing enrichment culture. The bioreduced Fe(II)-bearing mineral phase was identified as ankerite [Ca(Fe,Mg,Mn)(CO3)2]; however, the presence of amorphous mineral phases is not ruled out. Microbial community composition was analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) most closely related to Chromohalobacter, Caminicella and putative Fe(III)-reducing genera were dominant across treatments. Our findings highlight the potential of these Fe(III)-bearing sludges to be harnessed for the development of wastewater treatment strategies; for example, coupling the oxidation of toxic organics with Fe(III) reduction through either the introduction of microbial inocula or biostimulation of the native microbial communities. Furthermore, microbial processing can also be optimized to transform the Fe(III) sludges into denser materials, which are easier to handle and can immobilize toxic metals, thereby reducing the toxicity of this waste.
Licochalcone A prevents cognitive decline in a lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation mice model
Authors: Carrasco Marina , Guzman Laura , Olloquequi Jordi , Cano Amanda , Fortuna Ana , Vazquez-Carrera Manuel , Verdaguer Ester , Auladell Carme , Ettcheto Miren , Camins Antoni 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Inflammation plays a key role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders that are currently incurable. Licochalcone A (LCA) has been described as an emerging anti-inflammatory drug with multiple therapeutical properties that could potentially prevent neurodegeneration. However, its neuroprotective mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated if LCA prevents cognitive decline induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and elucidated its potential benefits. For that, 8-week-old C57BL6/J male mice were intraperitonially (i.p.) treated with saline solution or LCA (15 mg/kg/day, 3 times per week) for two weeks. The last day, a single i.p injection of LPS (1 mg/kg) or saline solution was administered 24 h before sacrifice. The results revealed a significant reduction in mRNA expression in genes involved in oxidative stress (Sod1, Cat, Pkm, Pdha1, Ndyfv1, Uqcrb1, Cycs and Cox4i1), metabolism (Slc2a1, Slc2a2, Prkaa1 and Gsk3b) and synapsis (Bdnf, Nrxn3 and Nlgn2) in LPS group compared to saline. These findings were linked to memory impairment and depressive-like behavior observed in this group. Interestingly, LCA protected against LPS alterations through its anti-inflammatory effect, reducing gliosis and regulating M1/M2 markers. Moreover, LCA-treated animals showed a significant improvement of antioxidant mechanisms, such as citrate synthase activity and SOD2. Additionally, LCA demonstrated protection against metabolic disturbances, downregulating GLUT4 and P-AKT, and enhanced the expression of synaptic-related proteins (P-CREB, BDNF, PSD95, DBN1 and NLG3), leading all together to dendritic spine preservation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that LCA treatment prevents LPS-induced cognitive decline by reducing inflammation, enhancing the antioxidant response, protecting against metabolic disruptions and improving synapsis related mechanisms.
A qualitative evaluation of the effectiveness of behaviour change techniques used in the Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles for Diabetes (HEAL-D) intervention
Authors: Moore A. P. , Rivas C. , Harding S. , Goff Louise M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is up to three times more common in people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage living in the UK, compared to their White British counterparts. Structured education is the cornerstone of care but is less successful for people from minority ethnic groups. Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles for Diabetes (HEAL-D) was developed to support diabetes self-management in people of Black African and Caribbean heritage living with T2D in the UK. The intervention was designed using COM-B/behaviour change wheel methodology to specify the theory of change. In a process evaluation study, we explored how the selected behaviour change techniques (BCTs) supported behaviour change in the intervention.

Methods
Focus groups and interviews were conducted with participants who were randomised to receive the HEAL-D intervention in a feasibility trial. A topic guide directed discussions to explore experiences of HEAL-D, key learnings and impact, and behaviour change; the interviews gave the opportunity to probe further the focus group themes and areas requiring clarification. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Framework analysis was used to explore how the selected BCTs supported behaviour change in those attending HEAL-D.

