bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seafarers’ attitudes and chances to improve the nutrition on merchant ships from the crews’ and cooks’ perspective
Authors: Neumann Felix Alexander , Belz Lukas , Dengler Dorothee , Harth Volker , Reck Chiara , Oldenburg Marcus , Zyriax Birgit-Christiane 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Seafarers’ diets are often high in fat, sugar and calories, thus contributing to an increased risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The multitude of obstacles to healthy eating in the on-board environment on merchant ships makes it essential to find new approaches for health promotion. This study explored seafarers’ attitudes, the status quo of support measures and chances to improve nutrition on merchant ships from the perspective of crews and cooks.

Methods
In the course of the EU-funded project “e-healthy ship”, European and Southeast Asian seafarers (N = 810) and ship cooks (N = 62) were examined by using two questionnaires on 68 ships of two German shipping companies.

Results
Almost all seafarers (98.8%) considered a healthy diet important for their well-being and the majority of seafarers reported being open-minded about changing their eating habits (88.4%). However, European seafarers were less likely to respond that they are willing to eat less meat [OR 0.11; 95%CI (0.07–0.17); p < .001], more vegetables [OR 0.10; 95%CI (0.02–0.49); p = .005] and more fruits [OR 0.11; 95%CI (0.02–0.61); p = .011] than their Southeast Asian colleagues. On the one hand, 82.3% of the ship cooks reported having taken part in at least one cooking course organized by their employer (1: 33.9%, 2: 25.8%, 3: 14.5%, 4 or more: 8.1%), on the other hand, slightly above half stated that the last of these courses had taken place more than 2 years ago. Furthermore, the ship cooks showed a positive attitude towards the use of a tablet-based digital platform that supports the ship cooks in daily and complex tasks (> 85% agreement).

Conclusions
To improve nutrition on board merchant ships, various parameters need to be adjusted, such as ensuring a demand-oriented food supply on board or supporting seafarers’ healthy food choices through target group-specific nutrition education. Ship cooks would be able to play a crucial role if they receive support. The development of a tablet-based digital platform that supports the ship cooks in their daily tasks, offers training and empowers them to implement health-promoting measures themselves seems to be an accepted and promising approach.
Enteric parasites Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium hominis in domestic and wildlife animals in Ghana
Authors: Oduro Daniel , Baafi Esther , Opoku-Agyeman Philip , Adams Tryphena , Okai Akweley Abena , Bruku Selassie , Kyei Sandra , Banahene Phillip , Danso-Coffie Caleb , Boafo Emmanuel , Yeboah Rhoda , Futagbi Godfred , Duah-Quashie Nancy Odurowah 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Enteric parasitic infections remain a major public health problem globally. Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora spp. and Giardia spp. are parasites that cause diarrhea in the general populations of both developed and developing countries. Information from molecular genetic studies on the speciation of these parasites and on the role of animals as vectors in disease transmission is lacking in Ghana. This study therefore investigated these diarrhea-causing parasites in humans, domestic rats and wildlife animals in Ghana using molecular tools.

Methods
Fecal samples were collected from asymptomatic school children aged 9–12 years living around the Shai Hills Resource Reserve (tourist site), from wildlife (zebras, kobs, baboons, ostriches, bush rats and bush bucks) at the same site, from warthogs at the Mole National Park (tourist site) and from rats at the Madina Market (a popular vegetable market in Accra, Ghana. The 18S rRNA gene (18S rRNA) and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) for Cryptosporidium spp., the glutamate dehydrogenase gene (gdh) for Giardia spp. and the 18S rDNA for Cyclospora spp. were analyzed in all samples by PCR and Sanger sequencing as markers of speciation and genetic diversity.

Results
The parasite species identified in the fecal samples collected from humans and animals included the Cryptosporidium species C. hominis, C. muris, C. parvum, C. tyzzeri, C. meleagridis and C. andersoni; the Cyclopora species C. cayetanensis; and the Gardia species, G. lamblia and G. muris. For Cryptosporidium, the presence of the gp60 gene confirmed the finding of C. parvum (41%, 35/85 samples) and C. hominis (29%, 27/85 samples) in animal samples. Cyclospora cayetanensis was found in animal samples for the first time in Ghana. Only one human sample (5%, 1/20) but the majority of animal samples (58%, 51/88) had all three parasite species in the samples tested.

