bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between social engagement frequency and the risk of depression in South Korea, the US, and the UK: Multinational evidence from longitudinal studies of aging
Authors: Cho Jaehyeong , Kim Tae Hyeon , Oh Jiyeon , Lee Sooji , Kim Kyeongeun , Park Jaeyu , Jo Hyesu , Jeong Yi Deun , Park Seoyoung , Son Yejun , Veronese Nicola , López Sánchez Guillermo F , Jacob Louis , Woo Selin , Yon Dong Keon , Smith Lee 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
While greater social engagement is often associated with a reduced risk of depression, longitudinal studies that account for diverse social structures and cultural contexts among middle-aged or older are limited.

Methods
This study utilized cohort data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (n=11,174; 2006-2020) in South Korea (KR), the Health and Retirement Study (n=42,405; 2004-2019) in the US, and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (n=28,624; 2002-2019) in the UK, including a total of 29,378 individuals from the population aged ≥45 years. Social engagement frequency was categorized into infrequent, intermediate, and frequent, with changes classified as unchanged, increased, or decreased. The primary outcome was the onset of depression, assessed using the CES-D Scale. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results
In the KR cohort, increased social engagement significantly reduced depression risk only in the infrequent group (KR: HR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.14-0.28]). However, decreased social engagement elevated depression risk in both the intermediate group (KR: 6.92 [3.73-12.83]; US: 1.44 [1.16-1.79]) and the frequent group (KR: 1.50 [1.30-1.74]; US: 1.24 [1.13-1.38]). Conversely, in the UK cohort, increased social engagement raised depression risk in the infrequent group (UK: 1.35 [1.01-1.79]) and intermediate group (UK: 1.63 [1.17-2.27]), while decreased engagement lowered depression risk only in the frequent group (UK: 0.80 [0.71-0.90]).

Discussion
We observed notable national variations in the association between social engagement and depression risk, influenced by cultural and political differences.
When is the best time to deliver supportive interventions to hospice family caregivers? A Multi-Method Study
Authors: Oh Oonjee , Oliver Debra Parker , Washington Karla , Demiris George 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives
While problem-solving interventions can teach caregivers effective coping skills throughout hospice, the optimal timing for introducing such resources remains unclear. We explored how the timing of a problem-solving intervention impacts its effectiveness for hospice caregivers.

Research Design/Methods
We conducted a multi-method study analyzing quantitative and qualitative data from a randomized clinical trial of a Problem-solving Intervention to Support Caregivers in End-of-life care Settings (PISCES). Caregivers were randomly assigned to 3 intervention groups: PISCES delivered face-to-face (F2F), PISCES delivered in a hybrid format, and PISCES integrating positive appraisal elements (PISCESplus). We compared the anxiety and depressive symptoms before and after the intervention among 318 caregivers across various stages of hospice. We conducted a content analysis of 45 exit interviews to explore how caregivers perceived PISCES and their hospice experience in relation to its timing.

Results
Caregivers’ anxiety showed significant pre-post differences regardless of the intervention timing, modality, and components. The impact on depressive symptoms differed: While the PISCES F2F group showed significant changes at all timings, only bereaved caregivers had significant changes in the PISCES Hybrid group (p&lt;0.001). In the PISCESplus group, caregivers in the midst of hospice and bereaved showed significant changes (p=0.043 and &lt;0.001, respectively). Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: timing for PISCES to be most effective, emotions during various stages of hospice, and the length of PISCES.

Discussion/Implications
Strategically integrating PISCES into hospice practice can help alleviate caregivers’ distress. More work is needed to improve the real-world applicability of caregiver-focused interventions in hospice.
A Systems Approach to Homelessness Prevention for Older Adults
Authors: Van Berkum Amy , Oudshoorn Abe , Garnett Anna 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
An aging population and increase in the number of older adults experiencing homelessness in North America requires a more effective response to prevent and end older adult homelessness. While there are few research evidence-based policy solutions to preventing older adult homelessness, there are several promising practices that with further analysis could point to quality policy reform. Using the five-level typology by Fitzpatrick et al. (2021), this discussion paper outlines policy-oriented recommendations at varying levels of prevention: 1) Universal, 2) Upstream, 3) Crisis, 4) Emergency, and 5) Repeat. Key policy implications include intersectoral collaboration and policy design that seeks to successfully reach functionally zero homelessness by activating policy strategies at each of the five-levels of prevention. Health and housing practitioners play an essential role in policy planning, design, implementation, and evaluation and can participate in and advocate for opportunities to improve services and address older adult homelessness connected to their practice environments. Promoting research that enhances systematic evaluation of the outcomes of older adults through various housing models is critical to driving policy reform- a necessary action to promote a safe, healthy, and opportunistic future for older adults.
Amended EPC Rules Relating to Notification and Time Limits – Mere Abolition of the Ten-Day Rule?
