bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autologous iPSC- and MSC-derived chondrocyte implants for cartilage repair in a miniature pig model
Authors: Lee Ming-Song , Lin Eric Chang-Yi , Sivapatham Athillesh , Leiferman Ellen M. , Jiao Hongli , Lu Yan , Nemke Brett W. , Leiferman Matthew , Markel Mark D. , Li Wan-Ju 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) have greater potential for generating chondrocytes without hypertrophic and fibrotic phenotypes compared to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BMSCs). However, there is a lack of research demonstrating the use of autologous iMSCs for repairing articular chondral lesions in large animal models. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous miniature pig (minipig) iMSC-chondrocyte (iMSC-Ch)-laden implants in comparison to autologous BMSC-chondrocyte (BMSC-Ch)-laden implants for cartilage repair in porcine femoral condyles.

Methods
iMSCs and BMSCs were seeded into fibrin glue/nanofiber constructs and cultured with chondrogenic induction media for 7 days before implantation. To assess the regenerative capacity of the cells, 19 skeletally mature Yucatan minipigs were randomly divided into microfracture control, acellular scaffold, iMSC, and BMSC subgroups. A cylindrical defect measuring 7 mm in diameter and 0.6 mm in depth was created on the articular cartilage surface without violating the subchondral bone. The defects were then left untreated or treated with acellular or cellular implants.

Results
Both cellular implant-treated groups exhibited enhanced joint repair compared to the microfracture and acellular control groups. Immunofluorescence analysis yielded significant findings, showing that cartilage treated with iMSC-Ch implants exhibited higher expression of COL2A1 and minimal to no expression of COL1A1 and COL10A1, in contrast to the BMSC-Ch-treated group. This indicates that the iMSC-Ch implants generated more hyaline cartilage-like tissue compared to the BMSC-Ch implants.

Conclusions
Our findings contribute to filling the knowledge gap regarding the use of autologous iPSC derivatives for cartilage repair in a translational animal model. Moreover, these results highlight their potential as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy.
Prevalence, triggers, and impact of migraine on university students: a scoping review
Authors: Axiotidou Maria , Koutroulou Ioanna , Karapanayiotides Theodoros , Papakonstantinou Doxa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Migraine is a prevalent primary headache disorder, affecting approximately 14% of the global population, with the highest burden observed among young women. This scoping review examines the prevalence, triggers, and impact of migraine in university students—a group particularly vulnerable due to academic pressures. By synthesizing existing literature on migraine prevalence, triggers, and effects within this population, the review aims to address research gaps and inform targeted interventions.

Methods
We conducted a scoping review to determine the available literature on migraine among university students. An electronic literature search spanning the last decade was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Results
This review included 41 published manuscripts out of 404 records retrieved after screening titles, abstracts, and texts. The overall prevalence of migraine is increasing, ranging from 9.0% to 27.9%. Behavioral and environmental factors are the primary triggers of migraine attacks, which can compromise academic achievements and contribute to concurrent psychological disorders.

Conclusions
Migraine commonly affects university students, with behavioral and environmental factors such as stress, anxiety, and weather changes serving as critical triggers. Migraine significantly impacts the academic performance and health status, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and management.
Increased risk of non-cancer deaths in patients with malignant brain tumors: observations from the SEER database
Authors: Ashry Mohamed Hady , Sadeq Mohammed Ahmed , Afify Abdelrahman Yousry 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Research on mortality outcomes and non-cancer-related causes of death in patients with malignant brain tumors remains limited. This study aims to identify the prevalence of non-cancer-related causes of death after brain cancer (BC) diagnosis.

Methods
Data of patients diagnosed with BC in the USA between 2000 and 2019 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were retrieved and analyzed. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for all the reported causes of death.

Results
A total of 59,663 deaths were reported during the follow-up period. The highest number of fatalities (34,677) occurred within the first year following BC diagnosis. BC-attributable deaths were the leading cause of mortality (55,482; 93%), followed by non-cancer deaths (3888; 6.5%). BC patients had an increased risk of non-cancer attributable deaths (SMR = 6.12; 95% CI 5.93–6.31) including heart diseases (N = 938; SMR = 5.3; 95% CI 4.96–5.65), cerebrovascular diseases (N = 453; SMR = 13.17; 95% CI 11.98–14.44), accidents and adverse effects (N = 227; SMR = 2.97; 95% CI 2.6–3.39), and septicemia (N = 155; SMR = 13.39; 95% CI 11.36–15.67).

