bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supervised toothbrushing programmes in England: a national survey of current provision and factors influencing their implementation
Authors: Broomhead Tom , Watt Samantha , El-Yousfi Sarab , Gray-Burrows Kara A. , El Shuwihdi Hanin , Hudson Kristian , Day Peter F. , Marshman Zoe 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction Supervised toothbrushing programmes (STPs) in nurseries and schools are effective at reducing inequalities in caries when targeted to areas of dental disease. Recent changes to government education and health policy have increased interest in STPs in England. This study aimed to establish the current level of provision of STPs in England, describe changes over time, understand associations with predictor variables, and summarise key barriers and facilitators to their implementation.

Methods A national survey was conducted at upper tier local authority level about the extent of a STP across England between December 2023 and April 2024. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, with regression analyses examining associations with key predictor variables. Barriers and facilitators to implementation were analysed and summarised based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results Data were received from 152 local authorities. Around 60% implemented a STP. Nearly one-third of programmes were commissioned by local authorities (28.9%) and most adopted a targeted approach (77.8%). Statistical analyses demonstrated significant and positive associations between dental caries prevalence and the number of children in STPs. Barriers to implementation included: 1) funding; 2) capacity; 3) pressures at settings; 4) logistics; and 5) lack of engagement. Facilitators included: 1) partnerships and connections; 2) available resources; 3) oral health expertise; 4) external policy and incentives; 5) shared knowledge; and 6) engagement.

Conclusions Provision of STPs in England has increased since 2022. Any future expansion of STPs should consider the barriers and facilitators identified to enable smooth implementation.
Programmed neurite degeneration in human central nervous system neurons driven by changes in NAD+ metabolism
Authors: Brüll Markus , Multrus Selina , Schäfer Michael , Celardo Ivana , Karreman Christiaan , Leist Marcel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Neurite degeneration (ND) precedes cell death in many neurodegenerative diseases. However, it remains unclear how this compartmentalized cell death process is orchestrated in the central nervous system (CNS). The establishment of a CNS axotomy model (using modified 3D LUHMES cultures) allowed us to study metabolic control of ND in human midbrain-derived neurons without the use of toxicants or other direct disturbance of cellular metabolism. Axotomy lead to a loss of the NAD+ synthesis enzyme NMNAT2 within 2 h and a depletion of NAD+ within 4-6 h. This process appeared specific, as isolated neurites maintained ATP levels and a coupled mitochondrial respiration for at least 6 h. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS) many studies observed that NAD+ metabolism, in particular by the NADase SARM1, plays a major role in the ND occurring after axotomy. Since neither ferroptosis nor necroptosis, nor caspase-dependent apoptosis seemed to be involved in neurite loss, we investigated SARM1 as potential executioner (or controller). Knock-down or expression of a dominant-negative isoform of SARM1 indeed drastically delayed ND. Various modifications of NAD+ metabolism known to modulate SARM1 activity showed the corresponding effects on ND. Moreover, supplementation with NAD+ attenuated ND. As a third approach to investigate the role of altered NAD+ metabolism, we made use of the WLD(s) protein, which has been found in a mutant mouse to inhibit Wallerian degeneration of axons. This protein, which has a stable NMNAT activity, and thus can buffer the loss of NMNAT2, protected the neurites by stabilizing neurite NAD+ levels. Thus CNS-type ND was tightly linked to neurite metabolism in multiple experimental setups. Based on this knowledge, several new strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases can be envisaged.
