bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of Occupational-related low back pain among working populations in Sub- Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Atalay Yibeltal Assefa , Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu , Gelaw Kelemu Abebe 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Industrial workers frequently encounter a range of musculoskeletal issues, particularly in activities associated with production processes. Low back pain constitutes the primary issue in the majority of musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, our study aims to identify the overall prevalence of work-related low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
This systematic review and meta-analysis considered studies conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa, written in English, and published from 2010 to 2023. Articles were searched from electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online database, and Science Direct) using a combination of Boolean logic operators, and main keywords. The quality assessment of the articles was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the articles to the study. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence, the 95% confidence interval, and the degree of heterogeneity among the included studies. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify the influence of outliers and to identify sources of heterogeneity.
Results
In this study, a total of 970 articles were retrieved, and 35 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa was (55.05% [95% CI: 49.34, 60.76]). Based on a sub-group analysis by countries where the studies were conducted, the higher pooled prevalence of low back pain was found in Uganda at (61.48% [95% CI: 40.39, 82.57]), while the lower pooled prevalence of low back pain was in Ghana at (34.48% [95% CI: 17.96, 51.01]).
Conclusions
This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 55.05% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous years. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers incorporate and enhance strategies for the prevention and management of low back pain within the health system management guidelines of each country.
Axial-Shear-Flexure Interactive Behavior of Concrete Member with Low-Bond Reinforcements and Shear Failure
Authors: Wang J.H. , Sun Y.P. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

To study the axial-shear-flexure-interactive (ASFI) behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) members with low-bond reinforcement, twenty-three high-strength fly ash concrete with low-bond high-strength SBPDN 1275/1420 rebars were fabricated to test. The experimental results indicate that the degradation of shear strength carried by concrete controlled the overall shear strength behavior of test beams. Shear failure typically occurred along a diagonal shear cracking plane. To develop a calculation method for predicting the ASFI behavior of RC member, a model was proposed to estimate the neutral axial depth of cross-section, which simplified the estimation of the lateral force behavior without numerous mathematical iterations. The calculation method took into account flexural deformation, deformation due to steel-bond slip, and shear deformation based on the modified compression-field theory. An analytical model was derived to calculate the nominal shear strength using the shear-friction mechanism and Mohr – Coulomb failure criterion. The degraded drift ratio and stiffness of the shear strength were determined through regression analysis of the test data. Finally, the proposed calculation program for the ASFI behavior and shear strength capacity model were used to predict the lateral behaviors of RC members with different structural parameters. The comparison results indicated that the ASFI calculation program successfully predicted the lateral behavior with good accuracy. Additionally, the proposed shear strength capacity model was able to determine the failure mode of RC members.
Addressing the Silent Epidemic of Hepatitis B Virus: Awareness, Screening and Vaccination Efforts in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Akabuike Ogechukwu MaryAnn , Aworh Mabel Kamweli , Uzoebo Nkiruka Lynda , Erwat John , Agukwe Onyinyechi , Ngong Kingsley , Dangana Amos , Enwerem Kenneth , Abdullahi Idris Nasir 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health threat, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where Nigeria has a prevalence exceeding 8%. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, inadequate coverage and lack of awareness have resulted in high rates of chronic infections and HBV-attributable liver disease. The study aimed to raise awareness of HBV across various communities and to enroll participants for HBV screening and vaccination.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 16 districts of Abuja from April 2022 to March 2023. Participants aged 18 and over were screened for hepatitis B, and those testing negative were offered on-site vaccination. Blood samples were collected and tested using HBV immunochromatographic tests and real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for HBV DNA quantification. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using R software, with descriptive statistics calculated for continuous and categorical variables. Associations between socio-demographic factors and hepatitis B/vaccine status were assessed using the Chi-square test of independence.
Results: Out of 3,245 individuals screened, 141 (4.3%) tested positive for HBV. The highest prevalence was observed in the 20–39 age group (5.9%), with males showing a higher infection rate (5.4%) compared to females (3.7%) [p = 0.02]. The mean age of HBV-positive individuals was significantly lower (30.8 years) than those negative for HBV (36.2 years) [p = <0.001]. Among 2,506 participants who consented to vaccination, 2,488 received the first dose, 1,834 the second dose (73.2%), and 1,100 the third dose (43.9%). Vaccination uptake declined with each subsequent dose, but higher proportions of older participants completed the third dose. A similar pattern of HBV prevalence was observed across gender and age groups.