Conclusion
Compared to the general population, BC patients had a statistically significant higher risk of death from most of the reported causes.
Effectiveness of an enhanced silver-containing dressing in hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Beraldo Stefania , Ljungqvist Jan , Rodger Rebecca , Hanson Beate , Saavedra Catarina 
Published: February 2025

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of a carboxymethylcellulose dressing containing ionic silver, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and benzethonium chloride (CISEB) versus a dialkylcarbamoyl chloride-coated dressing (DACC) in hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Method: In a multinational, multicentre, randomised controlled trial, patients with hard-to-heal VLUs were randomised 1:1 to receive CISEB (n=100) or DACC (n=103) for up to four weeks. VLUs that were not healed by week 4 were managed with standard of care for up to 12 weeks or until healed (whichever was sooner). The primary endpoint was complete wound closure at week 12. Additional endpoints included time to complete wound closure and incidence of adverse events (AEs). Results: The trial cohort included 203 patients. CISEB achieved a higher rate of complete wound closure by week 12 compared to DACC (74.8% versus 55.6%, respectively; p<0.0031), and was associated with a 35% increased likelihood of healing (risk ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.65). Median time to complete wound closure was shorter in the CISEB arm (56 days) compared to the DACC arm (70 days; p<0.0272). A smaller proportion of patients experienced an AE with CISEB compared to DACC (5.0% versus 17.6%, respectively). Conclusion: Management of hard-to-heal VLUs with CISEB was associated with improved healing outcomes compared to DACC, without additional safety concerns. CISEB is a gelling fibre dressing with antimicrobial, metal-chelating and surfactant components that may promote an optimal healing environment to address the challenge of hard-to-heal wounds.
AI-deepfake scams and the importance of a holistic communication security strategy
Authors: Muhly Fabian , Chizzonic Emanuele , Leo Philipp 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to advance, so too do the methods by which it is exploited for criminal purposes. A particularly concerning development is the emergence of AI-powered deepfake scams, wherein sophisticated algorithms generate convincing fake audio and video to deceive individuals and organizations. These scams often masquerade as legitimate communications, enabling fraudsters to manipulate victims and defraud them of sensitive information or financial resources. This phenomenon, though relatively new, poses a significant and escalating threat to information security and to the financial assets of individuals and organizations alike. Its rapid proliferation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive research and countermeasures to mitigate its impact. This article provides best practices to improve communication security of organizations to counter the risk of becoming the victim of AI-powered deepfake scams. First, this article presents legal requirements that underpin the necessity and importance of communication security within an organization. Further, this article provides a three-staged best practices process that helps organizations improving their communication security. It presents a holistic approach of technical, organizational and educational processes to counter the risk of becoming victim to AI-powered deepfake scams.
Victimization status among persons with disabilities and its predictors: Evidence from Bangladesh National Survey on Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Rahman Mizanur , Rana Md Shohel , Khandaker Gulam , Rahman Md Mostafizur , Khan Md. Nuruzzaman 
Published: February 2025

Background
Persons with disabilities often face various forms of victimization, yet there is limited research exploring this phenomenon in Bangladesh. This study aims to investigate the victimization status among persons with disabilities and identify its predictors.

Methods
Data of 4293 persons with disabilities analyzed in this study were extracted from the 2021 National Survey on Persons with Disabilities. Victimization status (yes, no) was considered as the outcome variables. Explanatory variables considered were factors at the individual, household, and community levels. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was used to explore the association of the outcome variable with explanatory variables by dividing the total sample into age groups of 0–17 years, 18–59 years, and ≥ 60 years.

Results
The study found that 44% of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh experienced victimization, primarily involving neighbours (90.64%), relatives (43.41%), friends (28.41%), and family members (27.07%). Among persons aged 0–17 years, increasing age was associated with a higher likelihood of being victimized, while residing in the wealthiest households or in certain divisions like Khulna and Rangpur was associated with lower likelihoods. Conversely, among respondents aged 18–59 and ≥ 60 years, increasing age was associated with a lower likelihood of being victimized. Unmarried respondents aged 18–59 years had an increased likelihood of victimization compared to married individuals. For persons with disabilities aged ≥ 60 years, a higher level of schooling was associated with a reduced likelihood of being victimized. We also found divisional differences in the likelihood of victimization, with respondents residing in Chattogram, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rangpur, and Sylhet reporting lower likelihoods compared to those residing in the Barishal division, among persons with disabilities aged 18–59 and ≥ 60 years.

Conclusion
This study’s findings underscore that around 4 in 10 persons with disabilities are being victimized. Tailored programs and awareness-building initiatives covering neighbours, relatives, friends, and family members of persons with disabilities are important to ensure dignified lives for this population.
A structured, home-based exercise programme in kidney transplant recipients (ECSERT): A randomised controlled feasibility study
Authors: Billany Roseanne E. , Macdonald Jamie H. , Burns Stephanie , Chowdhury Rafhi , Ford Ella C. , Mubaarak Zahra , Sohansoha Gurneet K. , Vadaszy Noemi , Young Hannah M. L. , Bishop Nicolette C. , Smith Alice C. , Graham-Brown Matthew P. M. 
Published: February 2025

Background
Cardiometabolic diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) due to clustering of traditional and non-traditional risk factors including poor physical fitness and physical inactivity. Exercise may mitigate the risk of these diseases in this population but evidence is limited, and physical activity levels are low. The ECSERT randomised controlled trial assessed the feasibility of delivering a structured, home-based exercise intervention in KTR at increased cardiometabolic risk.