Association between salt intake and blood pressure among community-dwelling older adults based on their physical frailty status
Authors: Yoshida Hiroko , Kabayama Mai , Kido Michiko , Godai Kayo , Akagi Yuya , Li Yaya , Akasaka Hiroshi , Takami Yoichi , Yasumoto Saori , Ogawa Madoka , Nakagawa Takeshi , Ikebe Kazunori , Arai Yasumichi , Masui Yukie , Hirata Takumi , Gondo Yasuyuki , Yamamoto Koichi , Kamide Kei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The effects of salt reduction and adequate nutrition intake among older adults with physical frailty remain controversial. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the association between daily salt intake and blood pressure among community-dwelling older adults, including the very old people, based on their physical frailty status. This cross-sectional study used data from the SONIC study, a cohort study on older adults, collected between 2010 and 2012. Daily salt intake was estimated from the brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. Participants were stratified by groups based on the use of antihypertensive medication and their physical frailty status. There were 1975 participants with an average age of 76.5 ± 6.5 years and 53.1% were female. No association was observed between daily salt intake and blood pressure among participants with physical frailty regardless of the use of antihypertensive medication. In contrast, an association was noted between daily salt intake and systolic blood pressure among the robust without antihypertensive medication group (β = 0.08, p = 0.038), and the odds ratios for systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg were significantly higher in the third and fourth quartiles of daily salt intake than in the first quartile (odds ratios = 1.78 and 1.71, respectively). The present results suggest that the physical frailty status needs to be considered when providing salt reduction guidance to older adults for blood pressure control, in order to prevent progression of frailty and maintain quality of life.
Unidirectional MCM translocation away from ORC drives origin licensing
Authors: Butryn Agata , Greiwe Julia F. , Costa Alessandro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The MCM motor of the eukaryotic replicative helicase is loaded as a double hexamer onto DNA by the Origin Recognition Complex (ORC), Cdc6, and Cdt1. ATP binding supports formation of the ORC-Cdc6-Cdt1-MCM (OCCM) helicase-recruitment complex where ORC-Cdc6 and one MCM hexamer form two juxtaposed rings around duplex DNA. ATP hydrolysis by MCM completes MCM loading but the mechanism is unknown. Here, we used cryo-EM to characterise helicase loading with ATPase-dead Arginine Finger variants of the six MCM subunits. We report the structure of two MCM complexes with different DNA grips, stalled as they mature to loaded MCM. The Mcm2 Arginine Finger-variant stabilises DNA binding by Mcm2 away from ORC/Cdc6. The Arginine Finger-variant of the neighbouring Mcm5 subunit stabilises DNA engagement by Mcm5 downstream of the Mcm2 binding site. Cdc6 and Orc1 progressively disengage from ORC as MCM translocates along DNA. We observe that duplex DNA translocation by MCM involves a set of leading-strand contacts by the pre-sensor 1 ATPase hairpins and lagging-strand contacts by the helix-2-insert hairpins. Mutating any of the MCM residues involved impairs high-salt resistant DNA binding in vitro and double-hexamer formation assessed by electron microscopy. Thus, ATPase-powered duplex DNA translocation away from ORC underlies MCM loading.
GastroHUN an Endoscopy Dataset of Complete Systematic Screening Protocol for the Stomach
Authors: Bravo Diego , Frias Juan , Vera Felipe , Trejos Juan , Martínez Carlos , Gómez Martín , González Fabio , Romero Eduardo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Endoscopy is vital for detecting and diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases. Systematic examination protocols are key to enhancing detection, particularly for the early identification of premalignant conditions. Publicly available endoscopy image databases are crucial for machine learning research, yet challenges persist, particularly in identifying upper gastrointestinal anatomical landmarks to ensure effective and precise endoscopic procedures. However, many existing datasets have inconsistent labeling and limited accessibility, leading to biased models and reduced generalizability. This paper introduces GastroHUN, an open dataset documenting stomach screening procedures based on a systematic protocol. GastroHUN includes 8,834 images from 387 patients and 4,729 labeled video sequences, all annotated by four experts. The dataset covers 22 anatomical landmarks in the stomach and includes an additional category for unqualified images, making it a valuable resource for AI model development. By providing a robust public dataset and baseline deep learning models for image and sequence classification, GastroHUN serves as a benchmark for future research and aids in the development of more effective algorithms.
