bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of exercise on sex steroid hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) in eumenorrheic females: A systematic to review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shahid Wajiha , Noor Rabiya , Bashir Muhammad Salman 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The sex steroid hormones fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, which affects the strength and postural stability of females and leads to injuries and risk of falls. These hormones may be modulated by exercise to impact the overall health of females.

Objective
To determine the effects of exercise on sex steroid hormones in eumenorrheic females.

Methods
This review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) guidelines in Lahore, Pakistan. The full-length articles were searched using these databases/search engines (PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar, Sci-Hub). Randomized controlled trials along with single group experimental studies were also included. All types of exercises were compared with no exercise in the control group. The Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool assessed and screened the articles. The data were then analyzed. The primary outcomes were the levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Results
Eleven studies were included (5 randomized controlled trials and 6 quasi-experimental studies). The effects of exercise on free estradiol concentration and serum progesterone level were not significant [p = 0.37 (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.74, I2 = 0%) and p = 0.84 (S.D= -0.65, C.I= -6.92 to 5.62, I2 = 94%)] respectively, whereas, the effects on testosterone levels were significant [p value < 0.00001 (M.D = 0.89, 95% C.I= -2.16 to 3.95, I2 = 94%)].

Conclusion
A blinded randomized controlled trial should be conducted in which a structured approach should be followed by women along with warm-ups, cool down and rest intervals.

Trial registration number
The systematic review was registered prospectively on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023473767.
Delineating excess comorbidities in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: an observational study
Authors: Ozaltin Burcu , Chapman Robert , Arfeen Muhammad Qummer Ul , Fitzpatick Natalie , Hemingway Harry , Direk Kenan , Jacob Joseph 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Our study examined whether prevalent and incident comorbidities are increased in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients when compared to matched chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and control subjects without IPF or COPD.

Methods
IPF and age, gender and smoking matched COPD patients, diagnosed between 01/01/1997 and 01/01/2019 were identified from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD database multiple registrations cohort at the first date an ICD-10 or read code mentioned IPF/COPD. A control cohort comprised age, gender and pack-year smoking matched subjects without IPF or COPD. Prevalent (prior to IPF/COPD diagnosis) and incident (after IPF/COPD diagnosis) comorbidities were examined. Group differences were estimated using a t-test. Mortality relationships were examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards adjusted for patient age, gender and smoking status.

Results
Across 3055 IPF patients, 38% had 3 or more prevalent comorbidities versus 32% of COPD patients and 21% of matched control subjects. Survival time reduced as the number of comorbidities in an individual increased (p < 0.0001).
In IPF, prevalent heart failure (Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.62, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.43–1.84, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (HR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.10–1.47, p = 0.001), cerebrovascular disease (HR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.02–1.35, p = 0.02), abdominal and peripheral vascular disease (HR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.09–1.50, p = 0.003) independently associated with reduced survival. Key comorbidities showed increased incidence in IPF (versus COPD) 7–10 years prior to IPF diagnosis.

Interpretation
The mortality impact of excessive prevalent comorbidities in IPF versus COPD and smoking matched controls suggests that multiorgan mechanisms of injury need elucidation in patients that develop IPF.
Comprehensive network of stress-induced responses in Zymomonas mobilis during bioethanol production: from physiological and molecular responses to the effects of system metabolic engineering
Authors: Asefi Shaqayeq , Nouri Hoda , Pourmohammadi Golchehr , Moghimi Hamid 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNowadays, biofuels, especially bioethanol, are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to fossil fuels. Zymomonas mobilis is a desirable species for bioethanol production due to its unique characteristics, such as low biomass production and high-rate glucose metabolism. However, several factors can interfere with the fermentation process and hinder microbial activity, including lignocellulosic hydrolysate inhibitors, high temperatures, an osmotic environment, and high ethanol concentration. Overcoming these limitations is critical for effective bioethanol production. In this review, the stress response mechanisms of Z. mobilis are discussed in comparison to other ethanol-producing microbes. The mechanism of stress response is divided into physiological (changes in growth, metabolism, intracellular components, and cell membrane structures) and molecular (up and down-regulation of specific genes and elements of the regulatory system and their role in expression of specific proteins and control of metabolic fluxes) changes. Systemic metabolic engineering approaches, such as gene manipulation, overexpression, and silencing, are successful methods for building new metabolic pathways. Therefore, this review discusses systems metabolic engineering in conjunction with systems biology and synthetic biology as an important method for developing new strains with an effective response mechanism to fermentation stresses during bioethanol production. Overall, understanding the stress response mechanisms of Z. mobilis can lead to more efficient and effective bioethanol production.
Graphical Abstract
Predictors of insecticide-treated bed nets use among pregnant women in Sierra Leone: evidence from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Osborne Augustus , Bangura Camilla 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a significant public health threat in Sierra Leone, particularly for pregnant women and their unborn children. Infection during pregnancy can lead to severe consequences, including maternal anaemia, low birth weight, premature birth, and even death. Therefore, preventing malaria during pregnancy is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes. This study investigated the predictors of insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) use among pregnant women in Sierra Leone.

