bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empowering Self-Management for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Human-Centered Design Study of Spanish- and Cantonese-Preferring Patients in the United States
Authors: Zheng Patricia , De Marchis Emilia , Yeager Jan , Del Rosario Karina , Nagao Masato , Belaye Tigist , Gallegos-Castillo Angela , Fung Lei-Chun , Vallejo Adrian , Kuang Amy , Gendelberg David , Lotz Jeffrey , O’Neill Conor ,   the REACH investigators
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionChronic low back pain (cLBP) is a leading cause of disability with disproportionately high impacts on marginalized populations, including non-English-preferring patients. These patients face significant barriers to accessing care and adhering to self-management strategies due to language barriers, socioeconomic challenges, and cultural differences. Despite the emphasis on self-management for cLBP, limited research has focused on understanding the specific needs and preferences of Spanish- and Cantonese-preferring patients.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the self-management priorities of Spanish- and Cantonese-preferring patients with cLBP. Using a human-centered design approach, we sought to identify patient preferences for self-management support materials and strategies that could be tailored to their unique needs.DesignQualitative research using thematic analysis of focus groups conducted in participants’ preferred language.SettingUrban, academic-affiliated county hospital between March and May 2024.PatientsSpanish- and Cantonese-preferring patients with cLBPInterventionsNot applicable.Main outcomeKey themes in participants’ experiences with cLBP care, barriers to self-management, and preferences for educational materials.ResultsFifteen patients participated across six focus groups (three focus group in each language). Four primary themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) the need for empathic, tailored educational supports that fit into patients’ lives, (2) a desire for self-management plans that account for social and economic constraints, (3) recognition of mental health and social isolation as factors that influence cLBP experience, and (4) a need for clearer guidance on self-management strategies and trustworthy resources. Both Spanish- and Cantonese-preferring participants expressed a preference for video-based resources, plain-language materials, and support for understanding the causes and management of their pain.ConclusionSpanish- and Cantonese-preferring patients with cLBP face significant barriers to self-management and would benefit from culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. This study highlights the need for healthcare systems to develop and deliver tailored, accessible self-management support materials that address the unique challenges faced by minoritized populations. Human-centered design offers a promising approach to reducing disparities in cLBP outcomes by creating patient-driven solutions that prioritize empathy, practicality, and cultural relevance.
Mitigating Hallucinations in Large Language Models: A Comparative Study of RAG-enhanced vs. Human-Generated Medical Templates
Authors: Li Anson , Shrestha Renee , Jegatheeswaran Thinoj , Chan Hannah O. , Hong Colin , Joshi Rakesh 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance various aspects of healthcare, including patient care, medical research, and education. The well-known LLM from Open AI: ChatGPT, a user-friendly GPT-4 based chatbot, has become increasingly popular. However, current limitations to LLMs, such as hallucinations, outdated information, and ethical and legal complications may pose significant risks to patients and contribute to the spread of medical disinformation. This study focuses on the application of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to mitigate common limitations of LLMs like ChatGPT and assess its effectiveness in summarizing and organizing medical information. Up-to-date clinical guidelines were utilized as the source of information to create detailed medical templates. These were evaluated against human-generated templates by a panel of physicians, using Likert scales for accuracy and usefulness, and programmatically using BERTScores for textual similarity. The LLM templates scored higher on average for both accuracy and usefulness when compared to human-generated templates. BERTScore analysis further showed high textual similarity between ChatGPT- and Human-generated templates. These results indicate that RAG-enhanced LLM prompting can effectively summarize and organize medical information, demonstrating high potential for use in clinical settings.
Epidemiological Analysis of Confirmed Mpox Cases in Burundi, July to September 2024
Authors: Nizigiyimana Alexis , Ndikumwenayo Francois , Houben Sarah , Manirakiza Martin , van Lettow Monique , Liesenborghs Laurens , Mbala-Kingebeni Placide , Rimoin Anne W. , Bogoch Isaac I. , Kindachuk Jason 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThis study analyzes mpox cases in Burundi from July to September 2024, following the introduction of Clade Ib. We analyzed 607 samples from the whole population of suspected cases in the study period where 25.4% of the samples tested positive via PCR. Children under 15 comprised 55.2% of cases, with a higher proportion of female children testing positive. Geographic analysis demonstrates case concentration in Bujumbura Mairie (59.1%). These findings highlight the importance of age- and sex-specific interventions for outbreak containment and the need for targeted public health strategies in Burundi.
