bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Air pollution, lung function and mortality: survival and mediation analyses in UK Biobank
Authors: Guyatt Anna L. , Cai Yutong Samuel , Doiron Dany , Tobin Martin D. , Hansell Anna L. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundAir pollution is associated with lower lung function, and both are associated with premature mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Evidence remains scarce on the potential mediating effect of impaired lung function on the association between air pollution and mortality or CVD.MethodsWe used data from UK Biobank (n∼200 000 individuals) with 8-year follow-up to mortality and incident CVD. Exposures to particulate matter <10 µm (PM10), particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were assessed by land-use regression modelling. Lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and the FEV1/FVC ratio) was measured between 2006 and 2010 and transformed to Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) z-scores. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards and causal proportional hazards mediation analysis models were fitted, stratified by smoking status.ResultsLower FEV1and FVC were associated with all-cause and CVD mortality, and incident CVD, with larger estimates in ever- than never-smokers (all-cause mortality hazard ratio per FEV1GLI z-score decrease 1.29 (95% CI 1.24–1.34) for ever-smokers and 1.16 (95% CI 1.12–1.21) for never-smokers). Long-term exposure to PM2.5or NO2was associated with incident CVD, with similar effect sizes for ever- and never-smokers. Mediated proportions of the air pollution–all-cause mortality estimates driven by FEV1were 18% (95% CI 2–33%) for PM2.5and 27% (95% CI 3–51%) for NO2. Corresponding mediated proportions for incident CVD were 9% (95% CI 4–13%) for PM2.5and 16% (95% CI 6–25%) for NO2.ConclusionsLung function may mediate a modest proportion of associations between air pollution and mortality and CVD outcomes. Results likely reflect the extent of either shared mechanisms or direct effects relating to lower lung function caused by air pollution.
Plant-based and vegetarian diets are associated with reduced obstructive sleep apnoea risk
Authors: Melaku Yohannes Adama , Zhao Lijun , Adams Robert , Eckert Danny J. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and obesity commonly coexist. Weight loss and exercise are recommended management options for OSA. However, most of the current evidence on diet and OSA is focused on calorie restriction rather than diet quality. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of plant-based dietary indices (PDI) with OSA risk.MethodsCross-sectional data from 14 210 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who provided dietary information using the 24-hour recall method were used. PDI – including healthy (hPDI), unhealthy (uPDI) and pro-vegetarian diet index (PVDI) – were determined. OSA risk was determined using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between dietary indices and OSA risk.ResultsHigher adherence to PDI (odds ratio (OR)Q5versusQ1=0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–1.00), hPDI (OR=0.83; 95% CI: 0.69–1.01) and PVDI (OR=0.84; 95% CI: 0.68–1.05) was inversely associated with OSA risk, whereas higher consumption of an unhealthy plant-based diet (OR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.00–1.49) was positively associated with OSA. Sex differences in estimates were observed for PDI in males (OR=0.71; 95% CI: 0.56–0.90)versusfemales (OR=0.93; 95% CI: 0.68–1.28), hPDI in males (OR=0.90; 95% CI: 0.68–1.18)versusfemales (OR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.54–1.09) and uPDI in males (OR=1.13; 95% CI: 0.89–1.44)versusfemales (OR=1.42; 95% CI: 1.03–1.97) but not for PVDI.ConclusionsHigher adherence to a healthy plant-based diet is associated with reduced OSA risk, while an unhealthy plant-based diet has a positive association. The magnitude of these associations differs by sex. Further longitudinal studies are warranted.
A phase 4 multicentre, 2×2 factorial randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of tobramycin inhalation solution forPseudomonas aeruginosaeradication in bronchiectasis: ERASE
Authors: Gao Yong-Hua , Lu Hai-Wen , Zheng Hui-Zhen , Cao Chao , Chu De-Jie , Fan Hong , Fan Xiao-Yun , Gu Hong-Yan , Guan Wei-Jie , Jie Zhi-Jun , Jin Yang , Li Wen , Li Yu-Ping , Li Yuan-Yuan , Liu Lin , Liu Xue-Dong , Luo Hong , Lv Xiao-Dong , Mo Wei-Qiang , Song Yuan-Lin , Wang Dao-Xin , Wang Ling-Wei , Wang Chang-Zheng , Xie Min , Zhang Min , Zheng Cui-Xia , Mao Bei , Chotirmall Sanjay H. , Chalmers James D. , Qu Jie-Ming , Xu Jin-Fu 
Published: February 2024

ChronicPseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) infection significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in bronchiectasis patients. Initiating antibiotics early may lead to the eradication of PA. Here we outline the design of a trial (ERASE;NCT06093191) assessing the efficacy and safety of inhaled tobramycin, alone or with oral ciprofloxacin, in bronchiectasis patients with a new isolation of PA. This multicentre, 2×2 factorial randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial includes a 2-week screening period, a 12-week treatment phase (with a combination of ciprofloxacin or a placebo at initial 2 weeks) and a 24-week follow-up. 364 adults with bronchiectasis and a new PA isolation will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: placebo (inhaled saline and ciprofloxacin placebo twice daily), ciprofloxacin alone (750 mg ciprofloxacin and inhaled saline twice daily), inhaled tobramycin alone (inhaled 300 mg tobramycin and ciprofloxacin placebo twice daily) or a combination of both drugs (inhaled 300 mg tobramycin and 750 mg ciprofloxacin twice daily).The primary objective of this study is to assess the proportion of patients successfully eradicating PA in each group by the end of the study. Efficacy will be evaluated based on the eradication rate of PA at other time points (12, 24 and 36 weeks), the occurrence of exacerbations and hospitalisations, time to first pulmonary exacerbations, patient-reported outcomes, symptom measures, pulmonary function tests and the cost of hospitalisations.To date no randomised trial has evaluated the benefit of different PA eradication strategies in bronchiectasis patients. The ERASE trial will therefore generate crucial data to inform future clinical guidelines.
Transcriptomic basis of sex loss in the pea aphid
Authors: Huguet M. D. , Robin S. , Hudaverdian S. , Tanguy S. , Leterme-Prunier N. , Cloteau R. , Baulande S. , Legoix-Né P. , Legeai F. , Simon J.-C. , Jaquiéry J. , Tagu D. , Le Trionnaire G. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Transitions from sexual to asexual reproduction are common in eukaryotes, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly known. The pea aphid—Acyrthosiphon pisum—exhibits reproductive polymorphism, with cyclical parthenogenetic and obligate parthenogenetic lineages, offering an opportunity to decipher the genetic basis of sex loss. Previous work on this species identified a single 840 kb region controlling reproductive polymorphism and carrying 32 genes. With the aim of identifying the gene(s) responsible for sex loss and the resulting consequences on the genetic programs controlling sexual or asexual embryogenesis, we compared the transcriptomic response to photoperiod shortening—the main sex-inducing cue—of a sexual and an obligate asexual lineage of the pea aphid, focusing on heads (where the photoperiodic cue is detected) and embryos (the final target of the cue).

Results
Our analyses revealed that four genes (one expressed in the head, and three in the embryos) of the region responded differently to photoperiod in the two lineages. We also found that the downstream genetic programs expressed during embryonic development of a future sexual female encompass ∼1600 genes, among which miRNAs, piRNAs and histone modification pathways are overrepresented. These genes mainly co-localize in two genomic regions enriched in transposable elements (TEs).