Conclusions
Based on these results of fecal sample testing for parasites, we conclude that animals and human share species of the three genera (Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia), with the parasitic species mostly found in animals also found in human samples, and vice-versa. The presence of enteric parasites as mixed infections in asymptomatic humans and animal species indicates that they are reservoirs of infections. This is the first study to report the presence of C. cayetanensis and C. hominis in animals from Ghana. Our findings highlight the need for a detailed description of these parasites using high-throughput genetic tools to further understand these parasites and the neglected tropical diseases they cause in Ghana where such information is scanty.

Graphical Abstract
The chronic leukocyte and inflammatory cytokine responses of older adults to resistance training in normobaric hypoxia; a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Allsopp Giselle Larissa , Addinsall Alex Bernard , Stephenson Garth , Basheer Faiza , Gatta Paul Adrian Della , Hoffmann Samantha May , Russell Aaron Paul , Wright Craig Robert 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Trial design
Older adults experience chronic dysregulation of leukocytes and inflammatory cytokines, both at rest and in response to resistance training. Systemic hypoxia modulates leukocytes and cytokines, therefore this study characterized the effects of normobaric hypoxia on the leukocyte and cytokine responses of older adults to resistance training.

Methods
20 adults aged 60–70 years performed eight weeks of moderate-intensity resistance training in either normoxia or normobaric hypoxia (14.4% O2), consisting of two lower body and two upper body exercises. Venous blood was drawn before and after the training intervention and flow cytometry was used to quantify resting neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, in addition to the subsets of lymphocytes (T, B and natural killer (NK) cells). Inflammatory cytokines were also quantified; interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Acute changes in leukocytes and cytokines were also measured in the 24 h following the last training session.

Results
After the intervention there was a greater concentration of resting white blood cells (p = 0.03; 20.3% higher) T cells (p = 0.008; 25.4% higher), B cells (p = 0.004; 32.6% higher), NK cells (p = 0.012; 43.9% higher) and eosinophils (p = 0.025; 30.8% higher) in hypoxia compared to normoxia, though the cytokines were unchanged. No acute effect of hypoxia was detected in the 24 h following the last training session for any leukocyte population or inflammatory cytokine (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Hypoxic training caused higher concentrations of resting lymphocytes and eosinophils, when compared to normoxic training. Hypoxia may have an additional beneficial effect on the immunological status of older adults.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Trial number: ACTRN12623001046695. Registered 27/9/2023. Retrospectively registered. All protocols adhere to the COSORT guidelines.
Leveraging computational tools to combat malaria: assessment and development of new therapeutics
Authors: Ncube Nomagugu B. , Tukulula Matshawandile , Govender Krishna G. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
As the world grapples with the relentless challenges posed by diseases like malaria, the advent of sophisticated computational tools has emerged as a beacon of hope in the quest for effective treatments. In this study we delve into the strategies behind computational tools encompassing virtual screening, molecular docking, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). We assess their effectiveness and contribution to the progress of malaria treatment. The convergence of these computational strategies, coupled with the ever-increasing power of computing systems, has ushered in a new era of drug discovery, holding immense promise for the eradication of malaria.

Scientific contribution
Computational tools remain pivotal in drug design and development. They provide a platform for researchers to explore various treatment options and save both time and money in the drug development pipeline. It is imperative to assess computational techniques and monitor their effectiveness in disease control. In this study we examine renown computational tools that have been employed in the battle against malaria, the benefits and challenges these tools have presented, and the potential they hold in the future eradication of the disease.
The suppression of HSPA8 attenuates NLRP3 ubiquitination through SKP2 to promote pyroptosis in sepsis-induced lung injury
Authors: Liu Jinlian , Song Ke , Lin Bingqi , Chen Zhenfeng , Liu Yan , Qiu Xianshuai , He Qi , Zuo Zirui , Yao Xiaodan , Huang Xiaoxia , Liu Zhuanhua , Liu Zhifeng , Huang Qiaobing , Guo Xiaohua 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Acute lung injury (ALI) is strongly associated with hospitalization and mortality in patients with sepsis. Recent evidence suggests that pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3(NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome activation plays a key role in sepsis. However, the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in sepsis-induced lung injury remains unclear.

