bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activity of silver-zinc nanozeolite-based antibiofilm wound dressings in an in vitro biofilm model and comparison with commercial dressings
Authors: Alobaid Sarah Abdulaziz , Shrestha Sweta , Tasseff Morgan , Wang Bo , van Hoek Monique L. , Dutta Prabir K. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Infected wounds are a major health problem as infection can delay wound healing. Wound dressings play an important part in wound care by maintaining a suitable environment that promotes healing. Silver sulfadiazine dressings have been used to prevent infection in burn wounds. Presently, many commercial silver dressings have obtained FDA clearance.

Results
In this study, we report on a novel silver dressing using microporous aluminosilicate zeolites, termed ABF-XenoMEM. Silver and zinc ions are encapsulated in the zeolite supercages. We show that the silver-zinc zeolite (AM30) alone is effective at inhibiting biofilm formation. The encapsulation protects the silver from rapidly precipitating in biological fluids. We exploit the negatively charged zeolite surface to associate positively charged quaternary ammonium ions (quat) with the zeolite. The combination of the AM30 with the quat enhances the antimicrobial activity. The colloidal nature of the zeolite materials makes it possible to make uniform deposits on a commercial extracellular matrix membrane to develop the final dressing (ABF-XenoMEM). The optimum loading of silver, zinc, and quat on the dressing was found to be 30, 3.7, and 221 µg/cm2. Using a colony biofilm model, the activity of ABF-XenoMEM is compared with four well-studied silver-based commercial dressings towards mature biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 (ATCC 4708) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 33592). Cytotoxicity of the dressings was examined in HepG2 cells using the MTT assay.

Conclusion
This study shows that the ABF-XenoMEM is competitive with extensively used commercial wound dressings in a colony biofilm model. Nanozeolite-entrapped silver/zinc antimicrobials in association with quat have the potential for application in biofilm-infected wounds and require animal and clinical studies for definitive proof.

Graphical abstract
HarmonizR: blocking and singular feature data adjustment improve runtime efficiency and data preservation
Authors: Schlumbohm Simon , Neumann Julia E. , Neumann Philipp 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Data adjustment is an essential tool for increasing statistical power during analysis, for example in case of complex multi-experiment data from (single-cell) RNA, proteomics and other omics data. Despite its benefits, data integration introduces internal biases—so-called batch effects. Due to the inherent presence of missing values by such methods and their additional introduction by means of data integration, renowned algorithms such as ComBat and limma are unable to perform batch effect adjustment. Recently, the HarmonizR framework was presented for these cases, which is a tool for missing value tolerant data adjustment.

Results
In this contribution, we provide significant improvements to the HarmonizR approach. A novel blocking strategy is introduced to severely reduce runtime, while still supporting parallel architectures. Additionally, a “unique removal” strategy has been integrated into HarmonizR to maintain even more features for adjustment in datasets, showing a feature rescue of up to 103.9% for our tested datasets. In this work, we show (1) severely improved runtime for both small and large, real datasets and (2) the ability retain more features from the integrated dataset during adjustment, showing a feature rescue of up to 103.9% for our tested datasets.