Conclusions
Our results suggest that the causal polymorphism(s) in the 840 kb region somehow impair downstream epigenetic and post-transcriptional regulations in obligate asexual lineages, thereby sustaining asexual reproduction.
Transcriptomics and metabolomics of blood, urine and ovarian follicular fluid of yak at induced estrus stage
Authors: Zhao Huangqing , Huang Yongzhen , Shu Shi , Wang Guowen , Fu Changqi , Huang Rong , Zhang Jun , Su Huawei , He Yang , Lei Chuzhao , Du Lei , Zhao Jiahao , Peng Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo gain a deeper understanding of the metabolic differences within and outside the body, as well as changes in transcription levels following estrus in yaks, we conducted transcriptome and metabolome analyses on female yaks in both estrus and non-estrus states. The metabolome analysis identified 114, 13, and 91 distinct metabolites in urine, blood, and follicular fluid, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis highlighted an enrichment of pathways related to amino acid and lipid metabolism across all three body fluids. Our transcriptome analysis revealed 122 differentially expressed genes within microRNA (miRNA) and 640 within long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). Functional enrichment analysis of lncRNA and miRNA indicated their involvement in cell signaling, disease resistance, and immunity pathways. We constructed a regulatory network composed of 10 lncRNAs, 4 miRNAs, and 30 mRNAs, based on the targeted regulation relationships of the differentially expressed genes. In conclusion, the accumulation of metabolites such as amino acids, steroids, and organic acids, along with the expression changes of key genes like miR-129 during yak estrus, provide initial insights into the estrus mechanism in yaks.
Use of ginger extract and bacterial inoculants for the suppression of Alternaria solani causing early blight disease in Tomato
Authors: Hyder Sajjad , Gondal Amjad Shahzad , Sehar Anam , Khan Aimen Razzaq , Riaz Nadia , Rizvi Zarrin Fatima , Iqbal Rashid , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Alarjani Khaloud M. , Rahman Muhammed Habib ur , Rizwan Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEarly blight (EB), caused by Alternaria solani, is a serious problem in tomato production. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria promote plant growth and inhibit plant disease. The present study explored the bio-efficacy of synergistic effect of rhizobacterial isolates and ginger powder extract (GPE) against tomato EB disease, singly and in combination. Six fungal isolates from symptomatic tomato plants were identified as A. solani on the basis of morphological features i.e., horizontal septation (6.96 to 7.93 µm), vertical septation (1.50 to 2.22 µm), conidia length (174.2 to 187.6 µm), conidial width (14.09 to 16.52 µm), beak length (93.06 to 102.26 µm), and sporulation. Five of the twenty-three bacterial isolates recovered from tomato rhizosphere soil were nonpathogenic to tomato seedlings and were compatible with each other and with GPE. Out of five isolates tested individually, three isolates (St-149D, Hyd-13Z, and Gb-T23) showed maximum inhibition (56.3%, 48.3%, and 42.0% respectively) against mycelial growth of A. solani. Among combinations, St-149D + GPE had the highest mycelial growth inhibition (76.9%) over the untreated control. Bacterial strains molecularly characterized as Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus cereus and were further tested in pot trials through seed bacterization for disease control. Seeds treated with bacterial consortia + GPE had the highest disease suppression percentage (78.1%), followed by St-149D + GPE (72.2%) and Hyd-13Z + GPE (67.5%). Maximum seed germination was obtained in the bacterial consortia + GPE (95.0 ± 2.04) followed by St-149D + GPE (92.5 ± 1.44) and Hyd-13Z + GPE (90.0 ± 2.04) over control (73.8 ± 2.39) and chemical control as standard treatment (90.0 ± 2). Ginger powder extracts also induce the activation of defence-related enzymes (TPC, PO, PPO, PAL, and CAT) activity in tomato plants. These were highly significant in the testing bacterial inoculants against A. solani infection in tomato crops.
Using a participatory design to develop an implementation framework for integrating falls prevention for older people within the Chinese primary health care system
Authors: Ye Pengpeng , Peng Junyi , Jin Ye , Duan Leilei , Yao Yao , Ivers Rebecca , Keay Lisa , Tian Maoyi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Chinese National Essential Public Health Service Package (NEPHSP) has mandated primary health care providers to provide falls prevention for community-dwelling older people. But no implementation framework is available to guide better integration of falls prevention for older people within the primary health care system.

