bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient-centered outcomes for clinical trials in chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Klooster Brittany , Chatterton Kaitlin , Ibrahim Nazifa , Bernstein Madison C. , Shields Alan L. , Allen Veleka 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Chronic rhinosinusitis (inclusive of subtypes with nasal polyps [CRSwNP], without nasal polyps [CRSsNP], and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis [AFRS]) causes inflammation of the nose mucosa and paranasal sinuses. Unfortunately, evidence supporting use of clinical outcome assessments (COAs) in regulated clinical trials to assess key measurement concepts of these conditions is limited.

Objective
To identify key disease-related symptoms and impacts, potential outcomes of interest for new treatments, and COAs available to measure those outcomes among adult and adolescent individuals living with CRSwNP, CRSsNP, and AFRS.

Methods
Literature, clinical trial, and product label reviews were conducted to identify symptoms, impacts, and COAs used to assess CRSwNP, CRSsNP, and AFRS patient experiences in clinical trials. The disease related concepts identified in the literature were mapped to selected COAs to determine conceptual coverage of each COA.

Results
Twenty-five articles, twenty-five clinical trial records, and four product labels were included in the review. Across conditions, nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, and altered smell were the most frequently identified symptoms. The most frequently identified impacts of CRSwNP and CRSsNP were on emotional functioning and sleep, and adopting new behaviors for AFRS. Findings for key symptoms and impacts in adolescents were limited. More than 20 COAs used in these conditions were identified, and 14 COAs (e.g., Sinonasal Outcome Test [SNOT-22]) were evaluated for conceptual coverage of the concepts identified in the literature.

Conclusion
Results specify several symptom and impact outcomes, that if improved, would reflect treatment benefit for patients living with CRSwNP, CRSsNP, and/or AFRS. Several COAs demonstrated coverage of key measurement concepts and warrant further evaluation for use in clinical trials.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Breast Cancer Patient Care: Results From a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon
Authors: Zahwe Mariam , Zalaquett Nader , Kamel Rima , Mourhli Joodi , Abdul Baki Rami , Osgueritchian Ryan , Hamdan Hadi , Lakkis Karim , Sinno Lilass , Habib Salim G. , El Hout Walid , Tulimat Tamam , Are Chandrakanth , Assi Hazem , Khalifeh Mohamad Jawad , Musharrafieh Umayya , Ghazeeri Ghina , Harakeh Ayman , Sbaity Eman 
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE
We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on breast cancer care in terms of the stage at presentation, treatment delays, and follow-up in a tertiary care center in Lebanon.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective study compared patients with breast cancer who presented to a tertiary care center in Lebanon before (September 2019-December 2019) and during (September 2020-December 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. We extracted data from the electronic medical records of patients with breast cancer who had their initial presentation, were under treatment, or were on follow-up during our period of interest.

RESULTS

Of the 333 patients, 186 visited the hospital in the pre–COVID-19 period and 147 during the pandemic, showing almost a 12% reduction in the number of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the pre-COVID period, more patients were presented for screening (52%); however, more symptomatic patients were presented during the pandemic (51.4%). Almost 54% had an advanced stage at presentation during the pandemic compared with 48% before the pandemic but with no statistical significance (
P
= .50). Significantly fewer patients came for chemotherapy in the COVID-19 period (38.1%) compared with the pre–COVID-19 period (52.2%). Fewer patients underwent surgery during the pandemic, although the difference was not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that the COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with having an advanced stage at presentation (
P
= .24).

