bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
USP18 reduces the inflammatory response of LPS-induced SA-AKI by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT-NF-κB pathway and regulate apoptosis of cells
Authors: Chong Yang , Wu Xue-ying , Wang Yi-qi , Gu Quan-kuan , Zhang Jian-nan , Meng Xiang-lin , Li Yue , Yang Wei , Li Na-na , Liu Huan-huan , Gao Qian-qian , Zhao Ming-yan 
Published: September 2024

Background Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is marked by systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction. Ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) is a regulator in immune responses and apoptosis. Objectives To explore USP18's role in inflammatory pathways and apoptosis in SA-AKI, particularly its interactions with the PI3K-AKT-NF-κB pathway. Design A combination of animal experiments and cellular models was employed to investigate the expression and regulatory functions of USP18 in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Methods We established SA-AKI models in mice and HK-2 cells using LPS. Gene expression was analyzed via RNA-seq, and Cr, BUN, and inflammatory factors were measured using biochemical assays and ELISA. Kidney pathology was assessed with HE staining, mRNA levels with qRT-PCR, protein expression with Western blots, and cell apoptosis with flow cytometry. Results In SA-AKI mice model and HK-2 cell lines, upregulated USP18 was linked to increased activity in the PI3K-AKT-NF-κB pathway and heightened inflammation. Conversely, USP18 downregulation decreased early cell apoptosis and raised levels of inflammatory proteins. Elevated USP18 levels were also found in SA-AKI patients’ blood and urine. Conclusion USP18 enhances in vitro and in vivo responses by modulating inflammation and apoptosis through the PI3K-AKT-NF-κB pathway, presenting a potential target for SA-AKI therapy.
Multifunctional sandwich materials with ROTIS structure for improved thermal and electrical properties in construction application
Authors: Wang Dan , Venkataraman Mohanapriya , Hu Shi , Kremenakova Dana , Militky Jiri , Coetzee Divan , Karthik Daniel 
Published: September 2024

There is still a lot of research space and market demand for lightweight, heat-insulating, and EMI-shielding construction materials. This paper develops and compares the thermal insulation, ohmic heating effect, and EMI shielding properties of a kind of multifunctional sandwich material with “ROTIS” and “FLAT” structures. The ROTIS-structured sample exhibits slightly higher thermal conductivity than the FLAT-structured sample, owing to its lower volume porosity and higher plated copper content per unit area. Since ROTIS technology allows for a significant increase in the thickness of thinner raw materials, this structure allows for an increase in the thermal insulation of thinner materials. Also, samples with ROTIS structures have a better ohmic heating effect than samples with FLAT structures. This is because the active layer has more plated copper content per unit area, while the insulation layer has less thermal resistance. Unsatisfactorily, the samples with the ROTIS structure show lower electromagnetic shielding effectiveness at 1-1.5 GHz, which is mainly due to their reduced volume porosity. In conclusion, this research develops sandwich materials with the ROTIS structure that exhibit excellent thermal insulation, electromagnetic shielding, and ohmic heating properties, making them suitable for use as building materials in demanding indoor temperatures and electromagnetic environments.
Batteries Within Diabetes Devices: A Narrative Review on Recycling, Environmental, and Sustainability Perspective
Authors: Avari Parizad , Cai Yi , Verma Vivek , Reddy Monika , Srinivasan Madhavi , Oliver Nick 
Published: September 2024

The adoption of diabetes technology for the management of type 1 and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes has greatly increased. The annual volume of discarded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, considering only Dexcom and Freestyle Libre brands, totals more than 153 million units and Omnipod® contributes an additional estimated 43.8 million units. Although these technologies are clinically effective, their environmental impact is unknown. Batteries are a pivotal, yet often overlooked, component in diabetes technologies and can exert a detrimental impact on the environment. In this commentary article, we explore the environmental impact of batteries used in diabetes devices. Furthermore, we highlight various strategies, including recycling of used batteries and alternative design approaches, that may reduce the environmental burden, as they become the ubiquitous standard of care for people with diabetes.
High seroprevalence of IgM antibodies against chikungunya among patients with acute febrile illness seeking healthcare in a malaria-endemic area in the Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Zerfu Biruk , Kassa Tesfu , Mamo Gezahegne , Larrick James W , Legesse Mengistu 
Published: September 2024