Genetic disease risks of under-represented founder populations in New York City
Authors: Isshiki Mariko , Griffen Anthony , Meissner Paul , Spencer Paulette , Cabana Michael D. , Klugman Susan D. , Colón Mirtha , Maksumova Zoya , Suglia Shakira , Isasi Carmen , Greally John M. , Raj Srilakshmi M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe detection of founder pathogenic variants, those observed in high frequency only in a group of individuals with increased inter-relatedness, can help improve delivery of health care for that community. We identified 16 groups with shared ancestry, based on genomic segments that are shared through identity by descent (IBD), in New York City using the genomic data of 25,366 residents from the All Of Us Research Program and the Mount Sinai BioMebiobank. From these groups we defined 8 as founder populations, mostly communities currently under-represented in medical genomics research, such as Puerto Rican, Garifuna and Filipino/Pacific Islanders. The enrichment analysis of ClinVar pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in each group identified 202 of these damaging variants across the 8 founder populations. We confirmed disease-causing variants previously reported to occur at increased frequencies in Ashkenazi Jewish and Puerto Rican genetic ancestry groups, but most of the damaging variants identified have not been previously associated with any such founder populations, and most of these founder populations have not been described to have increased prevalence of the associated rare disease. Twenty-five of 51 variants meeting Tier 2 clinical screening criteria (1/100 carrier frequency within these founder groups) have never previously been reported. We show how population structure studies can provide insights into rare diseases disproportionately affecting under-represented founder populations, delivering a health care benefit but also a potential source of stigmatization of these communities, who should be part of the decision-making about implementation into health care delivery.Author SummaryIt is well recognized that genomic studies have been biased towards individuals of European ancestry, and that obtaining medical insights for populations under-represented in medical genomics is crucial to achieve health equity. Here, we use genomic information to identify networks of individuals in New York City who are distinctively related to each other, allowing us to define populations with common genetic ancestry based on genetic similarities rather than by self-reported race or ethnicity. In our study of >25,000 New Yorkers, we identified eight highly-interrelated founder populations, with 202 likely disease-causing variants with increased frequencies in specific founder populations. Many of these population-specific variants are new discoveries, despite their high frequency in founder populations. Studying recent genetic ancestry can help reveal population-specific disease insights that can help with early diagnosis, carrier screening, and opportunities for targeted therapies that all help to reduce health disparities in genomic medicine.
MKK4 and MKK7 control degeneration of retinal ganglion cell somas and axons after glaucoma-relevant injury
Authors: Marola Olivia J. , Syc-Mazurek Stephanie B. , Yablonski Sarah E. R. , Shrager Peter G. , John Simon W. , Libby Richard T. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGlaucoma is characterized by programmed cell death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after axonal injury. Several studies have shown the cell-intrinsic drivers of RGC degeneration act in a compartment-specific manor. Recently, the transcription factors JUN and DDIT3 were identified as critical hubs regulating RGC somal loss after mechanical axonal injury. It is possible somal DDIT3/JUN activity initiates axonal degeneration mechanisms in glaucoma. Alternatively, DDIT3/JUN may act downstream of inciting degenerative mechanisms and only drive RGC somal loss. The MAP2Ks MKK4 and MKK7 control all JNK/JUN activity and can indirectly activate DDIT3. Furthermore, MKK4/7 have been shown to drive RGC axonal degeneration after mechanical axonal injury. The present work investigated whether JUN and DDIT3, or their upstream activators MKK4 and MKK7, control degeneration of RGC axons and somas after glaucoma-relevant injury.Ddit3/Jundeletion did not prevent axonal degeneration in ocular hypertensive DBA/2J mice but prevented nearly all RGC somal loss. Despite robust somal survival,Ddit3/Jundeletion did not preserve RGC somal viability (as assessed by PERG decline and soma shrinkage) in DBA/2J mice or after glaucoma-relevant mechanical axonal injury. In contrast,Mkk4/7deletion significantly lessened degeneration of RGC somas and axons, and preserved somal function and size after axonal injury. In summary, activation of MKK4 and MKK7 appears to be the inciting mechanism governing death of the entire RGC after glaucoma-relevant injury; driving death of the RGC soma (likely through activation of DDIT3 and JUN), decline in somal viability, and axonal degeneration via DDIT3/JUN-independent mechanisms.
From friend to foe and back - Coevolutionary transitions in the mutualism-antagonism continuum
Authors: Jäger Felix , Schurr Frank M. , Allhoff Korinna Theresa 
Published: September 2024

AbstractInterspecific interactions evolve along a continuum ranging from mutualism to antagonism. Evolutionary theory so far focused mostly on parts of this continuum, notably on mechanisms that enable and stabilise mutualism. These mechanisms often involve partner discrimination ensuring that interaction intensity is higher with more cooperative partners. However, the gradual trajectory of coevolutionary transitions between mutualism and antagonism remains unclear. Here, we model how discrimination ability in one partner coevolves with cooperativeness in the other and analyse the resulting evolutionary trajectories in the mutualism-antagonism continuum. We show that strong ecological change, such as a radical host shift or colonisation of a new environment, can trigger transitions in both directions including back-and-forth transitions between antagonism and mutualism. Moreover, we find an evolutionary tipping point: a stable mutualism may break down to antagonism if the cost of either mutualistic service or discrimination ability gradually increases above a threshold beyond which this transition cannot be reversed by reducing costs again. Our study provides a new perspective on the evolution of biotic interactions and hence on the dynamic structure of ecological networks.