Short-term effects of brief stair climbing interruptions on postprandial hyperglycemia during prolonged sitting: a randomized cross-over trial
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu Eswaran , Aerva Manaswi Reddy , Chandrasekaran Baskaran , Maiya G. Arun , Rao Chythra R. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Prolonged sitting can negatively impact postprandial glucose levels and cognitive function. While short bouts of stair climbing are thought to mitigate these risks, the findings remain inconclusive. The present study aimed to explore the effects of stair climbing bouts on postprandial glucose and cognitive functions during prolonged sitting. Twenty-eight sedentary young adults (aged 20–30 years) underwent two intervention visits after standardised lunch for two hours: (1) STAIR: the participants climbed two flight of stairs for two minutes every 30 min; (2) SIT: the participants continued to sit. Blood glucose was measured using capillary finger prick method while attention function was measured using computer-based cognitive tests at baseline, end of 1st hour and 2nd hour. Significant interaction (F2, 54 = 15.96, p < 0.001) was observed for conditions and time. During STAIR visit, significant changes in postprandial glucose at 1st hour (β = − 2.6 mmol/dl, p < 0.001) and 2nd hour (β = 3.0 mmol/dl, p < 0.001). No significant difference in the attention functions with time and conditions was observed. Stair climbing interruptions may serve as a feasible and effective countermeasure to high glycaemic variability or excursions that occur during prolonged sitting after postprandial hyperglycaemia.
Fabrication of composite ceramic polymeric membranes for agricultural wastewater treatment
Authors: Azzam Neamatalla M. , Ali Sahar S. , Mohamed Gehad G. , Omar Mohamed M. , Amin Shereen K. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Humans have contaminated water supplies with harmful compounds, including different heavy metals. Heavy metals can interfere with human and animal vital organs and metabolic processes. They are also persistent and bioaccumulative. So, this study aimed to fabricate composite ceramic membranes (CCM) from Egyptian raw substances to eliminate heavy metals from agricultural wastewater. A ceramic supporting (CS) filter constructed from ball clay, kaolin, feldspar, and quartz using corn starch flour as a pore-developing agent. CS fired at two different temperatures and soaking times. Then, a thin polyamide 6 (PA6) coating was dip-coated over the upper layer of the support membranes. The raw materials and prepared CCM were subjected to characterization and applied to treat agricultural wastewater from the Kitchener drain in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. The results showed that the CCM (M2) (membrane sintered at 1000 °C/30 min soaking time and modified with PA6) had a higher pure water permeability of 558.5 L h−1 m−2 than the membrane (M4) (membrane sintered at 1100 °C/180 min soaking time and modified with PA6). The study examined how effectively the membranes removed toxic substances from wastewater. The findings exhibited an excellent removal of > 80% and up to 97.02%, > 80% and up to 99.97% of the heavy metals, and optimum fluxes of 341.07 and 276.35 L h−1 m−2 were achieved in the cases of M2 and M4, respectively. Furthermore, with a low flux decline ratio and a high permeate recovery of 92.3% for wastewater, the modified M4 membrane demonstrated remarkable antifouling capabilities.
Curcumin mimics of potential chemoprevention with NQO1 induction properties
Authors: Aboshouk Dalia R. , Hamed Ahmed R. , Panda Siva S. , Bekheit Mohamed S. , Youssef M. Adel , Girgis Adel S. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Chemoprevention is one of the accessible strategies for preventing, delaying or reversing cancer processing utilizing chemical intervention of carcinogenesis. NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a xenobiotic metabolizing cytosolic enzyme/protein with important functional properties towards oxidation stress, supporting its ability in detoxification/chemoprotective role. A set of 3,5-diylidene-4-piperidones (as curcumin mimics) bearing alkyl sulfonyl group were synthesized with potential NQO1 induction properties. Compounds 5ab (R = 2-MeOC6H4, R’ = Me) and 5ac (R = 2-MeOC6H4, R’ = Et) are the most promising agents synthesized (% induction of NQO1 = 51.562, 45.793) relative to that of 4’-bromoflavone (4’-BF, reference standard) at 10 µM. LPS-induced iNOS production in RAW264.7 macrophages of the most promising agents discovered (5ab and 5ac) displayed concentration-dependent with comparable activities to the reference anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin. Molecular modeling studies (including QSAR, molecular docking and molecular dynamics) were accessed supporting the observed biological profiles.
