bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of insomnia among university students in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta‑analysis
Authors: Baklola Mohamed , Terra Mohamed , Al-barqi Mohamed , AbdulHusain Yaqeen Hasan , Asiri Sohaila Ahmed , Jadaan Norah Saad , Haroona Ali , Almosawi Sayed , Al Ahmari Sarah Saud 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder affecting cognitive functions critical to academic performance. University students, particularly in high-stress academic settings, are highly vulnerable. Despite its significant impact on students' health and education, there is limited research on the prevalence of insomnia among university students in Saudi Arabia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the prevalence of insomnia among university students in Saudi Arabia, focusing on demographic variations and academic settings, to provide evidence for targeted interventions.

Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with additional manual searches. Inclusion criteria were cross-sectional studies addressing insomnia prevalence among Saudi university students, using standard diagnostic criteria. A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising data from diverse faculties, including medical and non-medical disciplines. Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using a random-effects model to account for heterogeneity.

Results
Eleven studies, involving a total of 8297 university students, were included in the analysis. Insomnia prevalence varied widely, ranging from 19.3% to 98.7%, with a pooled prevalence of 43.3% (95% CI 28.9–58.2%). Subgroup analyses showed a prevalence of 38.6% among medical students and 38.7% among female students. The analysis revealed high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.17%), indicating significant variability in study designs, populations, and diagnostic methods.

Conclusions
Insomnia is highly prevalent among university students in Saudi Arabia, with significant variations across demographics and academic contexts. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including stress management, improved sleep hygiene education, and support systems to mitigate the impact of insomnia on academic performance and overall health. Future research should explore the longitudinal impacts of insomnia and the efficacy of tailored interventions in this population.
Translocation of the Alphanucleorhabdovirus X proteins from the cytoplasm into the nucleus through interaction with nucleocapsid protein is essential for viral pathogenesis
Authors: Wang Shuo , Ni Shuang , Lou Huanhuan , Liang Yan , Li Zhenghe 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe diverse rhabdoviruses infecting plants and animals have conserved genome organizations, and the functions of viral structural proteins have been extensively studied. However, increasing number of rhabdoviruses have been found to encode various accessory proteins, whose specific roles during viral infection remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the function of the X proteins encoded by several members of the genus Alphanucleorhabdovirus. Using the recently established eggplant mottled dwarf virus (EMDV) reverse genetics system, we found that recombinant EMDV lacking the X gene was able to systemically infect Nicotiana benthamiana plants, albeit with reduced efficiency. However, this deletion mutant was largely restricted to the veinal tissues and caused asymptomatic infections. The EMDV X protein, which localized to the cytoplasm when expressed alone, was translocated to the nucleus via a specific interaction with the nucleocapsid (N) protein. Through analyzing the interactions of the X deletion mutants and the infection phenotypes of the derived EMDV deletion mutants, we demonstrated that the carboxyl-terminal region of the X protein (amino acids 71–83) is crucial for its interaction with the N protein and for viral pathogenesis. Moreover, the X proteins encoded by related alphanucleorhabdoviruses could fully or partially complement the functions of EMDV X in viral infection. These findings provide new insights into the roles of accessory proteins in plant rhabdovirus infection.
Single-strain probiotics enhance growth, anti-pathogen immunity, and resistance to Nocardia seriolae in grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) via gut microbiota modulation
Authors: Chan Ching-Hung , Chen Li-Han , Chen Kuang-Yu , Chen I-Hung , Lee Kung-Ta , Lai Liang-Chuan , Tsai Mong-Hsun , Chuang Eric Y. , Lin Ming-Tse , Yan Tsong-Rong 
Published: November 2024