Methods
Fifty KTR (>1-year post-transplant) were randomised 1:1 to: intervention (INT: a 12-week home-based combined aerobic and resistance exercise programme) or control (CTR: guideline-directed care). The a-priori thresholds for feasibility were: recruitment of 20% of eligible participants (≥2 participants per month); adherence (an average of ≥ 3 exercise sessions per week); and attrition (≤30%).

Results
One hundred and seventy-one patients were screened and 94 (55%) were eligible and invited to take part in the study. Fifty of those invited (53%) were recruited across 22 months of recruitment. Consented participant characteristics were: age 50 ± 14 years (INT 49 ± 13; CTR 51 ± 15), 23 male (INT 10; CTR 13), eGFR 59 ± 19 ml/min/1.73m2 (INT 60 ± 20; CTR 61 ± 21), 35 White British (WB), 13 South Asian (SA), 1 Caribbean, and 1 Mixed ethnicity (INT 17 WB, 7 SA, 1 Mixed; CTR 18 WB, 6 SA, 1 Caribbean). Intervention participants (n = 22 completed) recorded an average of 4.4 ± 1.4 exercise sessions per week (aerobic 2.8 ± 1.1; strength 1.6 ± 0.5). Three participants withdrew from the intervention group (1 COVID-19 infection, 1 recurrent urine infections unrelated to the trial, 1 time/family circumstances) and one from the control group (lost to follow-up; 8% attrition). There were no serious adverse events reported.

Conclusion
Despite previous evidence showing physical fitness and activity levels are low in KTR, the present results support that a structured, home-based exercise programme is feasible in this population. Specifically, a-priory recruitment, adherence, and retention thresholds were all exceeded. The groups were well matched and there was encouraging representation of female participants and participants from a non-white background. Thus, this study supports further development and testing of home-based programmes of exercise and activity for KTR.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04123951
How does round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) affect fish abundance in the Swedish coastal areas of the Baltic Sea?
Authors: Naddafi Rahmat , Florin Ann-Britt 
Published: February 2025

Quantifying the effects of species invasions is particularly challenging, as it requires accurate measurements of the ecosystem before and after the invasion. The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), a highly successful invasive species from the Ponto-Caspian region, has had significant ecological impacts on native communities in the invaded ecosystems. However, there are currently no studies examining the impact of the round goby invasion on the abundance of coastal fish in the Baltic Sea. Using 17–23 years of monitoring data from four areas, we quantified the changes in fish abundance (mostly representing coastal fish indicators and key coastal fish species) associated with the round goby invasion in the Swedish coastal areas. A generalized additive mixed model suggests that round goby invasion will lead to an increase in the abundance of perch, cyprinids, piscivores, and ruffe, while whitefish and flounder abundance will decrease. In addition, the abundance of sprat and herring may not be affected by round goby invasion. Abundance of perch, cyprinids, flounder, perch ( ≥20 cm total length), cod, pikeperch, and pike were increased with water temperature and were decreased with water depth and wave exposure. We observed a decreasing trend in the abundance of whitefish, sprat, and herring with an increase in water temperature and a decrease in water depth. Given the low abundance of several piscivorous species in the Baltic Sea and the role of predators to control exotic prey, reinforcing piscivore populations might be useful for the Baltic Sea ecosystem and regulating round goby populations at a local scale.
In vivo biocompatibility and long-term durability of nanofibrillated cellulose as a urethral bulking agent in rats and Beagle dogs
Authors: Peltokallio Nina M. M. , Noël Stéphanie , Bolen Géraldine , Kuure Satu , Raussi-Lehto Eija , Reyes Guillermo , Ajdary Rubina , Kuula Jani , Hamaide Annick , Laitinen-Vapaavuori Outi M. 
Published: February 2025

Background
Cystoscopy-assisted submucosal injections of urethral bulking agents offer a safe and efficient alternative to surgery for treating urinary incontinence in both dogs and women. To address the concern of their transient therapeutic effect, a preclinical study evaluating the biocompatibility, safety, and durability of nanofibrillated cellulose as a bulking agent was designed. Plant-based nanofibrillated cellulose is considered renewable, biocompatible, and non-degradable in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, no studies of nanofibrillated cellulose injected into the urethral wall of experimental animals have been published to date.