Objective: Chikungunya is a disease caused by Aedes mosquito-borne chikungunya virus infection. This disease is becoming one of the emerging/re-emerging viral diseases in tropical and subtropical countries but is neglected by public health systems. This study assessed the seroprevalence of chikungunya virus infection among patients with acute febrile illness seeking healthcare in a malaria-endemic area in the Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed from September 2022 to March 2023 to assess the seroprevalence of chikungunya virus infection among malaria-suspected febrile patients attending health institutes in the Afar Region. Sociodemographic, clinical features, and venous blood were collected from each study participant. Blood films were prepared and examined for plasmodium infection using microscopy. Sera were separated and screened for anti-chikungunya virus IgM and IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were entered into Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed using Stata/SE 14.2. Results: In this study, 368 malaria-suspected febrile patients (55.4% female, aged 5–80 years old, mean ± SD = 27.28 ± 14.0) participated. The prevalence of anti-chikungunya virus IgM antibodies, indicating acute infection, was 47.8%, while the prevalence of IgG antibodies, indicating previous exposure, was 6.3%. Nonmarried participants were found to be more likely to have acute chikungunya virus infection (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.141–4.964), and back pain was associated with higher likelihood of acute infection (AOR = 1.785; 95% CI: 1.078–2.954). About 10.6% of the participants tested positive for Plasmodium parasite infection, with P. falciparum (84.6%) being the most common, followed by P. vivax (10.3%) and mixed (5.1%) infections. Conclusion: The study revealed a high seroprevalence of acute chikungunya virus infection among febrile patients in the Afar Region, highlighting the importance of regular screening for arbovirus infection in febrile patients to control and mitigate chikungunya spread.
Co-design of a voice-based app to monitor long COVID symptoms with its end-users: A mixed-method study
Authors: Fischer Aurélie , Aguayo Gloria , Pinker India , Oustric Pauline , Lachaise Tom , Wilmes Paul , Larché Jérôme , Benoy Charles , Fagherazzi Guy 
Published: September 2024

Background People living with Long COVID (PWLC), which is still a poorly understood disease, often face major issues accessing proper care and frequently feel abandoned by the healthcare system. PWLC frequently report impaired quality of life because of the medical burden, the variability and intensity of symptoms, and insecurity toward the future. These particular needs justify the development of innovative, minimally disruptive solutions to facilitate the monitoring of this complex and fluctuating disease. Voice-based interactions and vocal biomarkers are promising digital approaches for such health monitoring. Methods Based on a mixed-method approach, this study describes the entire co-design process of Long COVID Companion, a voice-based digital health app to monitor Long COVID symptoms. Potential end-users of the app, both PWLC and healthcare professionals (HCP) were involved to (1) understand the unmet needs and expectations related to Long COVID care and management, (2) to assess the barriers and facilitators regarding a health monitoring app, (3) to define the app characteristics, including future potential use of vocal biomarkers and (4) to develop a first version of the app. Results This study revealed high needs and expectations regarding a digital health app to monitor Long COVID symptoms and the readiness to use vocal biomarkers from end-users. The main expectations included improved care and daily life, and major concerns were linked to accessibility and data privacy. Long COVID Companion was developed as a web application and is composed of a health monitoring component that allows auto-evaluation of symptoms, global health, and scoring relevant symptoms and quality of life using standardized questionnaires. Conclusions The Long COVID Companion app will address a major gap and provide day-to-day support for PWLC. However, further studies will be needed following its release, to evaluate its acceptability, usability and effectiveness.
ZCCHC8 p.P410A disrupts nucleocytoplasmic localization, promoting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wang Chen-Yu , Chang Si-Hua , Hu Cheng-Feng , Hu Yi-Qiao , Luo Hong , Liu Lv , Fan Liang-Liang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a special kind of chronic interstitial lung disease with insidious onset. Previous studies have revealed that mutations in ZCCHC8 may lead to IPF. The aim of this study is to explore the ZCCHC8 mutations in Chinese IPF patients.

Methods
Here, we enrolled 124 patients with interstitial lung disease from 2017 to 2023 in our hospital. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were employed to explore the genetic lesions of these patients.

Results
Among these 124 patients, a novel mutation (NM_017612: c.1228 C > G/p.P410A) of Zinc Finger CCHC-Type Containing 8 (ZCCHC8)was identified in a family with IPF and chronic obstructive lung disease. As a component of the nuclear exosome-targeting complex that regulates the turnover of human telomerase RNA, ZCCHC8 mutations have been reported may lead to IPF in European population and American population. Functional study confirmed that the novel mutation can disrupt the nucleocytoplasmic localization of ZCCHC8, which further decreased the expression of DKC1 and RTEL1, and finally reduced the length of telomere and led to IPF and related disorders.

Conclusions
We may first report the ZCCHC8 mutation in Asian population with IPF. Our study broadens the mutation, phenotype, and population spectrum of ZCCHC8 deficiency.
Decompression alone or fusion in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis? A systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Cheng Haiyang , Luo Gan , Xu Dan , Li Yuqiao , Yang Houzhi , Cao Sheng , Sun Tianwei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this systematic review and metaanalysis is to compare the efficacy and safety of decompression alone versus decompression plus fusion in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis.