AbstractGrey mullet (Mugil cephalus) aquaculture is economically vital due to the high value of its roe. However, it faces significant risks from disease outbreaks, particularly from Nocardia seriolae. Current reliance on antibiotics has drawbacks, highlighting the potential of probiotics as a promising alternative. Despite this, no studies have focused on the effects and mechanisms of probiotics in disease prevention and treatment in grey mullet. This study, therefore, investigates the efficacy of probiotics in enhancing disease resistance and promoting growth in grey mullet. Three strains of probiotics, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus FS3051, Limosilactobacillus reuteri FS3052, and Bacillus subtilis natto NTU-18, were selected to evaluate their anti-N. seriolae activity and hydrolytic enzyme secretion in vitro. Then, 144 grey mullet were randomly divided into four groups: control, L. rhamnosus FS3051, L. reuteri FS3052, and B. subtilis natto NTU-18. After being fed the corresponding diet for 28 days, fish were measured for immune gene expression and short-term growth followed by challenge of N. seriolae. Survival rates were recorded for 35 days post challenge. Additionally, the gut microbiota of the control and probiotic groups with effects on both growth and protection against N. seriolae were analyzed to investigate the potential role of gut microbiota. Results demonstrated that L. rhamnosus FS3051 and L. reuteri FS3052 inhibited N. seriolae, while B. subtilis natto NTU-18 did not inhibited N. seriolae. Probiotics also had the ability to secrete hydrolytic enzymes. Probiotic-fed grey mullet showed significant improvements in weight gain ratio, feed efficiency, and specific growth rate, particularly in the B. subtilis natto NTU-18 group. Immune gene expression was enhanced by probiotics, especially L. rhamnosus, FS3051, which induced IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MHCI. Survival rates post-N. seriolae challenge improved significantly for L. rhamnosus FS3051-fed fish. L. rhamnosus FS3051 also altered the gut microbiota, enriching beneficial genera like Lactobacillus, which correlated positively with immune responses and growth, while reducing Mycoplasma and Rhodobacter, which were negatively correlated with immune responses. This study underscores the potential of probiotics in enhancing disease resistance and growth via regulating gut microbiota in grey mullet.
Therapeutic efficacy of amygdaline and amygdaline-loaded niosomes in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease via oxidative stress, brain neurotransmitters, and apoptotic pathway
Authors: El-Banna Ahmed H. , Abo El-Ela Fatma I. , Abdel-Wahab Ahmed , Gamal Amr , Abdel-Razik Abdel-Razik H. , El-Banna Hossny A. , Elsamannoudy Salma.I. , Ibrahim Marwa A. , Abdelghany Asmaa K. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a specific form of neurodegeneration that is marked by impairments in memory and cognition. Exposure to some metal toxins, such as aluminum (AL), was directly linked to the onset of AD as it was hosted in the body via several exposure routes and can change the permeability and cross the blood–brain barrier. Due to amygdaline’s existence, apricot kernel therapy for AD is believed to have been established to be successful in numerous investigations. Amygdaline has been shown to have antioxidant effects that mitigate oxidative damage, and free radicals scavenger activity, as well as amygdaline niosomes as a nanoparticle has been found to improve the drug’s efficiency and selectivity. The objectives of this investigation are to study the neuroprotective role of amygdaline, and amygdaline-loaded niosomes formulation in the diminishment of the incidence of AD in neurotoxin (aluminum chloride; AlCl3) AD animal model.

Results
Data revealed that AlCl3 caused cognitive decline that was confirmed by cognitive behavioral tests (novel object and Y-maze); biochemical disturbances that include marked oxidative stress (elevated malondialdehyde and reduced total antioxidant capacity), reduced acetylcholinesterase, and brain monoamines levels (nor adrenalin; 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid; 5-hydroxytryptamine /serotonin; dopamine), and gene regulation upset (down-regulated transcript levels of acetylcholinesterase; monoamine oxidase; BCL-2 and up-regulated transcript levels of BAX), as well as neurodegenerative changes were observed in the hippocampus of AlCl3-treated rats. Treatment with amygdaline and amygdaline-loaded niosomes formulation improved working memory and recognition, alleviated oxidative stress, and restored the levels of brain monoamines and neurotransmitters. Moreover, gene expression data showed a significant down-regulation of BAX, while BCL-2, acetylcholinesterase, and monoamine oxidase were significantly up-regulated. Additionally, the histopathological examination showed reduced neurodegeneration.