Conclusion
The proposed improvements tackle the previous shortcomings of the published HarmonizR version. Since HarmonizR was mainly developed for dataset integration on rare tumor entities, it did not include runtime improvements beyond parallelization, which has been addressed in this update. An additionally welcome update regarding improved feature rescue furthermore enhances the algorithms ability to quickly and robustly perform batch effect reduction.
Predicting substrates for orphan solute carrier proteins using multi-omics datasets
Authors: Zhang Y. , Newstead S. , Sarkies P. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Solute carriers (SLC) are integral membrane proteins responsible for transporting a wide variety of metabolites, signaling molecules and drugs across cellular membranes. Despite key roles in metabolism, signaling and pharmacology, around one third of SLC proteins are ‘orphans’ whose substrates are unknown. Experimental determination of SLC substrates is technically challenging, given the wide range of possible physiological candidates. Here, we develop a predictive algorithm to identify correlations between SLC expression levels and intracellular metabolite concentrations by leveraging existing cancer multi-omics datasets. Our predictions recovered known SLC-substrate pairs with high sensitivity and specificity compared to simulated random pairs. CRISPR-Cas9 dependency screen data and metabolic pathway adjacency data further improved the performance of our algorithm. In parallel, we combined drug sensitivity data with SLC expression profiles to predict new SLC-drug interactions. Together, we provide a novel bioinformatic pipeline to predict new substrate predictions for SLCs, offering new opportunities to de-orphanise SLCs with important implications for understanding their roles in health and disease.
Life after medicalised conception: an interpretative phenomenological analysis study exploring the experiences of pregnancy and transition to parenthood
Authors: Foyston Z. , Higgins L. E. , Smith D. M. , Wittkowski A 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Pregnancy resulting from Medicalised Conception (MAC) is increasingly prevalent. In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the most common type of treatment which has been linked to increased pregnancy-specific anxiety and different approaches to parenting. This study explored the experiences of pregnancy and the transition to parenthood in individuals who conceived via IVF, identifying how they coped with any psychological difficulties.

Method
Participants who successfully achieved pregnancy via IVF and had given birth to an infant aged 12 weeks to two years old, were interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Results
Based on data from 12 British participants, three superordinate themes were identified: (1) The lasting imprint of IVF: unidentified and unmet psychological needs. The resultant loss, grief and powerlessness associated with the IVF treatment left individuals emotionally vulnerable entering pregnancy. The lasting impact of IVF was evident, influencing birth preferences and feeding choices. (2) The fragility of pregnancy: helpless and existing in a world of uncertainty. Pregnancy was often approached with caution and trepidation, leading to methods of self-protection, such as difficulties in believing the existence of the pregnancy. (3) The parental function of healthcare systems: needing an anchor and a sense of safety highlighted the pivotal role of health systems and their ability to perpetuate or alleviate distress.

Conclusions
The psychological vulnerability of parents after IVF needs to be considered throughout the perinatal period. Monitoring of psychological well-being and the implementation of specialist services and peer support for individuals who conceive via IVF are recommended.
Body mass index and risk of connective and soft tissue cancer: results from a large cohort of 1.7 million individuals in Norway
Authors: Aune Dagfinn , Nordsletten Marie , Myklebust Tor Åge , Robsahm Trude Eid , Skålhegg Bjørn Steen , Mala Tom , Yaqub Sheraz , Saeed Usman 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Few studies have investigated the association between adiposity and connective and soft tissue cancer, a rare and understudied cancer entity. We investigated this association in a large cohort of more than 1.7 million individuals in Norway.

Methods
The study cohort included 1,723,692 men and women aged 16–75 years at baseline in 1963–1975. Data on weight and height measurements from the Norwegian Tuberculosis Screening Programme were linked to the Cancer Registry. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between body mass index (BMI) and risk of connective and soft tissue cancer, adjusting for age and sex.

Results
In total 1758 connective and soft tissue cancer cases were registered during 56.1 million person-years of follow-up. The HRs (95% CIs) for the BMI categories of 15-<18.5, 18.5-<25.0 (reference), 25.0-<30.0, 30.0-<35.0, ≥ 35.0 were 0.77 (0.50–1.20), 1.00 (reference), 1.15 (1.03–1.27), 1.28 (1.06–1.54), and 1.69 (1.21–2.37, ptrend<0.0001). The HR per 5 kg/m2 increment in BMI was 1.14 (1.07–1.22) overall, 1.10 (0.99–1.23) in men and 1.17 (1.08–1.27) in women. Obesity in early adulthood (age 16–29 years) showed a suggestive positive association with connective and soft tissue cancer risk with HR (95%CIs) of 1.73 (0.95–3.16), ptrend=0.09) when compared to normal weight. No clear association was observed between BMI and early-onset (age < 50 years at diagnosis) connective and soft tissue cancer. Positive associations were observed between BMI and soft tissue sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, dermatofibroma, and lipoleiomyoma, but no clear associations were observed with fibrous histiocytoma and liposarcoma.