20-HETE mediates Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy via ROS and Ca2+ signaling in H9c2 cells
Authors: Han Jingyi , Li Jiaojiao , Liu Lianlian , Li Kaiyuan , Zhang Chun , Han Yong 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In the vascular system, angiotensin II (Ang II) mediated vasoconstriction by inducing the production of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). However, the role of 20-HETE in Ang II-induced cardiac dysfunction had yet to be fully elucidated. This study investigated the effects of Ang II on CYP4A expression and 20-HETE production in H9c2 cells using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA. The role of 20-HETE in Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy was examined using DHE, MitoSOX, and JC-1 staining to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential changes. The ERK/Akt and CaN/NFAT3 signaling pathways were analyzed through Western blot. Ang II was found to promote CYP4A expression and 20-HETE production in H9c2 cells via an AT1 receptor-dependent mechanism. Additionally, the upregulation of AT1 receptor expression by 20-HETE further confirms its facilitatory effect on the Ang II signaling pathway. Inhibition of 20-HETE synthesis or blockade of its receptor, G-protein-coupled receptor 75 (GPR75), significantly reversed Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. This reversal was closely associated with 20-HETE-induced ROS production, oxidative stress, and activation of the Ca2+/CaN/NFAT3 signaling pathway. This study demonstrated that 20-HETE mediated Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and, for the first time, highlighted the significant role of the GPR75 receptor in this process. These findings suggested that targeting 20-HETE reduction or blocking its receptor action could offer a novel therapeutic approach for cardiovascular diseases associated with Ang II.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: a retrospective analysis of 36 case
Authors: Uygur Furkan Ali , Göktepe Muhammed Emin , Aydın Gökhan , Ağırman Enes , Dülger Ahmet Cumhur 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and histological characteristics of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) and assess the outcomes associated with various management strategies. This retrospective observational study was conducted at Giresun Education and Research Hospital. This study included patients diagnosed with SRUS between January 2020 and January 2024. Demographic information, clinical presentation, primary diagnosis, and laboratory parameters were obtained from electronic medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, and the chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. A total of 36 patients diagnosed with SRUS were included, with the majority being male (80.6%), and the mean age of participants was 75.6 years. Hematochezia was identified as the most common initial symptom (61.1%), followed by abdominal pain (16.7%) and constipation (11.1%). Laboratory findings revealed significant abnormalities, including mean hemoglobin levels of 10.0 ± 2.4 g/dL and mean CRP levels of 56.7 ± 65.4 mg/L. Histopathological analysis showed that 38.9% of patients had normal biopsy results, whereas inflammation and dysplasia were observed in 41.7% and 2.8% of cases, respectively. Additionally, a statistically significant difference in age was observed between the patients presenting with different initial symptoms (p = 0.028). The study also found that biopsy results varied significantly across symptom groups (p = 0.012), and although differences in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels across biopsy groups were noted, they were not statistically significant. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of SRUS, emphasizing the importance of detailed clinical and laboratory evaluation. Hematochezia emerged as the most prevalent symptom, and ulcerative colitis was identified as the primary diagnosis. Significant associations were observed between various clinical parameters and patient outcomes, highlighting the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in managing SRUS.