Methods
This is a two-stage online participatory design study consisting of eight workshops with stakeholders from three purposively selected cities. First, two workshops were organised at each study site to jointly develop the framework prototype. Second, to refine, optimise and finalise the prototype via two workshops with all study participants. Data analysis and synthesis occurred concurrently with data collection, supported by Tencent Cloud Meeting software.

Results
All participants confirmed that the integration of falls prevention for older people within the NEPHSP was weak and reached a consensus on five opportunities to better integrate falls prevention, including workforce training, community health promotion, health check-ups, health education and scheduled follow-up, during the delivery of NEPHSP. Three regional-tailored prototypes were then jointly developed and further synthesised into a generic implementation framework by researchers and end-users. Guided by this framework, 11 implementation strategies were co-developed under five themes.

Conclusions
The current integration of falls prevention in the NEPHSP is weak. Five opportunities for integrating falls prevention in the NEPHSP and a five-themed implementation framework with strategies are co-identified and developed, using a participatory design approach. These findings may also provide other regions or countries, facing similar challenges, with insights for promoting falls prevention for older people.
Comparative efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in phase III trials: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xiaodi , Xu Ke , Zhan Ping , Liu Hongbing , Zhang Fang , Song Yong , Lv Tangfeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Over a dozen vaccines are in or have completed phase III trials at an unprecedented speed since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. In this review, we aimed to compare and rank these vaccines indirectly in terms of efficacy and safety using a network meta-analysis.

Methods
We searched Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library for phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to September 30, 2023. Two investigators independently selected articles, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Outcomes included efficacy in preventing symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) according to vaccine type and individual vaccines in adults and elderly individuals. The risk ratio and mean differences were calculated with 95% confidence intervals using a Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Results
A total of 25 RCTs involving 22 vaccines were included in the study. None of vaccines had a higher incidence of SAEs than the placebo. Inactivated virus vaccines might be the safest, with a surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value of 0.16. BIV1-CovIran showed the highest safety index (SUCRA value: 0.13), followed by BBV152, Soberana, Gam-COVID-Vac, and ZF2001. There were no significant differences among the various types of vaccines regarding the efficacy in preventing symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, although there was a trend toward higher efficacy of the mRNA vaccines (SUCRA value: 0.09). BNT162b2 showed the highest efficacy (SUCRA value: 0.02) among the individual vaccines, followed by mRNA-1273, Abdala, Gam-COVID-Vac, and NVX-CoV2373. BNT162b2 had the highest efficacy (SUCRA value: 0.08) in the elderly population, whereas CVnCoV, CoVLP + AS03, and CoronaVac were not significantly different from the placebo.

Conclusions
None of the different types of vaccines were significantly superior in terms of efficacy, while mRNA vaccines were significantly inferior in safety to other types. BNT162b2 had the highest efficacy in preventing symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults and the elderly, whereas BIV1-CovIran had the lowest incidence of SAEs in adults.
Trends in prevalence and factors associated with unintended pregnancies in Zambia (2001–2018)
Authors: Sikaluzwe Milika , Phiri Million , Lemba Musonda , Shasha Liness , Muhanga Mikidadi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Unintended pregnancies can pose significant public health concerns for both maternal and child health because of their associated risks and implications. Experience of unintended pregnancies may lead to delay in seeking antenatal care, thus leading to increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Globally, the prevalence of unintended pregnancies has declined. However, the problem remains acute in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to examine the factors associated with an experience of unintended pregnancy among women of reproductive ages in Zambia.

Methods
This study used secondary data from the Zambia Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHSs) which were conducted between 2001 and 2018. A pooled weighted sample of 4,090 pregnant women of reproductive age 15–49 years at the time of the survey was included in the analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed to examine the association between independent correlates and experience of unintended pregnancy. All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata software.