Methods
The study analysed the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey data (SLDHS). The study comprised a total of 900 pregnant women aged 15–49 years, representing the nationally representative sample. A multivariable binary regression analysis was used to explore the predictors of ITN use. The regression results were presented using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
The study found that the prevalence of ITN use among pregnant women was 64.2 [60.4, 67.9] in Sierra Leone. Pregnant women who were married [aOR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.32, 3.07] had higher odds of bed net use than those who were unmarried. Pregnant women with five or more children [aOR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.01, 2.84] had higher odds of mosquito bed net use than those with four and below children. Pregnant women living in the Northern, Northwestern, Southern and Western regions all had lower odds of bed net use than those in the Eastern region, with the lowest odds among those living in the western region [aOR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.09, 0.40]. Pregnant women who were Muslims [aOR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.41, 0.95] had lower odds of mosquito bed net use than Christians. Pregnant women with female household heads [aOR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.44, 0.95] had lower odds of mosquito bed net use than those with male household heads.

Conclusion
ITN use among pregnant women in Sierra Leone remains suboptimal. Marital status, parity, sex of household head, region and religion were associated with bed net use. The government and policymakers in Sierra Leone should integrate ITN education and distribution into prenatal care services, emphasizing the benefits for both mother and baby—partnering with healthcare providers to raise awareness and encourage consistent use. Involve local leaders, religious figures, and mothers' groups to promote the benefits of ITN during pregnancy. Educate husbands and partners on the importance of ITN use during pregnancy and encourage their support in its consistent use.
Providing technical assistance: lessons learned from the first three years of the WHO Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Technical Assistance Coordination Mechanism
Authors: Dick Bruce , Plesons Marina , Simon Callie , Ferguson Jane , Ali Ahmed Kassem , Chandra-Mouli Venkatraman 
Published: June 2024

AbstractYoung people’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) continues to be a major challenge in low and middle-income countries, with implications for public health now and in the future. Fortunately there is a growing array of evidence-based interventions, and commitments from governments, development partners and donors, to support programmes that aim to improve young people’s SRH.However, in some situations, the technical assistance that governments feel that they need to strengthen and implement national policies and strategies, to move from words to action, is not available. The WHO Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSRHR) Technical Assistance (TA) Coordination Mechanism was initiated to help fill this technical assistance gap; to respond to TA requests from ministries of health in ways that are timely, efficient, effective and contribute to strengthening capacity.This paper describes the process of developing the Technical Assistance Coordination Mechanism (TA Mechanism) and the outcomes, experiences and lessons learned after three years of working. It triangulates the findings from a preliminary review of the literature and discussions with selected key informants; the outcomes from a series of structured review meetings; and the documented processes and results of the technical assistance provided to countries.The lessons learned focus on three aspects of the TA Mechanism. How it was conceptualized and designed: through listening to people who provide and receive AYSRHR TA and by reviewing and synthesizing past experiences of TA provision. What the TA Mechanism has achieved: a standardized process for TA provision, at different stages for a range of AYSRHR issues in ten countries in three geographic regions. And what worked well and what did not: which common challenges was the TA Mechanism able to address and which ones persisted despite efforts to avoid or resolve them. The paper ends with the implications of the lessons learned for future action.
Traditional knowledge of wild plants on traditional tools, materials, products and economic practices in southern Yemen
Authors: Al-Fatimi Mohamed 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The traditional knowledge in southern Yemen is rich in wild medicinal and food plants, which has been documented in our previous studies. In addition, other significant and general traditional usage for the daily livelihood requirements of local people (beyond medicinal and food plant uses) has not been studied before and needs urgent documentation.

Methods
Ethnobotanical data on of wild plants used by local people in southern Yemen were collected by oral questionnaire interviews. Most informants (n = 1020) were local elderly from 15 different localities in southern Yemen. The local names and non-medicinal and non-food uses of plants were identified and analyzed.

