bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correction of Peri‐Implant Buccal Bone Dehiscence Following Sub‐Periosteal Peri‐Implant Augmented Layer Technique With Either Block or Particulate Xenograft: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Severi Mattia , Chiara Franzini , Simonelli Anna , Scapoli Chiara , Trombelli Leonardo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of Sub‐periosteal Peri‐implant Augmented Layer (SPAL) technique performed with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM), delivered either as particulate (pDBBM) or block (bDBBM), in correcting a peri implant bone dehiscence (PIBD). Implants showing a thick (≥ 2 mm) peri‐implant buccal bone plate (PBBP) at placement were also examined.Material and MethodsPatients with a PIBD ≥ 1 mm, treated with SPAL with either pDBBM (SPALparticulate) or bDBBM (SPALblock), and patients with an implant showing a PBBP ≥ 2 mm at insertion (CONTROL) were included. Re‐entry was performed either at 6 months (SPAL groups) or 3 months (CONTROL). The rate of patients presenting no PIBD at re‐entry was the primary outcome. Bone dehiscence height (BDH) and width (BDW), thickness of buccal tissues (BTT) and marginal bone level (MBL) were secondary outcomes.ResultsThirty‐nine implants in 39 patients (14 in SPALparticulate,14 in SPALblock and 11 in CONTROL) were analyzed. No PIBD were found in SPALparticulate whereas in SPALblock one PIBD was present. Two patients in CONTROL presented a PIBD. A reduction in both BDH and BDW was observed in both SPALparticulate (2.7 ± 1.6 mm for BDH and 3.9 ± 0.2 mm for BDW) and SPALblock (2.5 ± 1.8 mm for BDH and 3.8 ± 1.1 mm for BDW). SPALblock showed a higher BTT than SPALparticulate at re‐entry (3.6 ± 1.3 mm for SPALblock and 2.6 ± 0.6 mm for SPALparticulate, p = 0.0160). All groups showed similar MBL.ConclusionSPAL performed with either a pDBBM or bDBBM is similarly effective in correcting a PIBD as well as in increasing BTT.
Automatic Vertical Root Fracture Detection on Intraoral Periapical Radiographs With Artificial Intelligence‐Based Image Enhancement
Authors: Ozsari Sifa , Kamburoğlu Kıvanç , Tamse Aviad , Yener Suna Elçin , Tsesis Igor , Yılmaz Funda , Rosen Eyal 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackground/AimTo explore transfer learning (TL) techniques for enhancing vertical root fracture (VRF) diagnosis accuracy and to assess the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on image enhancement for VRF detection on both extracted teeth images and intraoral images taken from patients.Materials and MethodsA dataset of 378 intraoral periapical radiographs comprising 195 teeth with fractures and 183 teeth without fractures serving as controls was included. DenseNet, ConvNext, Inception121, and MobileNetV2 were employed with model fusion. Prior to evaluation, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Deep Learning (DL) image enhancement were applied. Performance assessment included accuracy rate, precision, recall, F1‐score, AUC, and kappa values. Intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement, according to the Gold Standard (GS), were assessed using ICC and t‐tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe DenseNet + Inception fusion model achieved the highest accuracy rate of 0.80, with commendable recall, F1‐score, and AUC values, supported by precision (0.81) and kappa (0.60) values. Molar tooth examination yielded an accuracy rate, precision, recall, and F1‐score of 0.80, with an AUC of 0.84 and kappa of 0.60. For premolar teeth, the fusion network showed an accuracy rate of 0.78, an AUC of 0.78, and notable metrics, including F1‐score (0.80), recall (0.85), precision (0.71), and kappa (0.55). ICC results demonstrated acceptable agreement (≥ 0.57 for molars, ≥ 0.52 for premolars).ConclusionTL methods have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing diagnostic accuracy for VRFs in radiographic imaging. TL is emerging as a valuable tool in the development of robust, automated diagnostic systems for VRF identification, ultimately supporting clinicians in delivering more accurate diagnoses.