Conclusion
Conclusively, it was evident that amygdaline and amygdaline-loaded niosomes formulation possess a neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement role in AD via their potent antioxidant potential, neurotransmitters, and gene expression regulations, as well as neural damage reduction capability.

Graphical abstract
Lignin-chitosan-based biocomposite film for the localized delivery of TLR7 agonist imiquimod
Authors: Jassal Aashna , Pathania Khushboo , Kumar Pankaj , Kaushik Deepender , Dhingra Simran , Salunke Deepak B. , Pawar Sandip V. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
As the leading form of non-melanoma skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) presents a considerable challenge to healthcare systems, owing to its widespread occurrence. Current treatment options, such as surgical excision, cryotherapy, and localized therapies like imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil, face challenges, especially in designing drug delivery systems that provide prolonged therapeutic effects. This study aims to develop bio-composite polymeric films for localized drug delivery using natural polymers, lignin, and chitosan, to enhance the delivery of the TLR7 agonist imiquimod for BCC treatment.

Results
The optimized biofilms were prepared by adjusting the polymer ratio and drying techniques to achieve a balanced composition for localized imiquimod delivery. FTIR and DSC characterization confirmed successful drug incorporation into the biofilms, while microscopic studies revealed the biofilms homogeneity and fibrous nature. Drug release studies demonstrated pH-dependent kinetics, with higher release rates at neutral pH. The biofilms exhibited slow and sustained drug release, promising prolonged therapeutic effects. Additionally, the biofilms were non-hemolytic, showed significant antioxidant activity, and demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against B16–F10 mouse skin melanoma cells.

Conclusions
This study suggests that lignin-chitosan-based imiquimod-loaded biofilms hold potential as an effective topical treatment for BCC. The biofilm’s ability to provide sustained drug release, along with their biocompatibility and selective cytotoxicity, indicates a promising approach to enhancing BCC therapy.

Graphical abstract
Complementary interventions for cognitive rehabilitation in patients with cerebral palsy: a single-center study
Authors: Rafique Ammara 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neuromotor disorder that impairs a person’s ability to balance, stand, maintain posture, and walk. Research has indicated that Al Fatiha and negative air ion (NAI) are beneficial for ameliorating several behavioral, spiritual, physical, and societal issues. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of Al Fatiha and NAI interventions on cognitive skills using Lumosity software.

Methods
This randomized control trial was conducted et al.-Umeed Rehabilitation Association, Karachi, Pakistan, between February and April 2021, following ethical approval (Ref: IBC-2017) from the University of Karachi. CP patients who volunteered for the study were randomly assigned to either the control group or to groups receiving interventions involving Al Fatiha and NAI exposure. Due to the limited number of consents obtained, participants were selected without consideration of age, cognition level, gender, mobility, motor type, and additional impairments. While all groups continued their regular therapies, the intervention groups underwent 31 structured sessions over a period of 6 weeks. Five Lumosity games were selected to assess the cognitive performance of all inducted participants in the three groups. Statistical analysis including paired t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post hoc tests was conducted using SPSS version 28 to compare outcomes among the three groups.

Results
Paired t-tests showed that the Al Fatiha intervention significantly enhanced selective attention (1133.3 ± 584.8, p < .05) and working memory (31,036.2 ± 4013.9, p < .001), while the NAI intervention resulted in improvements in information processing (31,036.2 ± 4013.9, p < .01), selective attention (1150.0 ± 705.3, p < .01), spatial fluency (6830.7 ± 4720.0, p < .01), and spatial reasoning (8719.3 ± 3499.5, p < .01). Apart from intervention groups, only spatial reasoning was improved in the control group (9068.3 ± 3450.1, p < 0.05). One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc analysis showed significant differences among the control and intervention groups at baseline in information processing, selective attention, and spatial fluency. These cognitive functions are likely attributable to increased neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex and elevated serotonin levels.