Daily walking habits can mitigate age-related decline in static balance: a longitudinal study among aircraft assemblers
Authors: Watanabe Kazuhiko , Iizuka Shoko , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Tsushima Saki , Hirohashi Sora , Yoshimi Tomohiro , Zaitsu Masayoshi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Improving physical balance among older workers is essential for preventing falls in workplace. We aimed to elucidate the age-related decline in one-leg standing time with eyes closed, an indicator of static balance, and mitigating influence of daily walking habits on this decline in Japan. This longitudinal study involved 249 manufacturing workers, including seven females, aged 20–66 years engaged in tasks performed at height in the aircraft and spacecraft machinery industry. The participants underwent a one-leg standing test and annual health checkups through the Kanagawa Health Service Association between 2017 and 2019. The outcome measure was one-leg standing time up to 30 s. The coefficient (β) of one-leg standing time against aging was estimated using two-level multilevel linear regression with random intercepts. We also estimated the β of daily walking habits at least one hour per day. The quadratic spline curve showed an almost linear trend of one-leg standing time with age. The one-leg standing time significantly decreased with age (adjusted β = − 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] − 0.31 to − 0.14). Meanwhile, walking habits showed a preventive effect (β = 1.76; 95% CI 0.49 to 3.04). Age-related decline in one-leg standing time may be mitigated by simple daily walking habits.
Challenges and opportunities for digital twins in precision medicine from a complex systems perspective
Authors: De Domenico Manlio , Allegri Luca , Caldarelli Guido , d’Andrea Valeria , Di Camillo Barbara , Rocha Luis M. , Rozum Jordan , Sbarbati Riccardo , Zambelli Francesco 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Digital twins (DTs) in precision medicine are increasingly viable, propelled by extensive data collection and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), alongside traditional biomedical methodologies. We argue that including mechanistic simulations that produce behavior based on explicitly defined biological hypotheses and multiscale mechanisms is beneficial. It enables the exploration of diverse therapeutic strategies and supports dynamic clinical decision-making through insights from network science, quantitative biology, and digital medicine.
Inpatient Audiologic Services Facilitate Early Hearing Detection
Authors: Zemba Angie , Vaughan Chloe , Gerth Holly , Guerra Gina , Benedict Jason , Findlen Ursula M. 
Published: January 2025

Purpose:
Infants needing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) intervention have protracted timelines for diagnosis after not passing their newborn hearing screening despite being at higher risk for congenital hearing loss. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of early hearing detection for infants with a history of NICU admission. The secondary aim was to determine if diagnostic audiology services within the NICU setting accelerated diagnosis and intervention.

Method:
A retrospective chart review was completed for infants referred for diagnostic audiologic testing from 2018 to 2021 at a tertiary urban-setting children's hospital. After exclusion criteria were applied, 367 infants with NICU history were included in the analysis. Various factors were recorded from electronic medical records. Time to diagnosis was derived and compared across (a) NICU location, (b) insurance type, and (c) race/ethnicity.

Results:
Analysis of infants with NICU history revealed that 70% of infants had a diagnosis by 3 months corrected age. The level of in-NICU audiologic care did not significantly impact corrected age at diagnosis; however, loss to follow-up (LTFU) rates were higher for NICUs that did not provide in-hospital diagnostic services (10.0%) when compared to the NICU setting with inpatient audiology services (6.8%). In-NICU testing occurred on average 5.7 weeks prior to discharge, expediting diagnosis of hearing status compared to having to wait for an outpatient evaluation after discharge.

Conclusions:
Timely hearing detection is feasible in the medically complex NICU population. Inpatient audiology diagnostic testing may help reduce LTFU and facilitate early hearing detection and intervention.
Gambling advertising regulation in Ghana: what do we know and where to next?
Authors: Badu Emmanuel , Crawford Gemma , Hallett Jonathan , Leavy Justine E. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In Ghana and many other sub-Saharan African countries gambling advertising has become pervasive due to weak regulations that allow gambling operators to zealously promote their products as a risk-free way to make money. In this commentary, we provide a public health perspective based on document analysis of the Ghana Gaming Commission’s guidelines on advertisements, and recommendations for strengthening Ghana’s gambling regulatory environment. With the industry intensifying its focus on new markets to grow and sustain profits, and new global players entering Ghana’s market, the competition for market share will most likely intensify with an associated and aggressive increase in gambling advertising. Accordingly, a strengthened gambling advertising regulation underpinned by public health principles is required to restrict advertising across all forms of media and regulate advertising content. The next step for public health action should focus on advocating for new gambling advertising regulations and a review of the Gaming (gambling) Act.