CONCLUSION
The management of breast cancer was not substantially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of Lebanese patients. However, 4 months might not be sufficient to draw a solid conclusion.
Are intrinsic decoherence models physical theories?
Authors: Danelli Maria , Paris Matteo G. A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Intrinsic decoherence models (IDMs) have been proposed in order to solve the mea- surement problem in quantum mechanics. In this work, we assess the status of two of these models as physical theories by establishing the ultimate bounds on the estimability of their parameters. Our results show that dephasing and dissipative IDMs are amenable to falsification and should be considered physical theories worth of experimental study.
Perspectives on modelling epidemics with human mobility
Authors: Lu Xin , Feng Jiawei , Tan Suoyi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Human mobility serves as a fundamental component in shaping the contact networks through which infectious diseases propagate during pandemics. It significantly influences the spatial and temporal patterns of disease transmission among individuals. Traditional epidemic models often struggle to capture the complexity of these heterogeneous contact patterns. In contrast, models incorporating human mobility, which account for the movement of individuals across regions, offer a detailed perspective on micro-level interactions and their impact on disease spread. The discussion highlights four types of epidemic models that integrate human mobility, including compartment models, complex network models, agent-based models and machine learning models, emphasising their crucial roles in epidemic prediction and control. Additionally, it provides insights into the broader implications of human mobility on dynamic-modelling and decision-making within the context of epidemics.
The Role of the Parametric Thyroid Feedback Quantile Index in Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation Among Euthyroid Koreans
Authors: Choe Hun Jee , Choi Yun Mi , Ha Yeonjung , Kim Jinseob , Kim Minhyuk , Cha Ho Jin , Lee Jiwoo , Kwak Mi Kyung , Hong Eun-Gyoung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Context
Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in metabolic regulation and maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. The Parametric Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (PTFQI) assesses central thyroid hormone sensitivity by standardizing the inverse relationship between free thyroxine (T4) and TSH.

Objective
To investigate the relationship between PTFQI and cardiovascular risk in the euthyroid Korean population.

Methods
Using data from the 2013 through 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we included 5160 euthyroid adults aged 18 to 80 years who were not previously diagnosed with cardiovascular or thyroid disease. Cardiovascular risk was evaluated using the Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs and pooled cohort equations scores.

Results
Stratification by PTFQI quartiles revealed an inverse relationship between PTFQI and cardiovascular risk. Higher PTFQI quartiles were associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], -0.55; 95% CI, -.92 to -.18), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (aOR, -0.31; 95% CI, -.53 to -.08), heart failure (aOR, -0.26; 95% CI, -.47 to -.05), coronary heart disease (aOR, -0.15; 95% CI, –.28 to -.02), and ischemic stroke (aOR, -0.18; 95% CI, -.30 to -.06). These associations persisted after adjusting for thyroid peroxidase antibodies, iodine intake, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and income level. The pooled cohort equations score demonstrated a strong correlation with the Predicting Risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs score.

Conclusion
The PTFQI inversely correlated with cardiovascular risk among euthyroid Koreans, indicating that reduced central sensitivity to thyroid hormone is associated with lower cardiovascular risk. These results underscore the importance of considering population-specific thyroid function parameters in cardiovascular risk assessment.
Classification and characteristics of bacterial glycosaminoglycan lyases, and their therapeutic and experimental applications
Authors: Zou Ruyi , Xu Xiangyu , Li Fuchuan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), as animal polysaccharides, are linked to proteins to form various types of proteoglycans. Bacterial GAG lyases are not only essential enzymes that spoilage bacteria use for the degradation of GAGs, but also valuable tools for investigating the biological function and potential therapeutic applications of GAGs. The ongoing discovery and characterization of novel GAG lyases has identified an increasing number of lyases suitable for functional studies and other applications involving GAGs, which include oligosaccharide sequencing, detection and removal of specific glycan chains, clinical drug development and the design of novel biomaterials and sensors, some of which have not yet been comprehensively summarized. GAG lyases can be classified into hyaluronate lyases, chondroitinases and heparinases based on their substrate spectra, and their functional applications are mainly determined by their substrates, with different lyases exhibiting differing substrate selectivity and preferences. It is thus necessary to understand the properties of the available enzymes to determine strategies for their functional application. Building on previous studies and reviews, this Review highlights small yet crucial differences among or within the various GAG lyases to aid in optimizing their use in future studies. To clarify ideas and strategies for further research, we also discuss several traditional and novel applications of GAG lyases.
Clinical Impact of Neoadjuvant Therapy for Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Shimane Gaku , Kitago Minoru , Yagi Hiroshi , Abe Yuta , Hasegawa Yasushi , Hori Shutaro , Tanaka Masayuki , Tsuzaki Junya , Yokoyama Yoichi , Masugi Yohei , Takemura Ryo , Kitagawa Yuko 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Neoadjuvant therapy is recommended for treating resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, its appropriate use in patients with resectable PDAC remains debatable.