Conclusion
These results suggest that higher BMI overall and in early adulthood may be associated with increased risk of connective and soft tissue cancer, but BMI seems not to influence early-onset disease. Large cohort studies with more detailed information on confounding factors and BMI trajectories over time are needed for further verification before firm conclusions can be made.
A qualitative study into the perceptions and needs of fathers with a migration background on parenting regarding energy balance-related behaviors
Authors: Overman Meredith L. , Hermans Roel C. J. , Loukili Ibrahim , Chinapaw Mai J. M. , Mehraz Abdellah , Ekkelboom Lauren , Kremers Stef P. J. , Renders Carry 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Overweight among adolescents is worldwide still considered a serious public health problem. Although both parents influence children’s energy balance-related behavior, most studies have predominantly focused on mothers and white populations. Therefore, in this study, we contribute to the research by exploring the perceptions and needs of Dutch fathers with a migration background on parenting, specifically regarding promoting healthy energy balance-related behaviors among their children, and what motivates fathers to participate in parenting programs focused on these behaviors.

Methods
We used a qualitative research design. Informal conversations (n = 2), semi-structured interviews (n = 11) and one focus group (n = 13) were conducted with professionals specialized in intercultural pedagogy and fathers participating in a parenting program organized by these professionals. Interviews and focus group were audio-recorded and transcribed. Atlas.ti 8 was used for theme detection, categorization, and classification using inductive and deductive approaches. The data was analyzed using grounded theory analysis.

Results
Fathers joined parenting programs to improve their parenting skills and knowledge and address health and socio-cultural challenges. Furthermore, intergenerational differences were evident: second-generation fathers were more proactive in tackling parenting challenges related to healthy lifestyles. Fathers highlighted challenges related to parenting in two cultures. Although participating in the parenting program facilitated fathers in adopting a healthier lifestyle for both themselves and their families, improving communication with family members, and experiencing changes regarding gender dynamics within their household, influencing their teenage children, to adopt healthier habits remained a challenge, especially in comparison to younger children.

Conclusions
A deeper understanding of the needs, perceptions, and experiences of migrant populations concerning parenting regarding the promotion of healthy energy balance-related behaviors among their children can lead to better-tailored health promotion programs that prioritize cultural and linguistic inclusivity.
Effectiveness of an integrated cerebral protection protocol in type A aortic dissection surgery: an inverse probability treatment weighting analysis
Authors: Shen Fei-min , Lin Yi-min , Huang Ming-cheng , Liu Jin-ping , Huang Ling-chen , Chen Liang-wan , Dai Xiao-fu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Cerebral protection strategies in type A aortic dissection (TAAD) surgery are critical yet inconclusive. We propose an integrated cerebral protection protocol. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this protocol.

Methods
From January 2020 to December 2022, 85 patients were treated with an integrated protocol incorporating bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) and moderate hypothermia, with measures to prevent the shedding of thrombus or endothelial debris (BACP group), while traditional protocols were applied to 273 additional patients (UACP group). Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed to balance baseline characteristics. Three logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between the two cerebral protection strategies and neurologic complications. Stepwise logistic regression was further employed to identify risk factors for cerebral complications.

Results
Baseline characteristics were balanced after IPTW adjustment. The BACP group had a significantly shorter operative time (364.79 vs. 397.61 min, P = 0.022), significantly fewer neurologic complications (5.6% vs. 15.9%, P = 0.032), and transient neurologic injury (3.0% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.035). Binary multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the cerebral complication risk was 3.14 times greater with the traditional protocol compared to the integrated protocol (odds ratio[OR]:3.14, 95%confidence interval[CI]:1.19–8.27, P = 0.020). Stepwise logistic regression confirmed that cerebral complications were dramatically increased with unilateral ACP (OR:2.99, 95%CI:1.14–7.82, P = 0.025), while bilateral ACP had a significant impact on decreasing cerebral complications.