Impacts of Weather Anomalies and Climate on Plant Disease
Authors: Kirk Devin , Cohen Jeremy M. , Nguyen Vianda , Childs Marissa L. , Farner Johannah E. , Davies T. Jonathan , Flory S. Luke , Rohr Jason R. , O'Connor Mary I. , Mordecai Erin A. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPredicting the effects of climate change on plant disease is critical for protecting ecosystems and food production. Here, we show how disease pressure responds to short‐term weather, historical climate and weather anomalies by compiling a global database (4339 plant–disease populations) of disease prevalence in both agricultural and wild plant systems. We hypothesised that weather and climate would play a larger role in disease in wild versus agricultural plant populations, which the results supported. In wild systems, disease prevalence peaked when the temperature was 2.7°C warmer than the historical average for the same time of year. We also found evidence of a negative interactive effect between weather anomalies and climate in wild systems, consistent with the idea that climate maladaptation can be an important driver of disease outbreaks. Temperature and precipitation had relatively little explanatory power in agricultural systems, though we observed a significant positive effect of current temperature. These results indicate that disease pressure in wild plants is sensitive to nonlinear effects of weather, weather anomalies and their interaction with historical climate. In contrast, warmer temperatures drove risks for agricultural plant disease outbreaks within the temperature range examined regardless of historical climate, suggesting vulnerability to ongoing climate change.
Between Merit and Patronage: Hybrid Appointments of Top Civil Service
Authors: Mamshae Ari 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis article examines the complex balancing of political loyalty and meritocratic competence in the appointment of top civil servants—a pivotal aspect of public administration that is particularly relevant in developing contexts. Focusing on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq, this study aims to unravel how merit and patronage converge in the appointment processes of director generals (DGs). To this end, the article develops an analytical framework that conceptualizes “hybrid appointments” as a process in which merit‐based and patronage considerations are intricately interwoven. The article uses a mixed‐method research design, combining elite interviews with senior politicians and a quantitative analysis of original biographical data on top civil servants. It shows how politicians weigh merit‐based qualifications alongside political considerations in the appointment process, rather than substituting loyalty for competence. This finding challenges the traditional dichotomous understanding of merit versus patronage appointments, advancing our understanding of how top civil service appointments function in developing contexts.
Best Practices Guidelines for the Engagement of People With Lived Experience and Family Members in Mental Health and Substance Use Health Research: A Modified Delphi Consensus Study
Authors: Hawke Lisa D. , Dada‐Phillips Wuraola , Seiyad Hajar , Orson Josh , Goldsmith Lianne , Conway Susan , Jordan Adam , Sheikhan Natasha Y. , Hiebert Melissa , Kidd Sean , Kuluski Kerry 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionPeople with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use conditions and their families (PWLE) are increasingly engaged in research, yet rigorous guidelines for engagement are lacking. This study aims to co‐design best practice guidelines to support the authentic, meaningful engagement of PWLE in mental health and/or substance use health research.MethodsA multi‐panel modified Delphi study was conducted with 61 expert panelists (35 PWLE and family members, 26 researchers/research support staff from across Canada). Participants rated 56 recommendations for importance and clarity. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% of participants rating items at 6 or 7 on a 7‐point Likert scale (‘very important’ or ‘essential’). Qualitative feedback was analysed using content analysis to identify new items and reviewed for improvements in item clarity. After each round, items not meeting the established threshold of importance were removed. Items with low clarity scores were reworded. A PWLE advisory panel was actively involved throughout the study's design, implementation, interpretation, and reporting, ensuring that the perspectives of people with lived experience were integrated throughout the research process.ResultsThree Delphi Rounds were conducted. In Round 1, importance ratings ranged from 51.7% to 96.7% of participants ranking the items above the established threshold (average 80.1%), with clarity ratings ranging from 39.3% to 86.9% (average 70.7%) and an average importance coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.16. Four items were deleted, two new items were added and fifty‐five items were revised. In Round 2, 60 (98.4%) participants responded. Importance ratings ranged from 57.6% to 96.7% (average 80.2%; average CV = 0.20). Clarity ratings ranged from 50.9% to 93.2% (average 77.9%). Five items were deleted and eleven revised. In Round 3, 60 (98.4%) participants provided importance ratings ranging from 66.7% to 98.3% (average 80.8%; average CV = 0.20), and clarity ratings ranging from 63.3% to 94.9% (average 81.1%). Three items were deleted and nine were revised. Forty‐four final best practices are proposed.ConclusionThese co‐developed best practice guidelines offer recommendations for meaningful PWLE engagement in mental health and/or substance use health research. By following these guidelines, research teams can ensure that PWLE contributions are genuinely valued and effectively integrated, ultimately enhancing the quality and impact of the research and fostering authentic collaboration.Patient and public involvementPeople with lived experience were engaged throughout the project as key team members, from a patient‐oriented research perspective. They are also co‐authors on this manuscript.