Objective
This study aimed to identify independent poor prognostic factors and evaluate the clinical significance of neoadjuvant therapy in patients with resectable PDAC.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients diagnosed with resectable PDAC at our institute between January 2003 and December 2022. We analyzed poor prognostic factors at the time of diagnosis in patients who underwent upfront surgery using the Cox proportional hazards model for overall survival (OS). The prognostic score was calculated by adding the individual prognostic factor scores.

Results
Overall, 359 patients were included in this study, with 308 patients undergoing upfront surgery and the remaining 51 patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. The R0 resection rate was significantly higher in the neoadjuvant therapy group (70.6%) than in the upfront surgery group (64.0%). Multivariate analysis in the upfront surgery group revealed the following independent poor prognostic factors: tumor size ≥ 35 mm, serum albumin level ≤ .5 g/dL, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 3.5, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level ≥ 250 U/mL, and Duke pancreatic monoclonal antigen type 2 level ≥ 750 U/mL. Among patients with prognostic scores of 0–1 (n = 263), the intention-to-treat OS did not significantly differ between the neoadjuvant therapy and upfront surgery groups. Among those patients with a prognostic score of ≥ 2 (n = 96), the neoadjuvant therapy group had significantly longer intention-to-treat OS than the upfront surgery group.

Conclusions
Prognostic score-based stratification can help identify patients who could benefit from neoadjuvant therapy.
Prognostic value of chest computer tomography combined with serum platelet count, c-reactive protein levels and oxygenation index in severe community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Yun Wu  , Xu Sijie , Xia Yi 
Published: January 2025

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of chest computed tomography (CT), platelet count (PLT), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and oxygenation index (OI) in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data collected from 226 patients with CAP who received treatment in Huzhou Central Hospital from February 2022 to November 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on pneumonia severity: Severe group (patients with severe CAP, n=113) and Typical group (patients with typical pneumonia, n=113). Differences in CT score, PLT, CRP, and OI levels between the two groups were analyzed, as well as the prognostic value of the combined CT score, PLT, CRP, and OI levels in severe CAP.
Results: The CT Score and CRP level in the Severe group were significantly higher than those in the Typical group, whereas PLT and OI were significantly lower (P<0.05). Of 113 patients with severe pneumonia, 42 died and 71 survived. The CT Score and CRP level in the death group were significantly higher, whereas PLT and OI were lower compared to the survival group (P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of the combined CT Score, PLT, CRP, OI for the prediction of death in patients with severe CAP was 0.970, sensitivity was 85.7, and specificity was 93.0, which was higher than that of each index alone.
Conclusions: The combined chest CT, PLT, CRP, and OI have high prognostic value for severe CAP.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.10405
How to cite this: Wu Y, Xu S, Xia Y. Prognostic value of chest computer tomography combined with serum platelet count, c-reactive protein levels and oxygenation index in severe community-acquired pneumonia. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(2):554-558. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.10405
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Synthesis, characterization, and application of methylene blue functionalized reduced graphene oxide for photodynamic therapy in root canal treatment
Authors: Jouhar Rizwan , Halim Mohamad Syahrizal , Ahmed Muhammad Adeel , Shah Faheem , Quadri Sayed A 
Published: January 2025