Conclusion
Based on the findings, both interventions are proposed as advanced, complementary, non-pharmacological, and cost-effective cognitive rehabilitation therapies for patients with CP. We recommend further research to validate these findings through second and third-phase clinical trials.
Validation of FECPAKG2 equipment and prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites in Polo horses in Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Golshang J. G , Nanvyat N , Edeh E. R , Patrobas M. N , Oshadu D. O , Dishion C. H , Dzikwi-Emennaa A. A , Otakpa E. O , Imandeh G. N , Lombin L. H 
Published: November 2024

AbstractGastrointestinal (GI) parasites are a global concern and cause serious damage to the health of animals, including horses, because of their deleterious effects on the health of these animals. Owing to improperly diagnosing the parasitic load and the resulting incorrect treatment, anthelmintics are becoming a global problem. Although rapid diagnostic techniques such as McMaster and FECPAKG2 are available in Africa, concentration techniques, including flotation and sedimentation, are commonly used in screening for gastrointestinal parasites. In this study, we compared the sensitivity of diagnostic techniques, namely, McMaster and FECPAKG2, in quantifying and determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites as an alternative to the commonly used flotation and sedimentation techniques for equine fecal samples in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Three hundred fecal samples were collected from different locations. The instructions provided by the manufacturers of FECPAKG2 and McMasters were used as the methodology for egg count per gram of fecal matter, while parasite egg/ova identification was performed through sedimentation and flotation techniques. In general, a prevalence of 66.3% was recorded, with a higher prevalence on Babale ranch (84%) than on Jos Polo Club (62%) and Jos mounted troop (53%). A total of nine gastrointestinal parasites were identified via both sedimentation and flotation techniques: Strongylus spp. (19.3%) was the most prevalent parasite identified via the flotation method, whereas Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus (25.3%) was the most prevalent parasite identified via the sedimentation technique. In general, FECPAKG2 had a sensitivity of 86%, whereas McMaster had a sensitivity of 64% in terms of egg counts per gram of fecal sample. This finding suggests that equines in Jos are highly infected with a variety of gastrointestinal parasites to varying degrees, with Strongylus spp. and Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus being more prevalent. Although the parasite load was found to range from low to moderate levels, the majority of the equine samples contained < 200 eggs per gram, suggesting a low infection rate via both the McMaster technique and the FECPAKG2 technique. On the basis of these findings, FECPAKG2 is recommended for rapid diagnosis because of its prompt outcome and infestation rate as well as ease of routine examination. Additionally, routine examination should be carried out to determine infestation by gastrointestinal parasites in all equine holdings and the effectiveness of the therapeutic agents used.
Global longitudinal strain manually measured from mid-myocardial lengths is a reliable alternative to speckle tracking global longitudinal strain
Authors: Yeong Chee Cheen , Harrop Danielle L. , Ng Arnold C. T. , Wang William Y. S. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a useful marker for the echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Presently GLS is derived from speckle tracking of LV images, but speckle tracking software is not always available. We seek to determine if manually measured GLS (MM-GLS) by assessing mid-myocardial lengths can be a reliable alternative to speckle tracking GLS (ST-GLS).

Methods
Transthoracic echocardiogram images of a tertiary hospital in Australia were retrospectively analyzed to study the relationships between ST-GLS, MM-GLS, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF). We further evaluated the impact of image quality and regional wall motion abnormalities on those relationships.

Results
Echocardiography studies from 154 patients were included (female sex, 36%; mean age, 61.7 ± 14.8 years). The average LVEF was 51.3% ± 11.3% and the average ST-GLS was 16.7 ± 3.8. MM-GLS strongly correlated with ST-GLS (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.986; P < 0.001) and with LVEF regardless of the presence of regional wall motion abnormalities. If using GLS cutoff of more than 18% as normal, 97.5% of studies with normal ST-GLS had normal MM-GLS. If using GLS cutoff as less than 16% as abnormal, 95.5% of studies with abnormal ST-GLS had abnormal MM-GLS. There was no case with ST-GLS > 18% and MM-GLS < 16%, nor were there any case in with ST-GLS < 16% and MM-GLS > 18%.