Authors: Walder-Hartmann Lorenz 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The amendment to Rules 126(2), 127(2) and 131(2) EPC is often perceived as the abolition of the ten-day rule. However, according to the view expressed here, the implications are much broader because the requirement of notification as an event triggering the time limit is affected. Since the amendments to the rules interfere with the Convention by redefining the concept of notification and contradict the Convention, they are at least partially inapplicable. Applicants who have missed a time limit before the European Patent Office under the amended rules, but not with respect to the previous legal situation, can attempt to clarify the issue by means of an appeal.
Smoothed circulant embedding with applications to multilevel Monte Carlo methods for PDEs with random coefficients
Authors: Istratuca Anastasia , Teckentrup Aretha L 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We consider the computational efficiency of Monte Carlo (MC) and Multilevel Monte Carlo (MLMC) methods applied to partial differential equations with random coefficients. These arise, for example, in groundwater flow modelling, where a commonly used model for the unknown parameter is a random field. We use the circulant embedding procedure for sampling from the aforementioned coefficient. To improve the computational complexity of the MLMC estimator in the case of highly oscillatory random fields we devise and implement a smoothing technique integrated into the circulant embedding method. This allows us to choose the coarsest mesh on the first level of MLMC independently of the correlation length of the covariance function of the random field, leading to considerable savings in computational cost. We illustrate this with numerical experiments, where we see a saving of up to factor 5–10 in computational cost for accuracies of practical interest.
Predator–parasitoid interaction between Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Pyemotes zhonghuajia (Prostigmata: Pyemotidae) in aphid control
Authors: Cen Xue , Li Xuelin , Qin Hai-Xin , Zhang Long , Yang Mao-Fa , Wu Cheng-Xu , Liu Jian-Feng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Intraguild predation (IGP) is a crucial ecological interaction that influences the dynamics of natural enemies and affects the effectiveness of biological control. Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), an invasive predator, significantly impacts native predators through IGP in certain countries. Pyemotes zhonghuajia (Yu, Zhang & He) (Prostigmata: Pyemotidae), a small ectoparasitoid, parasitizes various pests from the orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera. Although both natural enemies are essential in controlling pests like Neotoxoptera formosana (Takahashi) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), their interactions and effects on pest management remain poorly understood. The study investigates the functional response of H. axyridis to N. formosana, the lethal ability of P. zhonghuajia against N. formosana, and how intraguild interactions affect the mortality rates of both N. formosana and H. axyridis when exposed to P. zhonghuajia. Our findings revealed that H. axyridis exhibited a Holling type II functional response to N. formosana, with female adults being the most effective predators. Pyemotes zhonghuajia demonstrated significant lethality against N. formosana, particularly at higher mite densities. However, the presence of P. zhonghuajia also increased the mortality rate of H. axyridis, highlighting a parasitism-driven intraguild interaction in which the mite dominates the predator. These results challenge conventional views of predator–parasitoid dynamics and highlight the complexity of interactions among natural enemies in pest control systems.
Enhancing the IP system through Dispute System Design
Authors: Lari-Williams Seun , Rutten Stefan , van Zimmeren Esther 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The effectiveness of the IP system hinges on effective enforcement, including alternative dispute resolution processes, such as mediation and arbitration. In turn, the effectiveness of the dispute resolution processes used for IP disputes hinges on the overarching system in which they are embedded—a comprehensive structure known as dispute system design (DSD). Most literature on IP dispute resolution focuses on encouraging the use of one or more dispute resolution methods, or on comparing the strengths and weaknesses of these methods. This article seeks to adopt a more systematic approach to dispute resolution, assessing the relationship between IP and DSD. Using the DSD analytic framework, it describes and analyses IP dispute systems, including specialized IP courts, small claims courts and dispute systems set up by IP offices, universities and collective management organizations. We suggest strategies from the DSD theory for designing and improving IP dispute resolution, taking these various contexts into account. Among other things, we argue that challenges such as the underutilization of ADR mechanisms for IP dispute resolution stem from design flaws in IP dispute resolution systems. Finally, we call for a DSD analysis of IP dispute resolution systems and for the integration of DSD principles into these systems
DNA damage, apoptosis and serum inflammatory marker levels, but not white blood cell counts, are related to occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases during medical residency: a longitudinal study
Authors: Scorza Carlos E , Aun Aline G , Guedes Júlia L , Destro Maria Vitória , Golim Márjorie A , Braz Leandro G , Braz Mariana G 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The objective of this longitudinal study was to jointly assess DNA damage, apoptosis, inflammatory marker levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts in physicians occupationally exposed to inhalation anesthetics during specializations. Thus, we aimed to identify a possible cause-effect relationship between occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases (WAGs), which were measured, and genotoxic, cytotoxic and immunotoxic effects. Nineteen medical residents were evaluated at four time points: before entering medical residency (baseline) and at the beginning, middle and end of medical residency. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were investigated for DNA damage, which was detected via the comet assay, and for apoptosis, which was detected via an annexin marker (flow cytometry). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and serum inflammatory cytokines were evaluated via flow cytometry, and total and differential WBCs were counted. In addition, the concentrations of the WAGs measured in the workplace during the study were evaluated via an infrared spectrophotometer. The WAG concentrations were far higher than the internationally recommended values. Compared with those at previous time points, we observed increased DNA damage (p = 0.008) and apoptosis (p = 0.001) in PBMCs from the middle to the end of medical residency. Significant increases (p &lt; 0.05) in the IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IL-18 and IL-23 levels throughout medical residency were detected. There was no effect on the WBC count (p &lt; 0.05), and all the means were within the reference range values. Occupational exposure to high levels of WAGs induces DNA damage, apoptosis, and changes in serum inflammatory marker levels, but not in leukocyte counts, in physicians who work in surgical theaters lacking an adequate scavenging system during medical residency.