Conclusion: The study reveals a 4.3% prevalence of hepatitis B, with the highest infection rate among individuals aged 20–39 years, and males showing a higher prevalence than females. Although vaccination uptake was high for the first dose, adherence declined for subsequent doses. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions, particularly among younger adults and males, to improve awareness and vaccination completion. Enhanced community engagement and sustained vaccination efforts are crucial for reducing HBV transmission and achieving better coverage.
Brain-wide microstrokes affect the stability of memory circuits in the hippocampus
Authors: Wahl Anna-Sophia , Heiser Hendrik , Kiessler Filippo , Roggenbach Adrian , Ibanez Victor , Wieckhorst Martin , Helmchen Fritjof , Gjorgjieva Julijana 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Cognitive deficits affect over 70% of stroke survivors, yet the mechanisms by which multiple small ischemic events contribute to cognitive decline remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed chronic two-photon calcium imaging to longitudinally track the fate of individual neurons in the hippocampus of mice navigating a virtual reality environment, both before and after inducing brain-wide microstrokes. Our findings reveal that, under normal conditions, hippocampal neurons exhibit varying degrees of stability in their spatial memory coding. However, microstrokes disrupted this functional network architecture, leading to cognitive impairments. Notably, the preservation of stable coding place cells, along with the stability, precision, and persistence of the hippocampal network, was strongly predictive of cognitive outcomes. Mice with more synchronously active place cells near important locations demonstrated recovery from cognitive impairment. This study uncovers critical cellular responses and network alterations following brain injury, providing a foundation for novel therapeutic strategies preventing cognitive decline.
Research on geomagnetic perceiving navigation method based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Hong Li , yan Xu , yu Liu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Path planning and navigation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles face great challenges in unknown environments without a prior information. In this paper, a deep Q-network-based geomagnetic sensing navigation method is proposed to solve the navigation problem without a prior maps. By constructing a deep Q-network model, the method utilizes the powerful representation capability of deep learning to handle complex geomagnetic sensing data. Meanwhile, an action selection strategy combining heuristic and greedy search is introduced to balance exploration and exploitation and enhance the autonomous navigation capability of underwater vehicles in unknown environments. The strategy dynamically adjusts the exploration probability based on the distance to the target, ensuring effective exploration at an early stage and efficient utilization of the learned knowledge when approaching the target. Moreover, the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle explores the environment using local geomagnetic data and trains a regression model to predict the global geomagnetic map. Simulation results show that the method is significantly effective in reducing path lengths, improving exploration efficiency, and enhancing geomagnetic map accuracy. The results show that the method significantly improves the robot's navigation performance in unknown environments and provides a new way to construct geomagnetic maps.
Structure-based design of a broadly protective influenza hemagglutinin stem immunogen
Authors: Deng Lei , Liu De-Jian , Ru Yan-Xia , Zhao Shi-Long , Yang Guo-Huan , Zheng He-Ping , Liu Cui-Cui , Yi Da-Long , Zhou Wen-Shuo , Jia Wei-Guo , Teng Xiao-Nuo , Cao Wen-Long , Tang Yi-Bo , Song Wen-Wen , Wan Mu-Yang , Ge Xing-Yi , Sui Sen-Fang , Li Xiao-Jun , Zhan Zhi-Fei , Zhong Xiu-Qin , Peng You-Song , Peng Ya-Xuan , Li Yao-Wang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The conserved hemagglutinin (HA) stem region is widely regarded as a highly promising target for the development of a universal influenza vaccine. Through structure-based design and iterative mutagenesis screening, we successfully engineered a soluble trimeric H1 stem-only protein, designated #219, which does not contain heterologous trimerization motifs and thus prevents off-target immune responses. As confirmed by a 2.97 Å-resolution cryo-EM structure, the overall conformation of #219 remains intact. Vaccination of mice with #219 protected against lethal heterologous viral challenges. Specific serum antibodies strongly cross-reacted with HAs of diverse influenza A subtypes, cross-neutralized various H1N1 viruses, and exhibited multiple antibody-effector functions mediating infection-permissive protection. We have developed a promising H1 stem immunogen for broad cross-protection against influenza infection and also proposed an efficacious design strategy for soluble homo-oligomeric proteins.
Efficacy of oseltamivir and baloxavir against A(H5N1)-contaminated bovine milk in mice
Authors: Webby Richard , Jones Jeremy , Andreev Konstantin , Fabrizio Thomas , Bowman Andrew , Govorkova Elena 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Understanding the reliability of FDA-approved antivirals against A(H5N1) influenza viruses circulating in peridomestic species including dairy cows is critical to public health and pre-pandemic planning, but it cannot be modeled clinically due to A(H5N1) disease severity. In mice, we demonstrate baloxavir treatment mediates greater disease outcomes (survival, viral dissemination) than oseltamivir after lethal challenge (orally, intranasally, ocularly) with A(H5N1)-contaminated cow milk.