Results
in this study, we demonstrated that NLRP3 inflammasome was activated by the down-regulation of heat shock protein family A member 8 (HSPA8) in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-treated mouse alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA)-induced HSPA8 overexpression in cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) mice could significantly reduce systemic inflammatory response and mortality, effectively protect lung function, whilst HSPA8 inhibitor VER155008 aggravated this effect. The inhibition of HSPA8 was involved in sepsis induced acute lung injury by promoting pyroptosis of AECs. The down-regulation of HSPA8 activated NLRP3 inflammasome to mediate pyroptosis by promoting the degradation of E3 ubiquitin ligase S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2). In addition, when stimulated by LPS and ATP, down-regulated SKP2 promoted pyroptosis of AECs by further attenuating ubiquitination of NLRP3. Adeno-associated virus 9-SKP2(AAV9-SKP2) could promote NLRP3 ubiquitination and degradation, alleviate lung injury and inhibit systemic inflammatory response in vivo.

Conclusion
in summary, our study shows there is strong statistical evidence that the suppression of HSPA8 mediates alveolar epithelial pyroptosis by promoting the degradation of E3 ubiquitin ligase SKP2 and subsequently attenuating the ubiquitination of NLRP3 to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, which provides a new perspective and therapeutic target for the treatment of sepsis-induced lung injury.
Enhancing patient healthcare with mobile edge computing and 5G: challenges and solutions for secure online health tools
Authors: Ghadi Yazeed Yasin , Shah Syed Faisal Abbas , Mazhar Tehseen , Shahzad Tariq , Ouahada Khmaies , Hamam Habib 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPatient-focused healthcare applications are important to patients because they offer a range of advantages that add value and improve the overall healthcare experience. The 5G networks, along with Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), can greatly transform healthcare applications, which in turn improves patient care. MEC plays an important role in the healthcare of patients by bringing computing resources to the edge of the network. It becomes part of an IoT system within healthcare that brings data closer to the core, speeds up decision-making, lowers latency, and improves the overall quality of care. While the usage of MEC and 5G networks is beneficial for healthcare purposes, there are some issues and difficulties that should be solved for the efficient introduction of this technological pair into healthcare. One of the critical issues that blockchain technology can help to overcome is the challenge faced by MEC in realizing the most potential applications involving IoT medical devices. This article presents a comprehensive literature review on IoT-based healthcare devices, which provide real-time solutions to patients, and discusses some major contributions made by MEC and 5G in the healthcare industry. The paper also discusses some of the limitations that 5G and MEC networks have in the IoT medical devices area, especially in the field of decentralized computing solutions. For this reason, the readership intended for this article is not only researchers but also graduate students.
Dietary amino acid profile and risk of hypertension: findings from the Ravansar cohort study
Authors: Najafi Farid , Mohseni Parisa , Niknam Mahdieh , Pasdar Yahya , Izadi Neda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Hypertension (HTN) is a significant global health concern associated with morbidity and mortality. Recent research has explored the potential relationship between dietary protein intake and the development of HTN. This study aims to investigate the association between dietary amino acids and the incidence of HTN.

Methods
This nested case-control study utilized data from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) Cohort Study. The study included 491 new HTN cases identified over a 6-year follow-up period. For each case, four controls were randomly selected through density sampling. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 125 food items was used to calculate dietary amino acid intake. HTN was determined based on systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg and/or current use of antihypertensive medication in subjects without pre-existing HTN at the start of the cohort study. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios for HTN risk.

Results
The median intake of all amino acids was lower in patients with HTN compared to the control group. After adjusting for various variables in different models, the risk of developing HTN tended to increase with higher dietary amino acid intake (excluding tryptophan and acidic amino acids). Specifically, individuals in the third tertile had a higher risk of developing new HTN than those individuals in the lowest tertile, although this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
The findings suggest that there may be an association between increased dietary amino acid intake and the risk of developing HTN, although this association was not statistically significant in this study. Further investigations in diverse populations are needed to explore the relationship between amino acids and HTN, as well as to determine the potential positive and negative effects of specific amino acid patterns on hypertension.
Establishing kidney transplantation in a low-income country: a case in Tanzania
Authors: Furia Francis F. , Shoo Jaqueline G. , Ruggajo Paschal J. , Mngumi Jonathan W. , Valentine Gudila , Muhiddin Mahmoud A. , Kim Njiku , Mlatie Isaack , Mulungu Moses , Mkopi Namala , Kasubi Mabula , Moshi Elizabeth S. , Mnyanyu Lameck , Hamis Ramadhani , Buma Deus , Mtolera Mary C. , Kisanga Onesmo A. , Swai Hedwiga , Museru Lawrence 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Sub-Saharan African countries, including Tanzania, have a high burden of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) and limited capacity for the provision of services. Tanzania and other countries in the region have made significant improvements in the provision of services for patients with CKD, including hemodialysis. Few countries are offering kidney transplantation services, which is the definitive treatment for patients with CKD and kidney failure. This study was conducted to review the steps taken by Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) to establish a kidney transplantation service in Tanzania.

Methods
This study was based on the review of the activities that were undertaken to establish kidney transplantation services at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It was conducted by reviewing key documents developed for kidney transplantation and interviewing key personnel who were involved in the process.

Results
Kidney transplantation services at MNH were established in November 2017; several steps were taken in the preparatory phase including training of personnel, infrastructural modifications, and procurement of equipment and supplies. Capacity building was achieved through international collaboration with several international and local institutions, including three Hospitals in India. The transplant team, which included nephrologists, urologists, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurses, laboratory technicians, a transplant coordinator, and a lawyer, underwent short-term training at BLK Hospital in India. Initial transplant procedures were carried out with support from visiting personnel from BLK, Sakra, and Seifee hospitals. In total, 72 transplant surgeries were conducted, of which 39 (54.2%) were performed with visiting teams and 31 (45.8%) by the local team independently. Of the initial 39 recipients, 56.4% were males and 43.5% were aged above 46 years. About half of the donors were brothers/sisters, and 43.5% had human leukocytic antigen haplomatch. Induction immunosuppression included basiliximab in the majority (64.1%) of recipients, and all recipients received prednisolone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil/myfortic.

Conclusions
Establishing kidney transplantation in lower-income countries, such as Tanzania, is feasible; however, it requires dedicated efforts. Collaboration with local and international institutions provided an enabling environment for the transfer of skills and access to necessary supportive services.
Implementation characteristics that may promote sustainability of a rural physical activity initiative: examination of Play Streets through the lens of community implementers
Authors: Wende Marilyn E. , Umstattd Meyer M. Renée , Perry Cynthia , Prochnow Tyler , Hamilton Christina N. Bridges , Abildso Christiaan G. , Porter Keshia M. Pollack 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Play Streets, which are community-based environmental initiatives where public spaces/streets are temporarily closed to create safe, low-cost physical activity opportunities, have demonstrated feasibility and physical activity benefit in rural US areas. Yet, information is needed to identify implementation characteristics that may promote sustainability. This study examined rural Play Streets implementation characteristics that could impact sustainability from local partners’ perspectives.

Methods
Sixteen Play Streets implementation team members in rural Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas, USA, participated in interviews. Semi-structured in-person individual and group interviews were conducted in the fall of 2018 (after Play Streets implementation in 2017 and 2018), recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using iterative, content analyses. Coding frameworks were based on the Public Health Program Capacity for Sustainability Framework, and emergent themes were also identified.

Results
Interviewees’ perceived characteristics for facilitating Play Streets implementation aligned with the Public Health Program Capacity for Sustainability Framework: funding stability, political support, partnerships, organizational capacity, program adaption, and communication. Interviewees also noted the importance of cultural alignment/support and the reciprocal impact of community connectedness/engagement.

Conclusions
Future research should examine the reciprocal role of public health impacts, as both outcomes and factors which may influence sustainability.
Improved smart energy-based routing approach for IoT networks in wireless sensor nodes
Authors: Sheikh Aysha Munir , Joshi Sunil 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAn emerging communication and network domain called the Internet of Things (IoT) uses nodes that function like actual real-world objects. Both moving and fixed nodes are possible for these. Maintaining node stability or improving inter-node connectivity is the main task for every IoT network. These networks are portable, leading to an overwhelming production of control overhead transmissions which can be reduced with the help of network clustering. In order to extend the network’s lifespan, it is therefore necessary to improve the power usage of sensor nodes. The goal of this research work is to improve network lifetime, increase throughput, reduce packet latency or packet loss, and even expand to addressing threatening nodes in order to cope with the issues of IoT-based sensor systems. The proposed Improved Smart Energy-Based Routing Protocol (ISERP), once combined with a wireless energy harvesting (WEH) unit, improves the node’s lifespan, the network’s quality of services (QoS) amid higher unequal congestion, and those aspects controlling its availability of energy. In the framework of distributed IoT, this protocol meets the standards of QoS through employing hardware-based link quality estimation and accomplishing very high efficiency in terms of energy in comparison with existing routing methods. The sink node chooses both the cluster head (CH) and cluster gateway (CG) by considering the estimation of its cost function. Simulation findings indicate that this proposed technique exhibits more network longevity along with lower consumption of energy compared with other existing cluster-based routing algorithms. Specifically, with the proposed ISERP, CHs use 33% less energy in comparison to existing techniques, and 40% of all nodes remain active until the end of the phase.