Challenging diagnosis: unusual presentation of Unicentric Castleman disease—a case report
Authors: Janoud Omran Khaled , Alok Raya Ehsan , Amer Khozama Ali , Awwad Rana Mohammad , Souliman Wessam , Alkhayer Ghuroub 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Castleman’s Disease is an idiopathic rare lymphoproliferative disorder that is clinically Classified to multicentric to unicentric types. Only few cases were reported in children, with majority of them are unicentric and usually located in the mediastinum. We report a unique case of a 13-year-old boy who presented with a palpable enlarged mass in the left inguinal region without any constitutional symptoms. Surgical removal of this mass was essential to exclude worrying causes. Pathologic examination revealed proliferative changes consistent with Castleman’s disease plasma cell type which is one of the rarest forms of the disease in children. To our knowledge, this case is the first reported case of Unicentric Castleman Disease (UCD) in the inguinal area. During a 12-month-period of follow-up, no additional lymph node enlargements or other symptoms were reported. In conclusion, any isolated lymph node enlargement wherever it is, especially in a child, should impose UCD as a possible differential diagnosis.
An arachnoid bleb and weeping dura—a persistent low flow CSF-leak after lumbar puncture
Authors: El Rahal Amir , Wolf Katharina , Volz Florian , Beck Jürgen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Background and Importance: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a well-recognized and frequently encountered complaint of Lumbar puncture. It usually resolves spontaneously over two weeks or with an epidural blood patch. Although known for a long time, PPDH could be linked to an arachnoidal bleb as a cause of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. We report on surgical findings and impressive findings with low-flow CSF leakage in the context of an arachnoidal bleb.
Clinical presentation: We report a 42-year-old Neuroscientist with a 23-month history of positional headaches after a lumbar puncture (LP). Multiple Sclerosis was ruled out, but chronic orthostatic headache and tinnitus developed. Bed rest, caffeine tablets, IV hydration, and five high-volume epidural blood patches did not lead to improvement. However, brain fog and reduced ability to work ensued. A dynamic myelography did not reveal a CSF leak or a CSF-venous fistula, but a high-resolution T2Space Fat-saturated MRI detected an arachnoidal bleb at the alleged L3-L4 level.
Microsurgical exploration identified the arachnoid bleb as a low-flow CSF leak. The video depicts Neomenbranes overlaying the dura mater appearing as a web and CSF oozing, washing a layer of blood away. CSF was leaking like a tear, and we had the impression of a weeping dura. Treatment involved bipolar shrinking, reinforcement of the dura and fibrin glue. The patient’s symptoms improved slowly post-surgery.
Conclusion: This case emphasises the importance of considering atypical causes of post-lumbar puncture complications, such as arachnoid blebs, and the role of surgery in identifying and treating these rare conditions.
An elderly patient with dementia presenting euglycaemic ketoacidosis due to oesophageal stricture-associated eating habits
Authors: Iwasaki Hiroaki , Morita Seie 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
An 85-year-old man with dementia was referred to our department because of problematic eating habits, which made it difficult to manage his diabetes mellitus. The patient exhibited euglycaemic ketoacidosis, with a clinical course and biochemical parameters more indicative of starvation ketoacidosis rather than diabetic ketoacidosis. After correcting the acid–base imbalance with dextrose-containing fluids, he attempted to resume oral intake; however, throat noises consistent with reflux were noted during food ingestion. Imaging and pathological studies revealed a stricture with wall thickening in the mid-oesophagus attributed to non-specific chronic oesophagitis. After receiving hypercaloric fluids to calm oesophageal inflammation, an endoscopic bougienage was performed, enabling oral intake and achieving appropriate glycaemic control with oral glucose-lowering agents. This case illustrates the importance of closely monitoring eating behaviours, which is crucial for identifying comorbid organic abnormalities, without being limited by cognitive bias in clinical reasoning that problematic dietary changes are highly prevalent in dementia patients.