Methods
After assessing the rheological behavior of nanofibrillated cellulose, a biocompatibility study with 50 rats and a durability study with two Beagle dogs were conducted. In anesthesized rats, deposits of either nanofibrillated cellulose or sodium chloride as an inert control were injected into the urethral wall via a caudal laparotomy. The rats were euthanized for histopathological assessment after 7, 30, and 90 days. In dogs, cystoscopy-assisted injections of nanofibrillated cellulose were followed with magnetic resonance imaging at 14 days and at 2, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results
The rheological studies demonstrated a gel-like behavior under a wide range of shear stress. Nanofibrillated cellulose induced a moderate host tissue response according to the EN ISO 10993-6 standard, consisting primarily of macrophages, foreign body giant cells, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. No significant difference was observed in the tissue response at different time points. In dogs, the bulking agent was visible in 4/5 (80%) injection sites on magnetic resonance imaging at 12 months post-injection. No signs of migration, abscess formation or any major or long-term complications were observed.

Conclusions
Nanofibrillated cellulose maintains a chronic but stable and tolerable inflammatory response for up to 90 days in the urethral wall of rats. Durability in the urethral wall of dogs indicates a potential long-term effect.
A randomized trial to evaluate a complex, co-created, culture-sensitive intervention to promote healthy lifestyles and compliance to therapy in immigrants with type 2 diabetes: A protocol of a multicenter Italian study
Authors: Bonvicini Laura , Venturelli Francesco , Bononi Francesca , Balestra Giulietta Luul , Iorio Giusy , Ghirotto Luca , Petrelli Alessio , Pierconti Silvia , Laurendi Giovanna , Perticone Maria , Pellegrino Alessio , Boddi Maria , Modesti Pietro Amedeo , Giorgi Rossi Paolo ,   DIABETHIC Working Group
Published: February 2025

Introduction
The active involvement of end users may overcome socio-economic, cultural and context-related barriers that may reduce health promotion effectiveness in type 2 diabetes control and prevention. The “Cardio-metabolic diseases in immigrants and ethnic minorities: from epidemiology to new prevention strategies” (DIABETHIC) project funded by the European Union through the Italian Ministry of Health includes a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the effectiveness of a co-created health promotion intervention for immigrants affected by type 2 diabetes. This protocol describes the co-creation process and methodological challenges in evaluating co-created health promotion interventions.

Methods and analysis
Between November 2023 and July 2024, four Italian primary care centres will recruit 200 immigrants with type 2 diabetes that will be randomised to usual health promotion practice or to the experimental health promotion intervention developed through a participatory process. Endpoints are changes in glycated haemoglobin, Body Mass Index, diet, physical activity and therapeutic adherence at 12 months after recruitment. Qualitative research experts supported the participatory process at local and national levels. According to available evidence and recommendations, the participatory process focused on the three pillars of type 2 diabetes control (diet, physical activity, and therapeutic adherence). To co-create the intervention, interviews, focus groups and role-plays were conducted with patients and immigrants, healthcare workers and representatives of social services. Identified barriers were ranked according to priority and actionability. Given different health promotion practice in the four centres, the intervention was standardised by function (dietary counselling, culturally tailored information materials, access to cultural mediation, training in effective and reflective communication, individual and group meetings) rather than by form (operators involved, protocols and timeframes), which was defined locally by feasibility and by contrasting usual health promotion. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06131411).
Alternative perimetric tests for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy
Authors: Thakur Monika , Gattu Abhinay Kumar , Murthy Jagarlapudi M. K. , Satgunam PremNandhini 
Published: February 2025

Objective
Visual field assessment is an important presurgical test for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), particularly with posterior cortex epilepsy. However, the assessment using conventional perimeters like Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer (HFA) may not always be feasible in some patients. This study aims to determine if alternative methods like tangent screen perimetry or Baby Vision Screener (BaViS) can be used for such patients.

Methods
This retrospective study included 17 patients (mean age: 18 ±  8.7, range: 6 to 38 years) with DRE. Visual fields were attempted first with HFA and then with one or both alternative methods, by different examiners. Visual field extent was measured using the kinetic perimetry mode in the alternative methods. With HFA, kinetic and/or static perimetry was attempted.

Results
Only 12% of the patients were able to perform the HFA. Whereas the testability of BaViS was 91% and tangent screen perimetry was 87%. Comparable visual field isopters were obtained on one patient on whom all the 3 tests could be performed, and in two patients on whom at least two tests could be performed reliably. For one patient, visual field isopters could not be quantified on any device. In this patient, a gross visual field assessment was possible using BaViS.

Conclusion
BaViS or tangent screen perimeter can be used to quantify visual field defects in patients with DRE when conventional perimetry is not possible. Such an approach may help the clinician in assessing the suitability of patients with DRE and visual field deficits, for epilepsy surgery.