Vascular flow alteration is a dominant pattern of liver pathology in patients with orthotopic lung transplants: a retrospective observational study
Authors: McCollum Kasey J. , LeClair Bethany Freeland , Chen Wei , Shi Chanjuan , Wegermann Kara , Pendse Avani A. 
Published: January 2025

AimsThe number of orthotopic lung transplants (OLT) has skyrocketed since the 1960s, generating an ever‐increasing cohort of post‐OLT patients. Many challenges exist in the post‐OLT timeframe, including donor graft dysfunction, infection, malignancy, and immunosuppression‐related conditions. A rather elusive topic in the posttransplant setting remains the impact of the underlying disease process and donor lungs on other organ systems and the complications arising from the complex physiologic interactions. The liver represents a vital organ often impacted in many ways by the lung transplant procedure. Also, there is a higher likelihood of adverse outcomes in OLT recipients who have significant liver pathology. Yet little is known about the morphologic changes in liver after patients have received an OLT. In this study we retrospectively reviewed liver pathology cases obtained after the patient received an OLT.Methods and resultsHistology was reviewed by three pathologists and evaluated with a standardized checklist format. In our cohort, we found morphologic features of hepatic injury in the form of vascular outflow obstruction, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, portal vessel changes, and steatosis/steatohepatitis, but there was a striking absence of advanced fibrosis in our cohort.ConclusionHere we present the first comprehensive account of morphologic changes in livers of post‐OLT patients. We believe that this information will aid clinical decision‐making during monitoring of hepatic function and fibrosis in patients with OLT and other complex pulmonary diagnoses.
Mechanism Study of E2F8 Activation of SPC25‐Mediated Glutamine Metabolism Promoting Immune Escape in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Luo Machang , Xie Lingyan , Lin Baoyan , Su Xia , Liang Rongzhang , Ma Zhiyi , Li Youtang 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTTumour cell immune infiltration is linked to spindle pole component 25 (SPC25). The purpose of this work was to examine the function and molecular mechanism of SPC25 in immune escape in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). SPC25 expression in LUAD was examined using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and RT‐qPCR was used to confirm the results. The study involved the use of CD8+ T lymphocytes for immunoinfiltration analysis of SPC25, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis of signalling pathways enriched by SPC25, identification of putative regulatory molecules of SPC25, and confirmation through the use of dual‐luciferase and ChIP tests. To evaluate LUAD cell capacity for immune escape, a co‐culture technique was employed. Measurements of glutamine uptake, glutamate and α‐ketoglutarate levels, NADPH/NADP and GSH/GSSG ratios, and SLC1A5 expression were used to assess the levels of glutamine metabolism. LUAD had increased SPC25 expression. In LUAD cells, immune escape was facilitated by SPC25 knockdown, whereas overexpression had the reverse effect. SPC25 enrichment in the glutamine metabolism pathway was shown by GSEA analysis. Through increased glutamine metabolism brought on by SPC25 overexpression, immune escape was improved in LUAD and could be mitigated by GPNA therapy. E2F8 was also shown to be the transcription factor associated with SPC25, and they showed a binding interaction. By inhibiting glutamine metabolism through SPC25, knocking down E2F8 prevented immune escape in LUAD cells. On the other hand, the suppression of immune escape in LUAD cells caused by E2F8 knockdown was overcome by overexpression of SPC25. In LUAD, E2F8 stimulates SPC25 expression to facilitate glutamine metabolism and encourage immune escape. Our research validates a novel immune escape pathway driven by SPC25 in LUAD cells, providing LUAD patients with potentially effective immunotherapeutic approaches.