Efficacy of Upadacitinib in refractory Polyarteritis Nodosa: a case report
Authors: Nakabayashi Akihiko , Iguchi Erika , Kim Dong Seop , Siripongvutikorn Yanakawee , Nishigaichi Akira , Yoshimura Maiko , Takamatsu Hyota , Ohshima Shiro 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is systemic vasculitis, typically treated with a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. Changing the immunosuppressant is recommended if remission cannot be achieved with these treatments. However, there is a lack of further treatment options for patients who are unresponsive to all immunosuppressants. We report a 44-year-old Japanese man with refractory PAN who was unresponsive to various immunosuppressants (including tocilizumab). Upadacitinib treatment led to relatively rapid symptom improvement, allowing for tapering and eventual discontinuation of immunosuppressants, including prednisolone. During his 1-year follow-up, no relapse or side effects were noted. This case suggests that Janus kinase inhibitors may provide a breakthrough for patients with refractory PAN.
Measurement of natural radioactivity and radiation hazards in bricks produced in Babylon brick factories, Iraq
Authors: Dawal Abd A L aal H , Oudah Osamah Nawfal 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Due to the increasing cases of cancer in Babylon and the neighboring Governorates according to the annual reports of the Iraqi Cancer Registry, this study was conducted on thirteen brick factories south of Babylon Governorate, by using a NaI (Tl) gamma-ray detector (3″ × 3″). Brick samples (S) taken from surface soil production line (5–50 cm) and (D) taken from deep soil production line (50–300 cm) were collected from those factories. The average values of the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K for the brick samples obtained from the surface soil are (19.9 ± 1.5), (47 ± 2.8), and (365.8 ± 6.7) Bq/kg respectively, while the average values of the deep soil reached 18 ± 1.5, 41.7 ± 2.7, and 352.4 ± 6.61 respectively. Also, radiological hazards including Radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (DR), indoor and outdoor annual effective dose (AEDEindoor and AEDEoutdoor), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCRindoor) were calculated. The results of activity concentrations were within the permissible limits, except for the concentrations of 232Th, also there was a variation in the measurements between the brick production lines using surface and deep soil. The results of radiological hazards were within the limits allowed by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the effects of atomic radiation, except for the DR and ELCRindoor, for some samples, which pose a risk to users because high concentrations of 232Th in certain samples lead to elevated corresponding radiological indices, further research is needed to link these levels to cancer incidence conclusively. Therefore, it is recommended to adopt precautionary measures in factories with increased values to mitigate potential risks.
Postbiotic potential of Lactococcus lactisCNCM I‐5388 in alleviating visceral pain in female rat through GABA production: The innovative concept of the “active‐GAD bag”
Authors: Gomes Pedro , Laroute Valérie , Beaufrand Catherine , Bézirard Valérie , Aubry Nathalie , Liebgott Chloé , Koper Jonna E. B. , Parent Elyse , Bosco Nabil , Ballet Nathalie , Legrain‐Raspaud Sophie , Daveran‐Mingot Marie‐Line , Theodorou Vassilia , Cocaign‐Bousquet Muriel , Eutamene Hélène , Mercier‐Bonin Muriel 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a multifactorial disorder of the gut‐brain axis, characterized by visceral hypersensitivity (VH). Psychobiotics, through GABA synthesis, are good candidates to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. Here, we analyzed the GABA‐producer Lactococcus lactis CNCM I‐5388 as an active‐enzyme postbiotic to relieve VH mediated by psychological stress. L. lactis CNCM I‐5388 was inactivated by ethanol while maintaining its glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity. This EtOH‐treated nonviable form was given daily orally for 1, 5, or 10 days to female Wistar rats in comparison with viable L. lactis CNCM I‐5388 or vehicle. Visceral sensitivity was measured by electromyography before and after partial restraint stress (PRS). GABA was quantified in the stomach collected from rats and in the gastric compartment of TIM‐1 human gut model in fed state. A daily treatment for 5 and 10 days by L. lactis CNCM I‐5388 both in its viable and nonviable forms counteracted VH promoted by PRS. However, only viable L. lactis CNCM I‐5388 tended to reduce VH after a single administration. After 5‐day treatment, only under PRS conditions, the production of GABA within the stomach was enhanced in rats treated with viable or nonviable L. lactis CNCM I‐5388. This increase was confirmed by using the TIM‐1 human gut model. We found that a postbiotic with an active‐GAD enzyme of L. lactis CNCM I‐5388, similarly to its viable psychobiotic form, exerts anti‐VH properties in an IBS‐like rat model. These effects are associated with GABA production in the stomach where the low pH promotes GAD activity.