Background & Objective: Root canal infections are challenging to eradicate with conventional methods due to their complexity. Traditional chemical irrigants often fail to reach all bacterial colonies. Methylene blue (MB), used in photoactivated disinfection (PAD), generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light activation, effectively killing bacteria. This study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and explore MB-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (MB/rGO) for enhanced photoactivated disinfection in root canal treatment.
Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted from April 2024 to September 2024 at Universiti Sains Malaysia and King Faisal University. Graphene oxide (GO) was reduced by dispersing GO in deionized water with sonication, followed by adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH) under vigorous stirring. The suspension obtained was centrifuged, washed, and dried to yield reduced graphene oxide (rGO). For functionalization, rGO was dispersed in ethanol and mixed with methylene blue (MB) solution, followed by stirring and drying to obtain MB-functionalized rGO. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of MB alone and in combination with rGO, with or without laser exposure, were tested using the agar well diffusion method. The paired sample t-test was used to compare the inhibition zones for different treatment groups of E. faecalis and C. albicans.
Results: FTIR analysis confirmed successful functionalization by identifying specific functional groups of rGO and MB. Similarly, Raman spectroscopy indicated that GO-MB had an intermediate level of defects, and SEM analysis confirmed slight morphological changes with MB molecules attached to the rGO surface. Moreover, the antimicrobial test revealed that MB/rGO with laser performed significantly better (p=0.042) than MB/rGO without laser and MB with laser group (p=0.034) against E. faecalis.
Conclusions: The functionalization of MB with rGO and its application with laser treatment significantly enhanced antimicrobial and antifungal activity, suggesting potential benefits for endodontic treatments and other dental applications.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.11001
How to cite this: Jouhar R, Halim MS, Ahmed MA, Shah F, Quadri SA. Synthesis, characterization, and application of methylene blue functionalized reduced graphene oxide for photodynamic therapy in root canal treatment. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(2):519-524. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.11001
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Projeto Dom Caixote
Authors: Rickli Luana Amalia de Oliveira , Araújo Mariane de , Camacho Victória dos Santos , Hulse Helcya Mime Ishiy , Affonso Ana Lucia Suriani 
Published: January 2025

As bibliotecas comunitárias livres são uma entre as mais diversas formas de disseminação da cultura. Esses locais consistem em ambientes que propiciam o acesso à livros de forma gratuita, incentivando a leitura. Dom Caixote é um projeto de extensão da Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste (Unicentro) que foi criado em 2016 e objetiva promover o acesso à literatura em geral, fomentando a troca de saberes e estimulando a leitura de fruição. Desse modo, o presente trabalho relata algumas atividades desenvolvidas e as experiências obtidas durante o desenvolvimento do projeto por três anos (2020-2022). São apresentadas as ações e os resultados obtidos, e demonstra-se como o projeto em questão, bem como ações que buscam difundir a cultura, são importantes instrumentos de transformação social.
Pengembangan Kurikulum Magister Ekonomi Syariah Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Islam Negeri (Ptkin) Di Era Revolusi Industri 4.0
Authors: Wibowo Muhammad Ghafur 
Published: January 2025