Methods
A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Ovid Medline databases was conducted to find randomized control trials (RCTs) or cohort studies that compared decompression alone and decompression plus fusion in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis. Operation time; reoperation; postoperative complications; postoperative Oswestry disability index(ODI) scores and scores related to back and leg pain were collected from eligible studies for meta-analysis.

Results
We included 3 randomized controlled trials and 9 cohort studies with 6182 patients. The decompression alone group showed less operative time(P < 0.001) and intraoperative blood loss(p = 0.000), and no significant difference in postoperative complications was observed in randomized controlled trials(p = 0.428) or cohort studies(p = 0.731). There was no significant difference between the other two groups in reoperation(P = 0.071), postoperative ODI scores and scores related to back and leg pain.

Conclusions
In this study, we found that the decompression alone group performed better in terms of operation time and intraoperative blood loss, and there was no significant difference between the two surgical methods in rate of reoperation and postoperative complications, ODI, low back pain and leg pain. Therefore, we come to the conclusion that decompression alone is not inferior to decompression and fusion in patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis.
Advancing a new model of collaborative practice: a decade of Whole Health interprofessional education across Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Liao Theresa H. , Rindfleisch J. Adam , Howard Kelly Peyton , Castellani Marc , Noyes Sara Grimsgaard 
Published: September 2024

AbstractLarge-scale implementation of interprofessional education across the United States Veterans Health Administration has supported advancement of a new model of collaborative practice, the Whole Health System, centering on the patient and what matters most to them. Other health care systems can consider similar educational efforts for health care transformation.
Simple supplementation of serum-free medium produces gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum that transmit to mosquitoes
Authors: Pradhan Sabyasachi , Ubiaru Prince Chigozirim , Ranford-Cartwright Lisa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Human serum is a major component of Plasmodium falciparum culture medium, and can be replaced with AlbuMAX™ II, a lipid-rich bovine serum albumin, for asexual cultures. However, gametocytes produced without serum are poorly infective to mosquitoes. Serum suffers from high cost, limited availability, and variability in quality.

Methods
Several commercially-available media supplements were tested for their ability to support parasite growth and production of P. falciparum (3D7) gametocytes in standard RPMI1640 medium containing 0.5% AlbuMAX. The impact on asexual growth and gametocyte production with each supplement was assessed and compared to standard RPMI1640 medium containing 10% human serum, as well as to medium containing 0.5% AlbuMAX alone. The infectivity of gametocytes produced with one supplement to Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto was assessed by standard membrane feeding assay and measuring both prevalence of infection and oocyst intensity.

Results
Supplementation of medium containing 0.5% AlbuMAX with five supplements did not affect asexual growth of P. falciparum, and four of the five supplements supported early gametocyte production. The supplement producing the highest number of gametocytes, ITS-X, was further investigated and was found to support the production of mature gametocytes. Infection prevalence and oocyst intensity did not differ significantly between mosquitoes given a membrane feed containing gametocytes grown in medium with 0.5% AlbuMAX + ITS-X and those grown in medium with 10% human serum. Infection prevalence and oocyst intensity was significantly higher in case of ITS–X supplementation when compared to AlbuMAX alone. Infectious gametocytes were also produced from two field clones using ITS–X supplementation.

Conclusions
Serum-free medium supplemented with ITS-X was able to support the growth of gametocytes of P. falciparum that were as infectious to An. gambiae as those grown in medium with 10% serum. This is the first fully serum-free culture system able to produce highly infectious gametocytes, thereby removing the requirement for access to serum for transmission assays.
Potential impact of climatic factors on malaria in Rwanda between 2012 and 2021: a time-series analysis
Authors: Rubuga Felix K. , Ahmed Ayman , Siddig Emmanuel , Sera Francesco , Moirano Giovenale , Aimable Mbituyumuremyi , Albert Tuyishime , Gallican Nshogoza R. , Nebié Eric I. , Kitema Gatera F. , Vounatsou Penelope , Utzinger Jürg , Cissé Guéladio 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains an important public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Rwanda, where malaria ranks among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, disease transmission is influenced by climatic factors. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating the link between climate change and malaria dynamics, which hinders the development of effective national malaria response strategies. Addressing this critical gap, this study analyses how climatic factors influence malaria transmission across Rwanda, thereby informing tailored interventions and enhancing disease management frameworks.

Methods
The study analysed the potential impact of temperature and cumulative rainfall on malaria incidence in Rwanda from 2012 to 2021 using meteorological data from the Rwanda Meteorological Agency and malaria case records from the Rwanda Health Management and Information System. The analysis was performed in two stages. First, district-specific generalized linear models with a quasi-Poisson distribution were applied, which were enhanced by distributed lag non-linear models to explore non-linear and lagged effects. Second, random effects multivariate meta-analysis was employed to pool the estimates and to refine them through best linear unbiased predictions.