Conclusions
MM-GLS correlates strongly with ST-GLS. If ST-GLS cannot be accurately assessed, MM-GLS may be a useful alternative to provide GLS values in both clinical and research studies.
Classifying Tumor Reportability Status From Unstructured Electronic Pathology Reports Using Language Models in a Population-Based Cancer Registry Setting
Authors: Gondara Lovedeep , Simkin Jonathan , Arbour Gregory , Devji Shebnum , Ng Raymond 
Published: November 2024

PURPOSE
Population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) collect data on all new cancer diagnoses in a defined population. Data are sourced from pathology reports, and the PBCRs rely on manual and rule-based solutions. This study presents a state-of-the-art natural language processing (NLP) pipeline, built by fine-tuning pretrained language models (LMs). The pipeline is deployed at the British Columbia Cancer Registry (BCCR) to detect reportable tumors from a population-based feed of electronic pathology.

METHODS
We fine-tune two publicly available LMs, GatorTron and BlueBERT, which are pretrained on clinical text. Fine-tuning is done using BCCR's pathology reports. For the final decision making, we combine both models' output using an OR approach. The fine-tuning data set consisted of 40,000 reports from the diagnosis year of 2021, and the test data sets consisted of 10,000 reports from the diagnosis year 2021, 20,000 reports from diagnosis year 2022, and 400 reports from diagnosis year 2023.

RESULTS
The retrospective evaluation of our proposed approach showed boosted reportable accuracy, maintaining the true reportable threshold of 98%.

CONCLUSION
Disadvantages of rule-based NLP in cancer surveillance include manual effort in rule design and sensitivity to language change. Deep learning approaches demonstrate superior performance in classification. PBCRs distinguish reportability status of incoming electronic cancer pathology reports. Deep learning methods provide significant advantages over rule-based NLP.
Longitudinal Results From the Nationwide Just ASK Initiative to Promote Routine Smoking Assessment in American College of Surgeons–Accredited Cancer Programs
Authors: Burris Jessica L. , Ostroff Jamie S. , Reilly Eileen M. , Warren Graham W. , Shelton Rachel C. , Mullett Timothy W. ,   on behalf of the Just ASK Quality Improvement Task Force, Adsit Rob , Allison Lisa , Boffa Daniel , Burris Jessica , Carter Asa , Darville Audrey , Fiore Michael , Hahn Ellen , Harris James , Kirstein Laurie , McCarthy Danielle , Mullett Timothy , Nelson Heidi , Ostroff Jamie , Reilly Eileen , Reuter Erin , Shafir Sarah , Shelton Rachel , Tong Elisa , Warren Graham 
Published: November 2024

PURPOSE
Persistent smoking after cancer diagnosis causes adverse outcomes while smoking cessation can improve survival. Thus, integration of smoking assessment and cessation assistance into routine cancer care is critical. Aiming for incremental practice change that could be sustained and built upon through future quality improvement (QI) projects, the American College of Surgeons initiated Just ASK in 2022 to increase implementation of smoking assessment among its accredited Cancer Programs. This manuscript describes outcomes from Just ASK.

METHODS
Seven hundred sixty-two programs enrolled in this cohort study, followed Plan Do Study Act methodology, and used local QI teams to facilitate practice change. The primary outcome was the ask rate (ie, patients asked/patients seen). Programs completed three surveys across the 1-year study (89.8% retention), answering questions about their program plus organizational readiness, implementation barriers, implementation strategies, and clinical practices related to assessing smoking among patients newly diagnosed with cancer. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and analysis of change over time (eg, McNemar chi-squares).

RESULTS

Programs (53.1% community-based) tended to report moderate organizational readiness, multiple implementation barriers, and adoption of 4.63 ± 1.49 of eight possible implementation strategies (eg, training staff/providers). Programs reported frequency of assessing smoking status, documenting it in the electronic health record, advising patients who smoke to quit, and documenting advice and treatment increased over time (all
P
< .001). The ask rate increased from baseline to mid to final survey (
P
< .01; 87.79%
v
88.65%
v
91.92%, respectively).

CONCLUSION
Just ASK is the latest, and by far the largest, endeavor to improve assessment of cancer patients' smoking status. Participants reported significant advances within a short time span and study results underscore the potential for national accreditation organizations to transform oncology practice.