The blue advantage: a novel blue carotenoprotein pigment in the tropical seastar Linckia laevigata is an antioxidant defence against extreme environmental stress
Authors: Williams Suzanne , Heyworth Stephanie M. , Kano Yasunori , Roberts Nicholas W. , Carter Hugh F. , Cheney Karen L. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Some species have evolved innovative solutions that allow them to thrive in extreme environments, including in habitats where temperature and ultraviolet radiation are high. Here we focus on the role of colour, particularly a blue carotenoprotein pigment, for survival in an environmentally stressful habitat. We show that blue Linckia laevigata seastars are common on tropical reef flats throughout the Indo-West Pacific, where at low tide, water temperatures can reach 40º C and water levels frequently drop < 0.5 m, sometimes resulting in animals being fully exposed to the air and ultraviolet radiation. Conversely, non-blue morphs live in water ≥ 1 m, where these stressors are ameliorated. Despite their different depth distribution, blue L. laevigata do not differ significantly from orange morphs in their ability to block ultraviolet radiation, which suggests that the blue carotenoprotein pigment is not a physical sunscreen. However, we show that saline extracts of skin, with intact blue carotenoproteins are antioxidants and demonstrate more than twice as much oxygen radical absorbance capacity as acetone extracts where the carotenoids (mainly astaxanthin) and protein moiety have dissociated. Together with depth data, this suggests that the blue pigment provides protection from environmental stress through an increased capacity to delay, prevent or repair oxidative damage and is a key evolutionary innovation in L. laevigata.
Single-cell imaging reveals efficient nutrient uptake and growth of microalgae that darken the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Halbach Laura , Kitzinger Katharina , Hansen Martin , Benning Liane , Littmann Sten , Bradley James , Whitehouse Martin , Olofsson Malin , Mourot Rey , Tranter Martyn , Kuypers Marcel , Ellegaard-Jensen Lea , Anesio Alexandre 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Blooms of dark pigmented microalgae accelerate glacier and ice sheet melting by reducing the surface albedo. However, the role of nutrient availability in regulating their growth remains poorly understood. We studied glacier ice algae on the Greenland Ice Sheet, providing the first single-cell based data on their carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) ratios and assimilation of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and DIN following various nutrient amendments. The single-cell dataset revealed high C:N and C:P atomic ratios in the algal biomass and the presence of intracellular P storage. Assimilation of DIC by the algae was not enhanced by ammonium, nitrate, or phosphate addition. Our combined results demonstrate that glacier ice algae can optimise nutrient uptake, facilitating the potential colonization of ablating ice sheet surfaces without the need for additional nutrient inputs. This adaptive strategy becomes particularly significant as climate warming accelerates the expansion of melt areas on the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Assessing the vulnerability of buildings to long-term sea level rise across the Global South
Authors: Willard-Stepan Maya , Gomez Natalya , Cardille Jeffrey , Galbraith Eric , Bennett Elena 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Future sea levels are expected to rise, resulting in the progressive inundation of coastal cities. Because the spatio-temporal progression of this inundation is complex, few estimates have been made of how sea level rise will impact specific features of the built environment beyond 2100. Here we provide a first-order assessment of the vulnerability of buildings to sea level rise from satellite observation in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South and Central America. We circumvent factors such as local subsidence and ice sheet dynamics by defining an inundation metric as a function of Local Sea Level Rise (LSLR), rather than time. Of the 840 million buildings in the study region, we find ~ 3.0 million at risk of inundation with 0.5m LSLR, ~ 45 million with 5m LSLR, and ~ 136 million with 20m LSLR. Our results highlight geographic variability in vulnerability and demonstrate the benefits that low-emissions pathways imply for preserving built environments.