The Master Program in sharia economics (MES) is one of the study programs that are widely available at State Islamic Religious Universities (PTKIN), consist of State Islamic Universities (UIN), State Islamic Institutes (IAIN), and State Islamic Colleges (STAIN). More than 30 of all PTKIN in Indonesia have MES study programs, but preliminary observations show that the curriculum content of the 30 MES programs is still varied and not standardized. This study aims to analyze the variability of the curriculum content of Islamic Economics Master Program at PTKIN in Indonesia and formulate a minimum curriculum content standard that should be applied in all Islamic Economics Master Program at PTKIN in Indonesia. The results showed that there are 13 recommended courses, namely microeconomics, macroeconomics, philosophy of Islamic economics, history of economic thought Islam, economic verses and hadith, usul Fiqh, Fiqh muamalah, Islamic economic systems and theories, research methods, econometrics, economic mathematics, Sharia digital financial economics, and thesis. The choice of courses is based on accommodation to economic theory, Sharia Science, Industrial Revolution 4.0, SNPT fulfillment, KKNI fulfillment, and Outcome Education Education (OBE) base. In addition, the compulsory courses are also in line with the courses taught in the master's program in economics (MIE) at the PTUN, which in fact are more established and more experienced. Finally, the compulsory subjects are also generally in line with the academic terms of reference of the S1 Islamic Economics Study program issued by KNEKS.
Twin testosterone transfer hypothesis and the second‐to‐fourth digit ratio in females of same‐sex and opposite‐sex twin pairs: An exploratory study
Authors: Banyeh Moses , Nyewie Martha , Abdulai Abdul‐Rafik , Nkansah Charles , Abbam Gabriel , Kangkpi Thea , Zogli Kervin Edinam , Shittu Shafiat Omotoyosi , Bure David , Wemegah Romarick Kofi , Azindow Mikail Ihsan , Yakubu Suleman , Seidu Musah , Baba Mohammed Madde , Essoun Elisha , Owireduwaa Nancy , Kolekang Augusta S. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe twin testosterone transfer (TTT) hypothesis posits that females with male co‐twins (opposite‐sex, OS) might develop male‐typical traits due to higher prenatal testosterone exposure. This study explored whether females of OS have lower 2D:4D digit ratios and higher testosterone levels compared to females of same‐sex (SS) twin pairs. Conducted in Tamale from January to December 2022, the study included 40 participants aged 18–27 years: 10 males of OS, 10 females of OS, and 20 females of SS twin pairs. Digit ratios (2D:4D) and serum testosterone levels were measured using computer‐assisted analysis and ELISA, respectively. Results showed no significant differences in 2D:4D ratios between females of OS and SS twin pairs for either the right hand (0.960 ± 0.049 vs. 0.955 ± 0.042; p = 0.766) or the left hand (0.966 ± 0.048 vs. 0.968 ± 0.047; p = 0.908). Serum testosterone levels were lower in females of OS than females of SS twin pairs (0.4 ± 0.1 vs. 0.67 ± 0.34 nmol/L; p = 0.013), but this result was not significant after multiple testing corrections (p > 0.050). The findings indicate that the TTT hypothesis may not apply, or its effects on digit ratios and testosterone levels in females of OS twin pairs are weak and not statistically significant. Further studies involving larger samples are however, recommended.
Equal Opportunity Left-Libertarianism and a Basic Income Guarantee
Authors: Morozov Konstantin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Left-libertarianism comes in two main varieties: equal share and equal opportunity for well-being. Although equal share left-libertarians have supported a basic income guarantee, its equal opportunity counterparts either ignore a basic income in their theorizing or reject it. This article offers four reasons why left-libertarians should consider a basic income as a way to promote equality of opportunity for well-being: a basic income enhances self-respect, a basic income opens up the possibility of personal projects beyond traditional employment, a basic income protects negative freedom, and a basic income minimizes potential for abuses and mistakes of centralized authorities. Peter Vallentyne’s objection to basic income is also considered. His asset-oriented account of the Lockean proviso is rejected in favor of an equality-promoting account that requires a substantial basic income.
Effects of spray pyrolysis parameters on structural and morphological properties of WO3 thin films prepared from WCl6 precursor and hydrazine mono hydrate as a solvent
Authors: Ojakeh Mojtaba , Rozati Seyed Mohamad 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In this study, WO3 thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis were evaluated for their structural and surface morphology and optimized according to the parameters of this technique for applications such as hydrophilic uses, which need their own particular surface characteristic. The deposition solution contains tungsten hexachloride (WCl6), as the precursor, and hydrazine monohydrate (N2H4·H2O), as the solvent. To the best of our knowledge, no report has shown the presence of hydrazine monohydrate as a solvent for the WCl6 precursor. By increasing the annealing temperature, the crystallite structure and surface morphology for the mentioned application were improved, particularly at the concentration of 0.02 M and annealing temperature of 500 °C, the surface converts from nanogranule into nanoplate. Moreover, at this concentration and annealing temperature intense and narrow peaks were observed around 10.9° and 21.8° in X-ray diffraction pattern, which have not been shown in any other report.