Results
Thirty-six participants took part in one or both activities (44% Black African, 50% Black Caribbean, 6% Mixed race; 61% female, 83% first-generation; mean age 59.5 years, SD 10.02). Participants reported increased physical activity, reduced carbohydrate portion size and engagement in weight monitoring behaviour. BCTs to increase social opportunity (social comparison, social support) and overcome motivational barriers (credible sources and modelling) were effective in addressing cultural barriers relating to diet, stigma and health beliefs. BCTs to develop capability (demonstration, instruction, information on health consequences) were effective because of the cultural salience of the developed components. Less impactful BCTs were problem solving, graded tasks, goal setting, and feedback on outcomes.

Conclusions
BCTs in the HEAL-D intervention were effective in supporting behaviour change, particularly those promoting social opportunity, as normative cultural habits and beliefs can conflict with diabetes self-management guidance. In addition, lifestyle interventions should include opportunity for experiential learning alongside culturally salient information provision.

Trial registration
number: NCT03531177, May 18th 2018.
Asthma control after recovery from mild to moderate COVID-19: from Omicron BA.2 to XBB– from a cohort in a university hospital in Hong Kong
Authors: Kwok Wang Chun , Tsui Chung Ki , Tam Terence Chi Chun , Lam David Chi Leung , Ip Mary Sau Man , Ho James Chung Man 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
At the time of Omicron BA.2 outbreak, it was shown that mild to moderate COVID-19 was associated with worsening of asthma control after recovery. Whether the same phenomenon was also observed at a later phase of COVID-19 pandemic by other variants have not been reported.

Methods
We conducted a follow-up study on patients with asthma who received clinical care in Queen Mary Hospital. The patients were first recruited in the study entitled “Worsening of asthma control after recovery from mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients from Hong Kong”. The primary outcome was the asthma control test (ACT) score difference among the patients who never had COVID-19 (no COVID-19 group), patients who had COVID-19 diagnosed in the initial study (past COVID-19 group) and patients who had COVID-19 diagnosed in the follow-up period (new COVID-19 group) of the current study.

Results
189 patients were included. The change of ACT score from the last visit in the previous study to the last follow-up visit in current study was − 0.34 ± 3.7 in the no COVID-19 group, -0.0 ± 5.0 in the past COVID-19 group and − 0.17 ± 4.5 in the new COVID-19 group (p = 0.94). There were 10 (24.4%), 24 (25.5%) and 12 (22.2%) patients in the no COVID-19, past COVID-19 and new COVID-19 group who had worsening of asthma control by an increase in ACT score ≥ 3 from the last visit in the previous study to the last follow-up visit in current study (p = 0.90).

Conclusion
Patients who had COVID-19 in 2023 with Omicron XBB as the dominant strain did not have worsening of asthma control seen in previous study done in 2022 with Omicron BA.2 as the circulating strain. Patients who had worsening of asthma control after COVID-19 in 2022 had subsequent improvement of asthma control with longer follow-up interval.
Effect of aging on the marginal fit of milled and printed zirconia crowns: an in-vitro study
Authors: Elsayed Mahmoud S. , El-Kouedi Ahmed Y. , Shokry Tamer E. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The additive manufacturing is one of the promising methods for fabrication of zirconia based restorations: However, studies on the marginal fit of zirconia restorations fabricated with this technique are sparse. This in vitro study was to measure and compare the marginal fit of milled and printed zirconia based crowns.

Methods
Twenty-two human premolars were prepared to receive zirconia crowns. Each tooth preparation was scanned by a laboratory scanner. Digitally designed crowns were divided into two groups (n = 11) according to the method of fabrication either via 3D with a commercial 3Y-TZP slurry or a 5-axis milling machine using a multilayer zirconia blank. The marginal gaps were measured before, after cementation, and after thermomechanical accelerated aging. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests were conducted. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare between the two techniques. Friedman’s test was used to compare between marginal gap distances before, after cementation and after aging. Dunn’s test was used for pair-wise comparisons when Friedman’s test is significant. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results
Marginal discrepancies between the groups showed significant variations. In comparison to milled, 3D printing demonstrated a statistically significant greater marginal gap distance before, after cementation, and after aging (P < 0.001, Effect size = 2.361), (P = 0.011, Effect size = 1.28), and (P = 0.014, Effect size = 1.234), per respective.

Conclusion
Significant differences were found between the two technologies used for fabricating zirconia crowns. The least discrepancies values were found with the milling technique.