Metabolic heterogeneity in DLBCL cells reveals an innovative antimetabolic combination strategy
Authors: Lordello* Leonardo , Nuan-Aliman* Stéphanie , Kielbassa-Elkadi* Karoline , Montagne Aurélie , Kotta Konstantina , Martins Isabelle , Jurado Eva Pinto , Caradeuc Cédric , Lehmann-Che Jaqueline , Martínez-Climent Jose A. , Meignin Véronique , Giraud Nicolas , Kroemer Guido , Bertho Gildas , Thieblemont Catherine , Baud Véronique 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, characterized by aggressive and heterogeneous tumors originating from B-cells. Especially in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) disease, DLBCL remains a challenging cancer to treat. Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of malignant cells. Our research focuses on developing strategies to enhance the clinical outcomes for R/R DLBCL patients by targeting metabolic vulnerabilities. Here we report that the combination of metformin and L-asparaginase, two FDA-approved antimetabolic drugs, strongly sensitizes DLBCL cells to apoptosis, independently of their OxPhos or BCR/glycolytic status. The combination of metformin with L-asparaginase strongly impacts various metabolic liabilities, including glutaminolysis, lipid metabolism, TCA cycle and redox responses. In addition, this combination of antimetabolic drugs interferes with two critical pathways involved in cancer survival, namely the mTOR and MAPK oncogenic pathways. Most importantly, we obtained the proof of principle of the beneficial effect of the metformin and L-asparaginase combination in DLBCL patients. Taken together, our findings establish that combining metformin and L-asparaginase affects DLBCL cell survival by targeting multiple metabolic pathways and hence may represent a new approach for the treatment of R/R DLBCL patients.

*Leonardo Lordello, Stéphanie Nuan-Aliman, and Karoline Kielbassa-Elkadi are co-first authors.
fects of early drought-induced phenotypic plasticity on late plant seedling interactions
Authors: Xiali HOU , shu wang , yuanhu huang , qingzhu yang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In nature, plants are often exposed to a variety of environments. The study of plant phenotypic plasticity cannot ignore a variety of environmental factors. At present, early exposure to flood or drought conditions will change the response of plants to later conditions, but little research has been done on whether early drought experience affects the interaction between plants in the later period. This paper takes Celtis sinensis and Bidens pilosa L. as the research object, through the second stage of individual growth ( drought, wet ), intraspecific interaction ( dry-dry, drought-wet, wet-wet ), interspecific interaction (dry-dry, drought-wet, wet-dry, wet-wet) biomass and morphological characteristics. The results showed that under the intraspecific interaction, the total biomass and aboveground biomass of Celtis sinensis owed a promoting effect under the treatment of no plasticity in the early flower pot ( no induced DP ) and no plasticity in the early stage and plasticity in the neighbor ( single induced SP- ), while the total biomass and aboveground biomass of Celtis sinensis showed a competitive effect under the treatment of plasticity in the early flower pot ( double induced NP ) and plasticity in the early stage and no plasticity in the neighbor ( single induced SP + ). It shows that early water-induced plasticity affects the strength of plant interaction in the later stage to varying degrees. It experienced early wetting ( no induced DP ). In the later intraspecific interaction, Celtis sinensis showed limited aboveground growth and good underground growth, which was contrary to the result that the aboveground part grew well and the underground part grew limited under single induced SP-. This indicates that the current plastic response of plants is not only dependent on early environmental experience, but also may be related to the cost of plasticity. Therefore, the early plastic response to drought environment may sacrifice the subsequent growth potential of Celtis sinensis and limit the plasticity of Celtis sinensis in the later stage. For Bidens pilosa L. under the intraspecific interaction, the aboveground biomass was increased and the underground biomass was decreased under the treatment of early plasticity and no plasticity of neighbors ( single induced SP + ), while the aboveground growth was limited and the underground growth was good under the treatment of early plasticity and plasticity of neighbors ( single induced SP- ). The influence of different early experiences on the interaction between early and late plants Different Bidens pilosa L. can cope with the influence of late intraspecific interaction through the mutual transformation of aboveground and underground parts.
Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization and Skewed Variable Neighborhood Search Techniques for the Generalized Max-Mean Dispersion Problem
Authors: Zhao Juntao , Hifi Mhand , Latrem Khadidja 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

When placing facilities such as warehouses, distribution centers, or public services (e.g., hospitals, fire stations), the objective is often to maximize the distance between selected facilities to ensure a wide service area and reduce redundancy. This is particularly important in areas where resource coverage must be spread evenly across a large geographical area. This paper focuses on this challenge by tackling the generalized max-mean dispersion problem with a novel hybrid optimization method. This method combines particle swarm optimization with skewed variable neighborhood search. It merges the global search capabilities of swarm-based optimization with the focused local search strengths of variable neighborhood search. The approach begins with a randomly generated population, refined through a greedy constructive procedure. A variable neighborhood descent strategy, employing diverse neighborhood operators and skewed local search techniques, is then applied to enhance the local search phase. This hybrid approach achieves a balance between global exploration and targeted local refinement, leading to improved solution quality and avoiding local optima. Experimental results illustrate that the proposed method significantly improves both solution quality and computational efficiency compared to existing techniques, achieving new lower bounds and matching the best-known solutions on other benchmark instances.