Results
A 1-month lag with specific temperature and rainfall thresholds influenced malaria incidence across Rwanda. Average temperature of 18.5 °C was associated with higher malaria risk, while temperature above 23.9 °C reduced the risk. Rainfall demonstrated a dual effect on malaria risk: conditions of low (below 73 mm per month) and high (above 223 mm per month) precipitation correlated with lower risk, while moderate rainfall (87 to 223 mm per month) correlated with higher risk. Seasonal patterns showed increased malaria risk during the major rainy season, while the short dry season presented lower risk.

Conclusion
The study underscores the influence of temperature and rainfall on malaria transmission in Rwanda and calls for tailored interventions that are specific to location and season. The findings are crucial for informing policy that enhance preparedness and contribute to malaria elimination efforts. Future research should explore additional ecological and socioeconomic factors and their differential contribution to malaria transmission.
The associations of muscle-strengthening exercise with recurrence and mortality among breast cancer survivors: a systematic review
Authors: Wilson Oliver W.A. , Wojcik Kaitlyn M. , Kamil Dalya , Gorzelitz Jessica , Butera Gisela , Matthews Charles E. , Jayasekera Jinani 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Our systematic review aimed to critically evaluate empirical literature describing the association of muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) with recurrence and/or mortality among breast cancer survivors.

Methods
We included English-language empirical research studies examining the association between MSE and recurrence and/or mortality among females diagnosed with breast cancer. Seven databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and CINAHL) were searched in September 2023. Quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results are summarized descriptively.

Results
Five sources were identified. MSE measurement differed in relation to the description of the MSE (i.e., muscle-strengthening vs. strength training), examples of activities (e.g., sit-ups or push-ups vs. calisthenics vs. circuit training), and exercise frequency (i.e., days vs. times/week). Findings offer provisional evidence that some MSE may lower the hazards of recurrence and mortality. This association may vary by race, weight status, and menopausal status.

Conclusions
In summary, limited available evidence suggests that MSE may lower the hazards of recurrence and mortality. More consistent measurement and analyses would help generate findings that are more readily comparable and applicable to inform clinical practice. Further research is needed to improve understanding of the strength and differences of these associations among underserved and underrepresented women.
Legendary fermented herbs: an ethnobotanical study of the traditional fermentation starter of the Chuanqing people in Northwestern Guizhou, China
Authors: Zhao Jiawen , Wang Qinghe , Ren Zixuan , Yang Changqin , Guan Shiyu , Wang Xiaoyan , Huang Yan , Yao Ruyu , Yin Hongxiang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Plants that contain brewing microorganisms are used in traditional fermentation starters, which are an essential part of local diet, nutrition, life, and health. Regionally, the plant species used and the microorganisms included in traditional fermentation starters are diverse, endowing local fermented drinks with different flavors and health benefits. However, related traditional knowledge has been scarcely documented or revealed.

Methods
An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in five towns of Nayong County in northwestern Guizhou, China. Snowball sampling, semi-structured interviews, free lists, and participatory observation were used to collect information on Jiuqu Plants (JPs) and jiuqu-making techniques. The PacBio platform was used to study the microbial community structure and diversity in the Chuanqing people’s jiuqu.

Results
In total, 225 informants were interviewed, including 116 who provided plants and technological processes for making Chinese baijiu jiuqu (CBJ) and 139 who provided information about making fermented glutinous rice jiuqu (FGRJ). This study found that older people have more abundant knowledge about CBJ plants. Poaceae was found to be the dominant family used in making CBJ and FGRJ (7 species each). Compared to individual plant parts, the whole plant is most commonly used in two kinds of jiuqu (19.5% in CBJ and 22.6% in FGRJ). The Chuanqing people’s jiuqu is used to treat dietary stagnation and indigestion. The highest relative frequency of citation of the CBJ plant was Ficus tikoua Bureau, and the counterpart of the FGRJ plant was Buddleja macrostachya Benth. The dominant bacterial species in jiuqu were Gluconobacter japonicus (YQ1, YQ4) and Pediococcus pentosaceus (YQ2, YQ3), and the dominant fungal species was Rhizopus oryzae.

Conclusion
For the first time, this study documents the unique traditional jiuqu knowledge and reveals the microbial mystery behind the FGRJ of the Chuanqing people.
Therefore, this study encourages the use of online social media platforms in order to spread Jiuqu culture, the use of the new media wave in order to create multimedia databases, and also suggests that local communities should develop preservation intervention programs, in addition to nurturing the inheritors in order to prevent the disappearance of traditional Jiuqu knowledge. This research contributes to the conservation and demystification of the traditional jiuqu knowledge of the Chuanqing people and lays the foundation for further research on its microbiology, nutrition, and metabolomics.