Drivers of ecological success forEscherichia colivary among human gut microbiome samples from different individuals
Authors: Boumasmoud Mathilde , León-Sampedro Ricardo , Beusch Vera , Benz Fabienne , Hall Alex R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGut microbial community composition varies from one person to another. Potentially, this means the ecological interactions experienced by individual strains or species also vary among microbiomes of different people. However, testing this directly in human microbiomes and identifying associated ecological drivers is challenging. Here, we use replicated anaerobic microcosms to quantify variability of population growth for a key commensal species among microbiome samples from different individuals, and to identify underlying intra- and interspecific interactions. In a reciprocal transplant experiment, both absolute and relative growth perfomance of differentEscherichia colistrains varied among gut microbiome samples from different healthy individuals. This was partly explained by intraspecific competition: ecological success of individualE. colistrains was associated with displacement of resident conspecifics. However, the determinants ofE. coligrowth varied among samples from different individuals. In one microbiome sample with a distinctive taxonomic composition, culture acidification by resident microbes impaired growth of allE. colistrains. These results suggest inter-individual microbiome variation is a key driver of susceptibility to colonisation by incoming bacteria, impacting the relative success of different strains and thereby helping to explain the structure and diversity of human microbiomes.
First report of pathogenicLeptospirain Sri Lankan bats: A potential reservoir risk
Authors: Perera Thejanee , Schwarz Franziska , Muzeniek Therese , Siriwardana Sahan , Becker-Ziaja Beate , Perera Inoka , Handunnetti Shiroma , Weerasena Jagathpriya , Premawansa Gayani , Premawansa Sunil , Yapa Wipula , Kohl Claudia , Nitsche Andreas 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundLeptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by spirochetes of the genusLeptospira. It affects both humans and animals, posing a significant public health threat worldwide. In Sri Lanka, leptospirosis causes annual outbreaks, particularly during the monsoon seasons. The disease is often difficult to diagnose and can have a high mortality rate. Bats are potential reservoirs forLeptospirain other countries. This study investigated the presence and diversity ofLeptospirain bats inhabiting the Wavulgalge, a natural cave in Sri Lanka.Methodology/Principal FindingsUsing PCR and Sanger sequencing techniques,Leptospira borgpeterseniiandLeptospira kirschneriwere identified inMiniopterus fuliginosusandRousettus leschenaultiibats. Out of 148 bat urine samples, 16 tested positive via RT-qPCR, withM. fuliginosussamples harboringL. borgpeterseniiand oneR. leschenaultiisample harboringL. kirschnerirevealed by Sanger sequencing method.Conclusions/SignificanceThese findings enhance the understanding of the zoonotic role of Sri Lankan bats inLeptospiratransmission.Author SummaryLeptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals, particularly in tropical regions. It spreads through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals. In Sri Lanka, leptospirosis poses a significant public health challenge, with frequent outbreaks during the rainy season. However, while much research has focused on domestic animals as potential carriers, the role of bats in the transmission of this disease has not been fully explored.In this study, we investigated whether bats in Sri Lanka can act as carriers ofLeptospirabacteria, which could contribute to the spread of leptospirosis to humans. We focused on a population of bats from the Wavulgalge cave and tested them for the presence ofLeptospirausing molecular methods. Our results provide the first evidence thatLeptospirais present in Sri Lankan bats, highlighting their potential role as a reservoir for the bacteria.These findings are important because they suggest that bats, like rodents and livestock, could contribute to the spread of leptospirosis in Sri Lanka. Understanding which animals carry the bacteria helps inform public health strategies, allowing for more targeted surveillance and control measures. By including bats in these efforts, we can better prevent future outbreaks of leptospirosis and protect at-risk communities.This study also contributes to the broader understanding of how wildlife can influence human health, especially in tropical environments where human-animal interactions are common. Our work emphasizes the need for a One Health approach, which considers the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, to tackle neglected diseases like leptospirosis.