Imeglimin, unlike metformin, does not perturb differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells towards pancreatic β‐like cells and rather enhances gain in β cell identity gene sets
Authors: Imada Tasuku , Sasaki Shugo , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Ueda Ayaka , Kawamori Dan , Katakami Naoto , Shimomura Iichiro 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionMetformin treatment for hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) beneficially improves maternal glucose metabolism and reduces perinatal complications. However, metformin could impede pancreatic β cell development via impaired mitochondrial function. A new anti‐diabetes drug imeglimin, developed based on metformin, improves mitochondrial function. Here we examine the effect of imeglimin on β cell differentiation using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived pancreatic islet‐like spheroid (SC‐islet) models.Materials and MethodsHuman iPSCs are differentiated into SC‐islets by three‐dimensional culture with and without imeglimin or metformin. Differentiation efficiencies of SC‐islets were analyzed by flow cytometry, immunostaining, quantitative PCR, and insulin secretion assay. RNA sequencing and oxygen consumption rate were obtained for further characterization of SC‐islets. SC‐islets were cultured with proinflammatory cytokines, in part mimicking the uterus environment in HIP.ResultsMetformin perturbed SC‐islet differentiation while imeglimin did not alter it. Furthermore, imeglimin enhanced the gene expressions of β cell lineage markers. Maintenance of mitochondrial function and optimization of TGF‐β and Wnt signaling were considered potential mechanisms for augmented β cell maturation by imeglimin. In the presence of proinflammatory cytokines, imeglimin ameliorated β cell differentiation impaired by cytokines and metformin.ConclusionsImeglimin does not perturb differentiation of SC‐islet cells and rather enhances gain in β cell identity gene sets in contrast to metformin. This may lead to the improvement of in vitro β cell differentiation protocols.
Boosting Dietary Compliance After Bariatric Surgery: Winning Tactics for Patients
Authors: Deng Ling , Tao Yuli , Li Nianxing 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundBariatric metabolic surgery has emerged as a pivotal intervention for managing obesity, with strict adherence to postoperative nutritional guidelines being paramount for patient outcomes. This study seeks to evaluate dietary compliance levels and the factors that influence them among patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, offering insights to enhance clinical strategies.MethodOur research encompassed patients who underwent bariatric metabolic surgery at our institution from February 2022 to December 2023. We utilised a validated dietary compliance scale to assess how well patients followed postoperative nutritional advice. To determine factors linked to dietary compliance, we conducted Pearson correlation and logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe study comprised 176 individuals who underwent bariatric metabolic surgery, with a concerning 60.23% exhibiting inadequate dietary compliance. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between poor dietary compliance and several demographic factors: age (r = −0.516), gender (r = 0.467), educational attainment (r = −0.605) and monthly household income (r = −0.558). Logistic regression analysis confirmed age (OR = −2.157, 95% CI: −3.120 to −1.403), gender (OR = 2.006, 95% CI: 1.821–2.665), education level (OR = −3.081, 95% CI: −4.147 to −1.679), and average monthly family income (OR = −2.847, 95% CI: −3.516 to −1.225) as independent predictors of poor dietary compliance in post‐bariatric metabolic surgery patients.ConclusionThe high incidence of poor dietary compliance among patients following bariatric metabolic surgery is a significant concern and is notably influenced by demographic variables such as age, gender, education and economic status. It is imperative for healthcare professionals to consider these variables when developing personalised interventions aimed at improving dietary compliance within this patient group.