Results
Findings show that the proportion of women of reproductive age who experienced unintended pregnancy in Zambia declined from 50.4% (95% CI: 47.1, 53.8) in 2001 to 45.2% (95% CI: 40.5, 49.9) in 2018. The decline in the prevalence of unintended pregnancy is more pronounced among women age groups 25–29 years and 30–34 years. Increasing age was associated with an increased risk of experiencing unintended pregnancies. On the other hand, women who were living in rural areas (aOR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58, 1.00) and those with tertiary education (aOR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.80) were less likely to experience an unintended pregnancy. Women who desired a large family (aOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.85) and those who watched television (aOR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.94) had lower odds of experiencing unintended pregnancies.

Conclusions
The study has established that the prevalence of unintended pregnancy is still high in Zambia. Women’s age, place of residence, level of education, desired family size and exposure to media were associated with the risk of experiencing an unintended pregnancy. Enhancing access to family planning services and commodities targeting women with low education levels will be key to further reduce unintended pregnancies.
USP14 exhibits high expression levels in hepatocellular carcinoma and plays a crucial role in promoting the growth of liver cancer cells through the HK2/AKT/P62 axis
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Zhang Hui , Yang Xiaobing , Xue Qiang , Wang Quhui , Chang Renan , Zhu Lirong , Chen Zhong , Liu Xiancheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with strong invasiveness and poor prognosis. Previous studies have demonstrated the significant role of USP14 in various solid tumors. However, the role of USP14 in the regulation of HCC development and progression remains unclear.

Methods
We discovered through GEO and TCGA databases that USP14 may play an important role in liver cancer. Using bioinformatics analysis based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we screened and identified USP14 as highly expressed in liver cancer. We detected the growth and metastasis of HCC cells promoted by USP14 through clone formation, cell counting kit 8 assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. In addition, we detected the impact of USP14 on the downstream protein kinase B (AKT) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways using western blotting. The interaction mechanism between USP14 and HK2 was determined using immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation (CO-IP) experiments.

Results
We found that sh-USP14 significantly inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and invasion of liver cancer cells, promoting apoptosis. Further exploration revealed that sh-USP14 significantly inhibited the expression of HK2. Sh-USP14 can significantly inhibit the expression of AKT and EMT signals. Further verification through immunofluorescence and CO-IP experiments revealed that USP14 co-expressed with HK2. Further research has found that USP14 regulates the glycolytic function of liver cancer cells by the deubiquitination of HK2. USP14 regulates the autophagy function of liver cancer cells by regulating the interaction between SQSTM1/P62 and HK2.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that USP14 plays a crucial role in the carcinogenesis of liver cancer. We also revealed the protein connections between USP14, HK2, and P62 and elucidated the potential mechanisms driving cancer development. The USP14/HK2/P62 axis may be a new therapeutic biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
A model for older adults’ coping with the death of their child: a grounded theory study
Authors: Safa Azade , Adib-Hajbaghery Mohsen , Rezaei Mahboubeh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Losing a child at an old age while also facing health problems and physical limitations can have significant negative impacts on parents’ lives such as anxiety, depression, and impairment in social functions. The process of coping with the death of a child is particularly unknown among older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how older adults cope with the death of their child.

Method
This qualitative study was conducted in 2020–2021, using Corbin and Strauss (2015) approach to the grounded theory method. The sampling began purposefully and continued theoretically until theoretical saturation was achieved. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from Iranian older adults who had experienced the death of their child. To ensure data trustworthiness, the Guba and Lincoln (1985) criteria were utilized. A qualitative data analysis software, MAXQDA2020, was used to manage the data.

Findings
The results of this study were obtained from 27 participants. The main concern of older adults was the fear of their lives collapsing following the death of their child. Participants utilized three main strategies to address their concerns: attempting to rebuild themselves, connecting to a higher power, and searching for positivity amidst grief. The central category that emerged from the analysis was “improving physical, mental, and spiritual capacities,” resulting in personal growth and improved social relationships.

Conclusions
Through the use of the three aforementioned strategies, older adults were able to overcome their primary concern of the fear of their lives collapsing following the death of their child. Further development of the theory is suggested in order to design a model that can facilitate older adults’ coping with this difficult life event.