Impaired excitability of fast-spiking neurons in a novel mouse model ofKCNC1epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Wengert Eric R. , Cheng Melody A. , Liebergall Sophie R. , Markwalter Kelly H. , Hong Yerahm , Arias Leroy , Marsh Eric D. , Zhang Xiaohong , Somarowthu Ala , Goldberg Ethan M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe recurrent pathogenic variantKCNC1-p.Ala421Val (A421V) is a cause of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by moderate-to-severe developmental delay/intellectual disability, and infantile-onset treatment-resistant epilepsy with multiple seizure types including myoclonic seizures. Yet, the mechanistic basis of disease is unclear.KCNC1encodes Kv3.1, a voltage-gated potassium channel subunit that is highly and selectively expressed in neurons capable of generating action potentials at high frequency, including parvalbumin-positive fast-spiking GABAergic inhibitory interneurons in cerebral cortex (PV-INs) known to be important for cognitive function and plasticity as well as control of network excitation to prevent seizures. In this study, we generate a novel transgenic mouse model with conditional expression of the Ala421Val pathogenic missense variant (Kcnc1-A421V/+ mice) to explore the physiological mechanisms ofKCNC1developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Our results indicate that global heterozygous expression of the A421V variant leads to epilepsy and premature lethality. We observe decreased PV-IN cell surface expression of Kv3.1 via immunohistochemistry, decreased voltage-gated potassium current density in PV-INs using outside-out nucleated macropatch recordings in brain slice, and profound impairments in the intrinsic excitability of cerebral cortex PV-INs but not excitatory neurons in current-clamp electrophysiology.In vivotwo-photon calcium imaging revealed hypersynchronous discharges correlated with brief paroxysmal movements, subsequently shown to be myoclonic seizures on electroencephalography. We found alterations in PV-IN-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission in young adult but not juvenileKcnc1-A421V/+ mice relative to wild-type controls. Together, these results establish the impact of the recurrent Kv3.1-A421V variant on neuronal excitability and synaptic physiology across development to drive network dysfunction underlyingKCNC1epileptic encephalopathy.
Regulatory effects on virulence and phage susceptibility revealed bysdiAmutation inKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Silva-Bea Sergio , Maseda Pablo , Otero Ana , Romero Manuel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe World Health Organization has identified multi-drug resistant (MDR)Klebsiella pneumoniaestrains as the highest priority in 2024. SdiA, a LuxR-like quorum sensing (QS) receptor that responds toN-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), exerts a substantial regulatory influence on the virulence of numerous Gram-negative bacteria. The function of this receptor in the virulence ofK. pneumoniaeremains uncertain. Nevertheless, further investigation into the significance of this receptor is needed, as it represents an intriguing avenue with the potential to contribute to the development of novel antimicrobial strategies. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the function of SdiA inK. pneumoniaebiofilm formation and virulence. To this end, a genetic knockout ofsdiAwas conducted, and virulence-related phenotypic studies were performed following AHL provision. The results demonstrate that SdiA deficiency increases susceptibility to phage infection and human serum resistance, and promotes biofilm maturation and cell filamentation. No effect on virulence was observed in vivo in theGalleria mellonellainfection model. The addition ofN-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) promoted SdiA-dependent biofilm maturation but also enhanced serum resistance and reduced virulence againstG. mellonellain the absence of SdiA. The results of this study demonstrate that C6-HSL and SdiA exert a dual influence on virulence phenotypes, operating both independently and hierarchically. These findings provide new insights into the virulence ofK. pneumoniaeand its regulation by SdiA.ImportanceThis study represents a significant contribution to our understanding of the complex regulatory mechanisms that govern the virulence of multi-drug resistantKlebsiella pneumoniaethrough quorum sensing (QS). The study offers insights into the function of SdiA, a QS receptor, in the regulation of biofilm formation, susceptibility to phage infection, serum resistance, and cell filamentation in this bacterium. Furthermore, the findings of this study demonstrate that exogenousN-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signalling influences the aforementioned virulence phenotypes in both a SdiA-dependent and independent manner, as well as in a hierarchical manner.
Understanding user satisfaction with physical and m-government services: evidence from LUKU in Tanzania
Authors: Ishengoma Fredrick 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study aims to explore the user’s perception and satisfaction level toward LUKU m-government service in Tanzania. Moreover, it specifically compares the perception and satisfaction levels between the users of m-payments and the users of physical payments.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used a quantitative research method, where it collected data from 200 respondents in Tanzania. Demographic characteristics, perceptions and levels of satisfaction with one of the mobile-government services (LUKU) were analysed. Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression analyses were used to test the demographic factors, payment method, perceptions and levels of satisfaction.

Findings
Mobile payment users of LUKU m-government service in Tanzania had significantly higher scores of trust, security and overall perception and were significantly more satisfied than users of physical payments. Ease of use, convenience, reliability and overall satisfaction emerged as key predictors of both user perceptions and satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications
This study's exclusive focus on the LUKU m-government service limits the generalisability of findings to other m-government contexts.

Originality/value
The study presents evidence that mobile payments are important for foster utilisation of m-government services, and that user satisfaction is crucial in strengthening both trust and security perceptions.