Results
The ethnobotanical data resulted various traditional uses of 73 plant species distributed in 28 families. The most represented families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Malvaceae. The most growth forms were trees and shrubs. Seven main and common categories of traditional uses were determined and classified as handicraft, health aids, livestock husbandry and beekeeping, economic and commercial plant products, agriculture tools, construction timber and fuel. The most cited species were identified for Ziziphus spina-christi, Vachellia tortilis, Vachellia nilotica, Anisotes trisulcus, Dracaena hanningtonii (Sansevieria ehrenbergii) and Aerva javanica, which have multi-purpose values of traditional usage. Nine major traditional uses of local wild plants were recorded: handicraft, agriculture tools, products aid general health, economic products, construction timber, livestock husbandry, bee keeping, fuel and ornamental.

Conclusions
Despite the challenges on local traditional knowledge of wild plants, it still requested vital to many usages of traditional life and still have an economic value and heritage required of develop the daily livelihood level of the local people especially in rural areas. This includes the traditional uses of wild plants in handicraft skills, tools of agriculture, constructions. The importance of the continuity of traditional industries and their transmission to generations lies in the local population’s reliance on local natural resources without relying on external resources in situations such as wars. This is the first study that contributes to documenting and analyzing the indigenous knowledge on traditional general usage of wild plants in southern Yemen.
Low-cost and reliable substrate-based phenotyping platform for screening salt tolerance of cutting propagation-dependent grass, paspalum vaginatum
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Xue Wentao , Jiang Qijuan , Olaniran Ademola Olufolahan , Zhong Xiaoxian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Salt tolerance in plants is defined as their ability to grow and complete their life cycle under saline conditions. Staple crops have limited salt tolerance, but forage grass can survive in large unexploited saline areas of costal or desert land. However, due to the restriction of self-incompatible fertilization in many grass species, vegetative propagation via stem cuttings is the dominant practice; this is incompatible with current methodologies of salt-tolerance phenotyping, which have been developed for germination-based seedling growth. Therefore, the performance of seedlings from cuttings under salt stress is still fuzzy. Moreover, the morphological traits involved in salt tolerance are still mostly unknown, especially under experimental conditions with varying levels of stress.

Results
To estimate the salt tolerance of cutting propagation-dependent grasses, a reliable and low-cost workflow was established with multiple saline treatments, using Paspalum vaginatum as the material and substrate as medium, where cold stratification and selection of stem segments were the two variables used to control for experimental errors. Average leaf number (ALN) was designated as the best criterion for evaluating ion-accumulated salt tolerance. The reliability of ALN was revealed by the consistent results among four P. vaginatum genotypes, and three warm-season (pearl millet, sweet sorghum, and wild maize) and four cold-season (barley, oat, rye, and ryegrass) forage cultivars. Dynamic curves simulated by sigmoidal mathematical models were well-depicted for the calculation of the key parameter, Salt50. The reliability of the integrated platform was further validated by screening 48 additional recombinants, which were previously generated from a self-fertile mutant of P. vaginatum. The genotypes displaying extreme ALN-based Salt50 also exhibited variations in biomass and ion content, which not only confirmed the reliability of our phenotyping platform but also the representativeness of the aerial ALN trait for salt tolerance.

Conclusions
Our phenotyping platform is proved to be compatible with estimations in both germination-based and cutting propagation-dependent seedling tolerance under salt stresses. ALN and its derived parameters are prone to overcome the species barriers when comparing salt tolerance of different species together. The accuracy and reliability of the developed phenotyping platform is expected to benefit breeding programs in saline agriculture.
Comparative efficacy of zero-profile implant and conventional cage-plate implant in the treatment of single-level degenerative cervical spondylosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zheng Hongyu , Luo Jun , Xu Jie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
In recent years, the zero-profile implant (Zero-p) has emerged as a promising internal fixation technique. Although studies have indicated its potential superiority over conventional cage-plate implant (Cage-plate) in the treatment of degenerative cervical spondylosis, there remains a lack of definitive comparative reports regarding its indications, safety, and efficacy.

Methods
A computerized search was conducted on English and Chinese databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP. Additionally, a manual search was meticulously carried out on Chinese medical journals, spanning from the inception of the respective databases until August 2023. The meta-analysis utilized a case–control study approach and was executed through the utilization of RevMan 5.3 software. Stringent quality evaluation and data extraction procedures were implemented to guarantee the reliability and validity of the findings.