Conclusions
Our integrated protocol effectively minimizes postoperative cerebral complications. Moderate hypothermia combined with BACP and measures to prevent brain debris could be adopted as an effective strategy for cerebral protection in TAAD surgery.
Classifying and fact-checking health-related information about COVID-19 on Twitter/X using machine learning and deep learning models
Authors: Sharifpoor Elham , Okhovati Maryam , Ghazizadeh-Ahsaee Mostafa , Avaz Beigi Mina 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Despite recent progress in misinformation detection methods, further investigation is required to develop more robust fact-checking models with particular consideration for the unique challenges of health information sharing. This study aimed to identify the most effective approach for detecting and classifying reliable information versus misinformation health content shared on Twitter/X related to COVID-19.

Methods
We have used 7 different machine learning/deep learning models. Tweets were collected, processed, labeled, and analyzed using relevant keywords and hashtags, then classified into two distinct datasets: “Trustworthy information” versus “Misinformation”, through a labeling process. The cosine similarity metric was employed to address oversampling the minority of the Trustworthy information class, ensuring a more balanced representation of both classes for training and testing purposes. Finally, the performance of the various fact-checking models was analyzed and compared using accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score ROC curve, and AUC.

Results
For measures of accuracy, precision, F1 score, and recall, the average values of TextConvoNet were found to be 90.28, 90.28, 90.29, and 0.9030, respectively. ROC AUC was 0.901.“Trustworthy information” class achieved an accuracy of 85%, precision of 93%, recall of 86%, and F1 score of 89%. These values were higher than other models. Moreover, its performance in the misinformation category was even more impressive, with an accuracy of 94%, precision of 88%, recall of 94%, and F1 score of 91%.

Conclusion
This study showed that TextConvoNet was the most effective in detecting and classifying trustworthy information V.S misinformation related to health issues that have been shared on Twitter/X.
Harmonizing patient-centric requirements for secure digital health services in heterogeneous settings
Authors: Assom Luigi , Karunaratne Thashmee , Larsson Aron 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Implementing electronic health services with a patient-centric focus while adapting to the know-how of local contexts is a challenge. This paper addresses this challenge by establishing a template of modular requirements for designing a viable Electronic Health Record (EHR) system that enables transmission and sharing of patient data across primary, secondary, and specialized care, ensuring versatility in diverse healthcare environments and across varying socio-economic landscapes. The research is anchored in design science and employs an action research strategy, using northern Brazil as empirical case. The approach builds on generic requirements from standards established by the European Union, Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), and the Swedish ePrescription journal system. These requirements are refined and adapted to the Brazilian context through a participatory method, considering development disparities across municipalities and aligning with national policy. A key feature is the integration of knowledge graphs, which, when combined with fieldwork iterations involving healthcare professionals and patient association representatives, facilitated the extraction of patient-centric requirements. Strategies from Brazilian healthcare policies targeting chronic kidney disease, selected as a significant challenge for specialized healthcare in emergent areas, were incorporated to generalize the design of EHR modules aimed at prevention and monitoring of population at risk. Results support that harmonization towards legacy system is strongly advised and discourage the introduction of systems designed from scratch.
Species-specific blood–brain barrier permeability in amphibians
Authors: Antesberger Sophie , Stiening Beate , Forsthofer Michael , Joven Araus Alberto , Eroglu Elif , Huber Jonas , Heß Martin , Straka Hans , Sanchez-Gonzalez Rosario 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a semipermeable interface that prevents the non-selective transport into the central nervous system. It controls the delivery of macromolecules fueling the brain metabolism and the immunological surveillance. The BBB permeability is locally regulated depending on the physiological requirements, maintaining the tissue homeostasis and influencing pathological conditions. Given its relevance in vertebrate CNS, it is surprising that little is known about the BBB in Amphibians, some of which are capable of adult CNS regeneration.