The Effect of Health Literacy Level of Caregivers of Individuals With Diabetes on Care Activities and Supportive Behaviours
Authors: Semerci Çakmak Vahide , Akeren Zahide , Sönmez Sarı Ebru , Kalyoncuo Servet 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundTo determine the effect of the health literacy levels of caregivers of individuals with T2DM on caregiving activities and supportive behaviours.MethodsCross sectional study. The sample for the study comprised of people who provided care for 442 individuals who were diagnosed with diabetes. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, HLS‐14 and D‐CASS. Descriptive statistics, Independent samples t test, One‐Way ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data.ResultsAccording to the results of the multiple linear regression analysis, the model was found to be statistically significant, and the variables that were incorporated into the model were able to explain 68.1% of the variance. Among the variables included in the model, HLS‐14, educational status, employment status, income status and diabetes‐related education were found to affect the care activities and supportive behaviours of caregivers of individuals with diabetes.ConclusionIn the research, it was determined that care activities and supportive behaviours were higher in those with higher levels of HL, higher levels of education, those who were not employed, those with higher income levels, and those who received education about diabetes. Nurses should develop training programmes to increase the HL levels of caregivers.
Hedge funds and climate news risk: Evidence from stock holdings in fossil fuel firms
Authors: Lantushenko Viktoriya , Nelling Edward , Schellhorn Carolin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWe examine the role of hedge funds in facilitating the transition to a low‐carbon economy. As highly informed and relatively unregulated investors, hedge funds are in a unique position to recognize and address climate change risks. We analyze hedge fund ownership of fossil fuel firms in response to climate news risk and the related lobbying activities of their portfolio firms. With the rise of the divestment movement after 2013, the hedge fund sector reduced its portfolio commitment to risk‐exposed lobbyists that are slowing progress towards decarbonization. Our results suggest that hedge funds help facilitate the transition to low‐carbon energy sources.
Investigating the Condition and Flood Effects of Undocumented Levees, A Case Study Within the Waimea Floodplain
Authors: Wallace Thomas , Crawford‐Flett Kaley , Wilson Matthew , Logan Tom 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTLevees play a crucial role in flood protection, but globally, there is a need for more knowledge about levee networks and their flood routing effects. Without complete knowledge, the question arises: ‘What is the flood risk associated with an unknown or partially known levee portfolio?’ Unknown or undocumented levees can be maladaptive and undermine system resilience. However, current literature often does not acknowledge undocumented levees, assuming all assets are known. A greater understanding would provide insight into present vulnerabilities and enable more complete management of our flood protection systems, reducing communities' risk. Our research assessed the physical condition of two undocumented levees in a case study. Computational flood modelling then simulated (1) their present condition, (2) their removal and (3) their reconstruction to a good physical condition. This determined their effect on inundation area and building damages, allowing their classification. The undocumented levees in the case study were significantly degraded, leading to an insignificant impact on flood routing and flood damages in their present state. However, if reconstructed, the levees could be valuable if the surrounding land were developed. More broadly, this study illustrates the importance of identifying and integrating undocumented levees into network modelling and maintenance.
Long‐Term Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease With MASLD: A Large‐Scale Prospective Cohort Study in UK Biobank
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xu Fang , Wang Zuyao , Liu Si , Zhu Shengtao , Zhang Shutian , Wu Shanshan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundSimilar worsening epidemics globally have been showed in newly coined metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to investigate the prospective association of MASLD, MASLD types, and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) with long‐term risk of incident IBD in a large‐scale population cohort.MethodsParticipants free of IBD at enrollment from UK Biobank were included. Baseline MASLD was measured by fatty liver index together with at least one CMRF, based on the latest AASLD/EASL criteria. MASLD type was classified as pure MASLD and MetALD (MASLD with increased alcohol intake). Primary outcome was incident IBD, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Multivariable Cox regression was conducted to examine the related associations.ResultsOverall, 403 520 participants (aged 56.2 ± 8.1 years, 45.6% males) were included. Of whom, 151 578 (37.6%) were considered as MASLD at baseline. During a median of 13.0 years' follow‐up, 2398 IBD cases were identified. Compared with normal population, individuals with MASLD showed significant higher associations of incident IBD (HR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.21–1.60), UC (HR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.13–1.58), and CD (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.20–1.89). Meanwhile, results were consistent when assessing pure MASLD (HR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.23–1.66) and MetALD (HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.15–1.86). The excess risk of incident IBD was more evident with the increase of CMRFs numbers (ptrend < 0.001).ConclusionMASLD, either pure MASLD or MetALD, and a combination of different CMRFs are all associated with increased risk of IBD, including both UC and CD. Additionally, there is greater risk of incident IBD as the number of CMRFs increase.