Results
Nine high-quality studies with 808 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that the operation time (MD = − 13.28; 95% CI (− 17.53, − 9.04), P < 0.00001), intraoperative blood loss (MD = − 6.61; 95% CI (− 10.47, − 2.75), P = 0.0008), incidence of postoperative dysphagia at various time points: within the first month after surgery (OR = 0.36; 95% CI (0.22, 0.58), P < 0.0001), 1–3 months after surgery (OR = 0.20; 95% CI (0.08, 0.49), P = 0.0004), the final follow-up (OR = 0.21; 95% CI (0.05, 0.83), P = 0.003) and the rate of postoperative adjacent disc degeneration (OR = 0.46; 95% CI (0.25, 0.84), P = 0.01) were significantly lower in the Zero-p group than in the Cage-plate group. Additionally, was also significantly lower in the Zero-p group. However, there were no significant differences in the JOA score, the final follow-up NDI score, surgical segmental fusion rate, postoperative height of adjacent vertebrae, or postoperative subsidence rate between the two groups.

Conclusion
In summary, when treating single-segment degenerative cervical spondylosis, both internal fixation techniques are reliable and effective. However, Zero-P implant offer several advantages over cage-plate implant, including shorter operation duration, less intraoperative blood loss, reduced postoperative dysphagia, and slower adjacent disc degeneration. Additionally, Zero-P implant has a broader application space, making them a preferred choice in certain cases.
Evaluation of “Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools” (CBITS) in child welfare programs in Germany: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pfeiffer Elisa , Dörrie Loni , Köksal Jessica , Krech Fabienne , Muche Rainer , Segler Jacob , Sachser Cedric 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Children and adolescents growing up in child welfare institutions have been frequently exposed to traumatic events and psychosocial stress and show elevated rates of mental disorders. Yet, there is a lack of empirically supported treatments to provide adequate mental health care for children in care suffering from trauma-related mental disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. The Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) is an evaluated trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral group intervention, which has proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety for traumatized children in group settings. The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of the CBITS intervention as an outreach treatment compared with an enhanced treatment-as-usual condition (TAU +) within the German mental health and child welfare system.

Methods
In a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving N = 90 children and adolescents, we will compare CBITS with TAU + . Participants between 8 and 16 years, reporting at least one traumatic event and moderate posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), will be randomized within their child welfare institution to either one of the conditions using a CATS-2 severity-stratified block randomization. Assessments will take place at baseline, as well as 4 months and 10 months after baseline. The primary outcome is the severity of PTSS after 4 months. Secondary outcomes are depression, anxiety, irritability/anger, quality of life, and global functioning level.

Discussion
The results of our trial will provide evidence regarding effective treatment options for traumatized children in care, which represent an understudied population with limited access to mental health care. Additionally, it could serve as a blueprint for implementing trauma-focused outreach group treatments for children in care and increase the accessibility to appropriate treatment.

Trial registration
Clinical Trials.gov NCT06038357 D. September 13, 2023.
Effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for insomnia disorder on fear memory extinction: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sun Jingjing , Zhang Bidan , Xu Wenyue , Li Panpan , Zhang Danwei , Zhao Bei , Wang Zhoubing , Wang Bin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Fear memory extinction is closely related to insomnia. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is safe and effective for treating insomnia disorder (ID), and it has been shown to be an efficient method for modulating fear extinction. However, whether rTMS can improve fear extinction memory in ID patients remains to be studied. In this study, we specifically aim to (1) show that 1 Hz rTMS stimulation could improve fear extinction memory in ID patients and (2) examine whether changes in sleep mediate this impact.

Methods and design
We propose a parallel group randomised controlled trial of 62 ID participants who meet the inclusion criteria. Participants will be assigned to a real rTMS group or a sham rTMS group. The allocation ratio will be 1:1, with 31 subjects in each group. Interventions will be administered five times per week over a 4-week period. The assessments will take place at baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 4), and 8-week follow-up (week 8). The primary outcome measure of this study will be the mean change in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores from baseline to post-intervention at week 4. The secondary outcome measures include the mean change in skin conductance response (SCR), fear expectation during fear extinction, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).

Discussion
This study will be the first examination of the impact of rTMS on fear memory extinction in ID patients.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trials Register ChiCTR2300076097. Registered on 25 September 2021.