Results
The BBB size threshold of the anuran Xenopus laevis (African clawed toad), as well as two urodele species, Ambystoma mexicanum (axolotl) and Pleurodeles waltl (Iberian ribbed newt), was evaluated under physiological conditions through the use of synthetic tracers. We detected important differences between the analyzed species. Xenopus exhibited a BBB with characteristics more similar to those observed in mammals, whereas the BBB of axolotl was found to be permeable to the 1 kDa tracer. The permeability of the 1 kDa tracer measured in Pleurodeles showed values in between axolotl and Xenopus vesseks. We confirmed that these differences are species-specific and not related to metamorphosis. In line with these results, the tight junction protein Claudin-5 was absent in axolotl, intermediate in Pleurodeles and showed full-coverage in Xenopus vessels. Interestingly, electron microscopy analysis and the retention pattern of the larger tracers (3 and 70 kDa) demonstrated that axolotl endothelial cells exhibit higher rates of macropinocytosis, a non-regulated type of transcellular transport.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that, under physiological conditions, the blood–brain barrier exhibited species-specific variations, including permeability threshold, blood vessel coverage, and macropinocytosis rate. Future studies are needed to test whether the higher permeability observed in salamanders could have metabolic and immunological consequences contributing to their remarkable regenerative capacity.
Building evidences in Public Health Emergency Preparedness (“BePHEP” Project)—a systematic review
Authors: Mercogliano Michelangelo , Spatari Gloria , Noviello Chiara , Di Serafino Francesca , Mormile Maria Elisabetta , Granvillano Giuseppa , Iagnemma Annalisa , Mimmo Riccardo , Schenone Irene , Raso Eleonora , Sanna Andrea , Frasson Enrica , Gallinoro Veronica , Di Pumpo Marcello , Shellah Duha , Rizzo Caterina , Zotti Nunzio 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Humanitarian crises exacerbate the vulnerability of already fragile healthcare systems and significantly increase the risk of infectious disease outbreaks in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This systematic review aims to evaluate strategies and interventions implemented in LMICs to prevent and manage infectious diseases outbreaks during humanitarian crises from 2018 to 2023.

Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, adhering to the PRISMA guideline and the SPIDER framework to identify relevant studies. The review included studies published between 2018 and 2023 focusing on infectious disease prevention and management in LMICs during humanitarian crises. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist.

Results
Eleven studies were identified from 1,415 unique articles. These studies addressed diverse interventions, including vaccination campaigns, epidemiologic surveillance, and integrated health services. Cholera outbreaks in Haiti and Mozambique, triggered by gang violence, internal migration, and Cyclone Kenneth, were addressed through epidemiological surveillance, case management, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) service improvements, and oral vaccination campaigns. Mathematical models guided cholera vaccination in Thailand's refugee camps. In India, surveillance and rapid response measures successfully prevented infectious disease outbreaks during the Kumbh Mela gathering. The Philippines improved response times to climate-related disasters using point-of-care testing and spatial care pathways. Despite challenges in Yemen, evaluating malaria surveillance systems led to recommendations for integrating multiple systems. Uganda developed a national multi-hazard emergency plan incorporating vaccination, communication, and risk management, proving useful during the refugee crisis and Ebola outbreak. In South Sudan, integrating immunisation services into nutrition centres increased vaccination coverage among children. Nigeria experienced a rise in measles cases during armed conflicts despite vaccination efforts, while visual communication strategies improved SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates.

Conclusion
These interventions highlight the importance of multimodal, targeted, and collaborative responses to address complex health crises without relying on unsustainable investments. Despite the effectiveness of these interventions, infrastructure limitations, insecurity, and logistical constraints were noted. These findings emphasize the need for adaptable and resilient healthcare systems and international collaboration to safeguard the right to health during complex humanitarian crises.